Matt Cardona, Gail Kim, & Father James Mitchell return to Impact

Impact Wrestling (July 8, 2021) had an interesting night for surprise returns. Matt Cardona picked up where he left off with Brian Myers, Gail Kim inserted herself into Deonna Purrazzo’s business, and Father James Mitchell went to work his magic on Susan.

The first surprise involved Cardona. He had been written off with a fractured orbital bone from an attack by Myers back in May. Tonight, Myers competed against Jake Something in a contest for respect. Jake was victorious via Black Hole Slam. When it came time for Myers to admit Jake was a professional, Sam Beale jumped Jake from behind. Myers and Beale put the boots to Jake. Hit Cardona’s music.

Cardona ran in for the save to land punches on Myers and hit the Radio Silence leg lariat on Beale. Cardona ripped off his shirt like a true broski. Woo, woo, woo, you know it.

The odds are high that the rivalry between Cardona and Myers will continue for a match at Slammiversary on July 17.

In other news for Slammiversary, Deonna Purrazzo has a date with a mystery opponent. That’s where Gail Kim comes in. No, Kim won’t be wrestling. She flexed her stroke backstage to influence the Knockouts division.

Purrazzo claimed there were no more challengers for her, so she offered an open challenge on Impact Wrestling. Lady Frost answered the call. She had momentum until tweaking her ankle on a missed moonsault. The Virtuosa smelled blood in the water like a shark and flaunted her armbar skills for a submission victory.

Purrazzo gloated about her success. She doesn’t even need to know who her opponent is to win. That’s when Kim came to the ring. She chatted with EVP Scott D’Amore earlier to set up a mystery opponent for Purrazzo at Slammiversary. Kim made it clear that she will not be wrestling. Kim only wants to provide the opportunity for Purrazzo to become the greatest Knockouts champ of all time.

Some possible options for Purrazzo’s opponent are Mickie James, Chelsea Green (aka Laurel Van Ness), Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, or maybe AEW sends one of their women’s wrestlers through the Forbidden Door.

Last on the list was the return of Father Mitchell. Kimber Lee and Susan lost a tag match to Rosemary and Havok, so Kimber requested assistance from Mitchell as a last resort to find success in Impact. The implication was for Mitchell to bring back Su Yung.

Which surprise return popped you the most? Who do you want to see as Purrazzo’s mystery opponent?