Mickie James has been a regular passing through the Forbidden Door into Impact to promote the NWA Empowerrr PPV. She even managed to convince Deonna Purrazzo to defend the Knockouts Championship against Melina on the show. James’ approach has been a little pushy to achieve her goal. On Impact Wrestling tonight (Aug. 26, 2021), James pushed too hard and got beat up.
James was in the ring with a hype package for Purrazzo versus Melina on the big screen when the Knockouts champ came down to say her piece. Purrazzo took exception to the idea that the title match will be competitive. Purrazzo also pointed out the lack of footage from her mixed tag victory over Melina at Emergence. James rightfully mentioned that it was actually the Drama King who pinned Melina. James kept pushing buttons by taunting Purrazzo about being alone at Empowerrr, since the Drama King wouldn’t be at the all-women event. James questioned if Purrazzo was lacking confidence.
Is @DeonnaPurrazzo underestimating @RealMelina at @nwa #EMPOWERRR? #IMPACTonAXSTV @MickieJames pic.twitter.com/rAu0OxCF4S
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) August 27, 2021
That predictably led to fisticuffs. Nobody sasses the Virtuosa and gets away with it. Purrazzo blasted James with a forearm blow. Trey Miguel ran in to make sure Matthew Rehwoldt didn’t intervene. Trey took out the Drama King with a flipping attack over the ropes. That distraction didn’t help James much. Purrazzo took her down to deliver more punches.
Melina! The hellcat ran in for the save to clear the ring and stand tall. Melina executed a leg hook swinging neckbreaker then struck a pose.
.@DeonnaPurrazzo tried to jump @MickieJames but @RealMelina stood tall ahead of @nwa #EMPOWERRR THIS SATURDAY! #IMPACTonAXSTV @DramaKingMatt @TheTreyMiguel pic.twitter.com/oyjEg8ewD1
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) August 27, 2021
Melina has hit some strong moves on her Impact appearances, but it’s a tough sell to think she will win Knockouts gold from Purrazzo at Empowerrr. As far as I’m concerned, Melina is a speed bump to the money fight of James challenging Purrazzo. James got her butt kicked here, however, it was all part of the game to set up Melina as a legit threat on the NWA show. No doubt James will be looking for payback soon.
NWA Empowerrr goes live on Saturday, August 28 at 8 pm ET. The show is available for viewing through Fite TV (here). It is also part of a package deal with NWA 73 (here). The advertised card for Empowerrr includes:
- NWA World Women’s Championship: Kamille (c) vs. Leyla Hirsch
- Impact Knockouts Championship: Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs. Melina
- NWA Women’s Invitational Cup: Chelsea Green, Tootie Lynn, Jamie Senegal, Lady Frost, Debbie Malenko, Bianca Carelli, Jennacide, Masha Slamovich, Thunder Kitty, Kiera Hogan
- NWA Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament: Allysin Kay & Marti Belle, Sahara 7 & Renee Michelle, Red Velvet & KiLynn King, The Freebabes (Jazzy Yang, Hollyhood Haley J, & Miranda Gordy)
- Battle of the Brands: Diamante (AEW) vs. Kylie Rae (NWA) vs. Chik Tormenta (AAA)
- Also in action: Skye Blue, Christie Jaynes, Kenzie Page, Paola Mayfield
- Referees: Beckie Phillips, Yali Sapphire, and Claudia Reiff