Impact recap & reactions: Surprise Knockouts debut to break up former tag champs

Impact Wrestling (Aug. 5, 2021) featured Bullet Club’s newest member, Melina entering the Forbidden Door, Fire ‘n’ Flava going down in flames, and Kenny Omega competing in the trios main event.

The top stories have already been covered, but there is one particularly notable development involving the tag team of Fire ‘n’ Flava. The Knockouts division has been shaken up after treachery from Tasha Steelz toward Kiera Hogan.

Fire ‘n’ Flava have hit a rough patch recently in Impact. They dropped the Knockouts tag titles in a loss to Rosemary & Havok at Slammiversary. Fire ‘n’ Flava also failed to regain the gold in the rematch. Despite their hard luck, Hogan and Steelz were confident they could rebound back onto the winning track against Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering.

When it came time for the match, Hogan was the weak link once again. She fell victim to a teamwork swinging side slam as Ellering picked up the win.

After the match, Fire ‘n’ Flava sensed the end was near for them as a duo. That point was emphatically driven home when Savannah Evans entered the ring to beat down Kiera. Tasha stood by approving of the violence. It appeared that Evans was aligned with Steelz.

Impact’s best tag team is no longer a duo. Thankfully, this is not a case of trying to fix what isn’t broken. Kiera’s days with the promotion were numbered when she announced her desire to test free agency. The emotion looked real in that segment, because it probably was real with Kiera being close to tears. For Steelz, she will get the rub and a new powerhouse partner in Evans. Onward and upward in her quest to become a three-time Knockouts tag team champion.

Let’s rocket through the rest of the show from beginning to end.

Matt Striker and D’Lo Brown were on commentary.

Chris Bey defeated Juice Robinson. Jay White and David Finlay were ringside. When White and Finlay engaged in fisticuffs on the floor, that allowed Bey to surprise Robinson with a springboard cutter to win.

Afterward, White handed Bey a Bullet Club t-shirt to signify official membership. Bey gladly accepted.

Violent by Design informed the Good Brothers that they will be enacting their rematch clause for the tag titles at Emergence on August 20.

Mickie James interrupted the Homecoming coronation of Deonna Purrazzo and “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt (fka Aiden English). James requested an official signed contract from Purrazzo to ensure participation in the NWA all-women Empowerrr PPV on August 28. Purrazzo wanted to know her opponent. Enter Melina through the Forbidden Door. Purrazzo was pleased with the challenge. Contracts were signed and trash-talk was exchanged.

Taylor Wilde explained her recent absence as someone called the border to report her as a suspicious Canadian. The prime suspect for this trickery was Kaleb Konley. Wilde is looking for a match against Tenille Dashwood next week.

Kimber Lee wants to deliver souls to Su Yung.

X-Division #1 contender: Jake Something defeated Trey Miguel, Rohot Raju, and Daivari in a four-way. Jake pinned Daivari with a Black Hole slam. Jake will get his shot at Josh Alexander for the X-Division belt at Emergence.

Backstage, Rohit had a tantrum about losing. He threw a bag almost hitting Chelsea Green. Matt Cardona stepped up to protect his lady. Rohit backed down.

Daivari talked his way into a match against Alexander. If Daivari wins, then he will earn a title shot.

Frankie Kazarian arrived in the Impact Zone to hunt the Elite. He will rip out their hearts in the main event trios bout.

Scott D’Amore added Rich Swann and Willie Mack to the tag team title bout at Emergence due to their recent victory over Violent by Design.

Steve Maclin defeated Jah-C. Maclin dished out pain en route to victory. Afterward, Maclin continued the assault. Petey Williams ran in for the save to do what’s right. Once Williams had the upper hand, Maclin strategically retreated.

D’Amore hosted Tenille Dashwood’s talk show to inform her of a match next week against Taylor Wilde.

Chris Sabin will be in the #1 contender battle royal next week. His eyes are on Moose to make sure the big man never becomes world champ.

Frankie Kazarian, Sami Callihan, & Eddie Edwards defeated Kenny Omega, Karl Anderson, & Luke Gallows. (Full details here.) Team Impact rallied in the end for victory. Kaz clotheslined Gallows out of the ring. Callihan crushed Omega with a piledriver on the apron. Edwards wrapped it up with a Boston Knee Party to pin Anderson.

W. Morrissey made an impact in the aftermath. As Edwards was celebrating, the 7-footer blindsided him. Morrissey stood tall with a powerbomb as payback.

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This episode of Impact Wrestling had a lot popping moments. Numerous surprises were had throughout the show. There was also build toward the Emergence special event on August 20.

Melina appearing in the Impact Zone was neat, but the fight I’m really itching for is Deonna Purrazzo versus Mickie James. I’m siding with Purrazzo on this one. James has repeatedly interrupted Purrazzo’s spotlight. I hope all these verbal exchanges are leading to that match. It makes sense for a big bout on Impact PPV in the future. The feud has heat, and the contest should be a banger.

The rest of the Knockouts division is full of intrigue. Kimber Lee went full creepazoid as an undead bride with Su Yung. Taylor Wilde will finally get her hands on Tenille Dashwood. Tasha Steelz has the chance to cement herself as a bigger star in Impact with an enforcer by her side. Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering found their stride again to go after the tag titles. There is a lot brewing, and it all looks good.

The main event trios bout with Kenny Omega was solid for a thrown-together TV contest. Elite trios contests are always a good time, but it is starting to get to the point where they lack significance.

The shining moment from the main event segment was W. Morrissey bashing Eddie Edwards. Good job getting his heat back after suffering his first Impact defeat to Edwards at Homecoming. That is one feud I still want more of. I’m curious what the next step would be coming off a hardcore match. Where do they go to up the stakes?

Share your thoughts on Impact Wrestling. What was your favorite match? Who stole the show?

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