Impact Wrestling preview (Nov. 8, 2018): Killer Kross vs. Johnny Impact

Impact Wrestling returns tonight (Nov. 8) from the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York. It is the fourth and final episode from the most recent set of tapings. This is their Zero Hour special.

Advertised for tonight:

• Johnny Impact (c) vs. Killer Kross for the Impact title
• Brian Cage (c) vs. Sami Callihan for the X Division title (in Ohio)
• Eddie Edwards vs. Moose
• Lucha Bros vs. OGz
• Jordynne Grace debuts
• Eli Drake & Joseph Park address Impact Wrestling

As per usual, here are our five questions about Impact tonight:

1) Is Aries really gone?

This is an odd question to ask when there’s a title match between Killer Kross and Johnny Impact tonight. But I can’t imagine a world where Killer Kross wins the title. He’s so new to the company and between the two, Johnny is the right choice.

Normally, my next question in a match I think the finish will be predictable is “Who’s next?” That’s where Aries comes in.

For all intents and purposes, many have settled into “shoot” in the game of “Work and shoot?” regards to the former champ’s actions at Bound for Glory when he no sold the finish, yelled at Don Callis, and walked off. But I’m still not convinced. It would be remarkably dumb to throw away this relationship. And sure, Aries may be remarkably dumb, but I’m not buying it. Plus, he’s still on his Twitter reminding people he’s a dick.

This is the last episode from this set of tapings. Meaning next week is a possibility for the return of the former champion. If they want to keep it a surprise, they could reintroduce him in a backstage segment that takes place after the title match tonight.

2) Is Impact going to get back to airing matches that take place in different promotions?

Before Scott D’Amore and Don Callis took over, Impact often used matches taped in other promotions to fill time on the show. It got to be a bit much when half the show was taped elsewhere. Callis and D’Amore continued this, but they would try to work it into the story. When Eddie Edwards feuded with Sami Callihan, he went to Ohio to try to attack him. When Eddie had issues with Tommy Dreamer, he went to Dreamer’s promotion.

After Slammiversary, they seemed to get away from that. While I argued it was used way too much early on, it worked when part of a story. If they want to continue to showcase other promotions here and there as long as there’s a reason, go for it.

That’s what we’re getting with the X Division title match tonight. Brian Cage is going into the lions den to defend his belt against Callihan in Sami’s home state of Ohio. It’ll likely be used as a tool to continue the feud after tonight.

3) Are we leading to an LAX/Lucha Bros feud?

The impetus behind tonight’s match between the OGz and the Lucha Brothers (Pentagon Jr. & Fenix) is actually the OGz’s issues with LAX. The OGz can’t attack Konnan and LAX outright. That was a specific order from the bosses. So they decided to target guys who have associations with Konnan instead. They attacked Rey Fenix the other week and that leads us here tonight.

Given LAX is still somehow part of this, even though they’re not the ones wrestling, it’s possible they can shift this feud to an LAX vs. Lucha Bros title feud. Pentagon is the type of guy who wouldn’t be happy being caught in the crosshairs and could end up taking it out on either side.

Plus, that feud would be lit.

4) How long until Jordynne Grace is in the title picture?

Jordynne Grace is debuting for Impact tonight after weeks of hype videos. Those videos present her as a unique powerhouse that could knock the division on its heels.

With the division rather small, they can’t delay her ascent like they are Brian Cage’s. There’s no secondary title and less people to work. The division right now is really just Tessa Blanchard, Taya Valkyrie, Allie, Kiera Hogan, and Su Yung. The latter three are in a feud currently. Taya is still in a program with Tessa. There just aren’t enough pieces to mix and match if they want to put off a Grace title program for awhile.

However they approach it, she should be a great addition to the roster and a feud with Taya or Tessa should be very entertaining.

5) Where is Eli’s lawsuit heading?

Eli Drake (with the help of Joseph Park) is filing a class action lawsuit against Impact for dangerous working conditions.

But what’s the point?

This has been going on for the month since Bound for Glory, but it’s progressed rather slowly. I still can’t imagine it will do Drake any favors in the end. We’ll give them time to unveil the endgame, but I worry it’s just wheel spinning for the Namer of Dummies.

Impact Wrestling returns tonight at 10 pm ET on Pop TV. Who’s watching?