Four outsiders to participate in Impact Knockouts Knockdown tournament

Impact has an all-women’s special event this weekend. Knockouts Knockdown is scheduled for Saturday, October 9, available for viewing through the Impact Plus app. One of the draws is an 8-wrestler tournament to earn a future title shot at the Knockouts Championship. To mix up the drama, Impact is bringing in four outside wrestlers into the mix to participate.

The eight contestants include:

• Mercedes Martinez
• Lady Frost
• Renee Michelle
• Jamie Senegal
• Tasha Steelz
• Chelsea Green
• Rachael Ellering
• Brandi Lauren

Martinez, Frost, Michelle, and Senegal are coming in to light a spark in the Knockouts division. Out of those four, Martinez is the one to watch.

Fellow Cageside Seats staffer Claire Elizabeth described Martinez as a, “20-year vet, pillar of women’s indies, all around, pound for pound one of the best women to ever do the thing.” Winning this tournament is the kind of achievement to springboard her toward a contract with Impact. A dominant performance would also position Martinez as a threat to dethrone current queen Deonna Purrazzo. That is assuming Purrazzo gets past Mickie James at Bound for Glory on October 23.

From Impact’s group, Steelz, Green, and Ellering are all strong picks to win. None of them have had a title shot against Purrazzo yet. Steelz blossomed as a two-time tag champ with Kiera Hogan. She is putting the pieces together to break out. Steelz is my pick to win it all. Green has the fan support and also locker room support from Matt Cardona. The Hot Mess winning would probably produce the most attention. Ellering is the powerhouse daughter of Paul Ellering. She is currently in a tag team with Jordynne Grace.

The person with the most intrigue is Brandi Lauren.

Lauren was converted into one of Su Yung’s undead brides. There’s no telling how that could affect Lauren’s ability in the ring.

Who are you picking to win the Knockouts Knockdown tournament?