Knockouts Knockdown tournament bracket & Deonna Purrazzo mystery opponent revealed

Impact’s all-women special event takes place tonight (Saturday, Oct. 9) with a tournament, Monster’s Ball, tag title bout, and more. Let’s preview the lineup for Knockouts Knockdown.

The main draw is the #1 contender tournament featuring four Impact wrestlers and four outsiders. One-night tournaments are always a treat. This should be no different. Impact released the bracket, and it looks like Mercedes Martinez has the inside track to victory.

First round matchups include:

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

There are three names that stick out as potential winners, in my opinion. I’m looking at Steelz, Green, and Martinez. Steelz could be poised for a breakout moment, Green has name value, and Martinez has credibility. I think they are all locks to advance to the semifinals. Frost versus Ellering is a toss-up, but I’m siding with Frost due to her craftiness at bending the rules.

A choice between Green and Steelz is tough to call. It may come down to Savannah Evans’ presence ringside to assist Steelz. By hook or by crook, I think Steelz will get the job done. Martinez should have the veteran savvy to advance past her semifinal opponent.

Between Steelz and Martinez, it could come down to endurance. Steelz uses a speed game, while Martinez is more on the power side. I’m picking Steelz with more energy to outlast the onslaught of Martinez. However, it would not be surprising for Martinez to end up the victor. She has a championship pedigree and knows what it takes to succeed. The question would be if she can get it done on a bigger stage. The majority of Martinez’s accolades have come on the indie scene.

Deonna Purrazzo is scheduled to defend the Knockouts Championship against Mickie James at Bound for Glory on October 23. Purrazzo took the feud out of bounds by attacking James at her horse farm in a cinematic brawl. In an effort to restore peace before the PPV showdown, Scott D’Amore instituted a no-contact rule. He also added a Pick Your Poison challenge. That means both women get to pick each other’s opponent for singles matches. Purrazzo is up first at Knockouts Knockdown, and her adversary was revealed to be Masha Slamovich.

It is safe to assume that Purrazzo is in for a rough night against a person named Slamovich. Purrazzo will likely win, because, well, she is the Virtuosa who paints masterpieces with her technical skills.

In the women’s tag team division, Rosemary & Havok are set to defend the titles against Tenille Dashwood & Madison Rayne. The Influence earned the opportunity by defeating Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering. Decay should be able to retain, but never count out the tricks from Kaleb Konley.

Knockouts Knockdown added a Monster’s Ball match in dedication to the memory of Daffney. Expect a boatload of violence for the extreme hardcore stipulation. Impact ordered a four-way, but only two participants have a story angle. Undead bride Kimber Lee has been collecting souls to please Su Yung. Lee happened to kidnap Swingerella #3. Alisha wasn’t allowing that without serving up payback for her friend. Bing, bang, boom with a kendo stick and the match was made by Gail Kim. Jordynne Grace and Savannah Evans were included for no reason, but they should help carry the contest.

Grace is the favorite to win, although, a hardcore four-way is never predictable. Alisha would receive the feel-good moment in victory, however, I don’t think she’s too concerned about the pinfall. Alisha seems more eager to punish Lee. That’s why I’m picking the undead bride to win. Alisha’s overzealousness will backfire eventually and cost her the match.

In addition to the action, Impact will be announcing the next inductee into their Hall of Fame. Veda Scott and Mickie James will be on commentary, and Melissa Santos will handle ring announcing duties.

Share your predictions for Knockouts Knockdown. Who is the favorite to win the tournament? Who is your sleeper pick?