IMPACT! Wrestling Review - June 3, 2021

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Impact X-Division Champion Josh Alexander def. TJP in a 60-Minute Iron Man Match

This started on Before The Impact with the final eight minutes airing at the beginning of this show. I don't normally watch Before The Impact, but I went out of my way to check it out because I knew it would be worthwhile. This was definitely hurt by not happening in front of a live crowd (though getting some members of the roster at ringside toward the end was a nice touch) and it felt like they tried to kill time for the first half or so, but it was very good on the whole. The final stretch, specifically when they went into overtime, was especially great. The chemistry these two have is just off the charts.

Jake Something def. Rohit Raju in a Tables Match

This feud hasn't lit the world on fire for me because it feels like Jake loses whenever it matters most, so I appreciated that he finally picked up a meaningful victory here in what was a well-worked Tables match. Following one gimmick match with another was an interesting call, but it was entertaining on the whole. I also liked that Shera didn't get involved at all. Despite my criticisms of Jake's booking as of late, I'm glad Raju has managed to remain relevant following his Impact X-Division Championship run.

Rich Swann vs. W. Morrissey Went to a No Contest

These two wanted a match against each other on this show and Scott D'Amore granted their requests. However, Morrissey attacked Swann at ringside while Swann was making his entrance, so the bout never came to be. Swann battled back and even Willie Mack came to make the save. It was an effective angle that moved the feud along and set up their match for Against All Odds.

Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champion Fire 'N Flava def. Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two matches these teams had against each other and this was another entertaining encounter. I loved that they worked with an energetic pace and all four women got to shine. They continued to tell the story that Grace is the "weak link" of her team with Ellering as she once again took the losing fall. I smell a heel turn coming from her sooner rather than later.

Satoshi Kojima def. Deaner

It was confirmed last week that Kojima will face Joe Doering at Against All Odds because of their history in Japan, so it was safe to assume this would be a warm-up of sorts for him. Deaner is thriving in his current role and was the perfect opponent for Kojima here, who is shockingly 50-years-old. He can still go and I'm curious how he'll fare against Doering. The talent exchange with New Japan Pro-Wrestling continues to be a lot of fun and freshen up to the product.

Sami Callihan def. Moose by Disqualification

Moose turned on Callihan in their tag team match last week against The Good Brothers. I guess Callihan was the de facto face here, but either way, it was a quality main event. The non-finish actually made sense as it not only protected both men but D'Amore told Don Callis afterward that Callihan might be added to the Impact World Championship match at Against All Odds because he technically beat the number one contender here. Tony Khan will be on the show next week to discuss it as part of a "summit." Oh, and we got a quick Kenny Omega appearance with him laying out Moose and Callihan post-match, for whateve that was worth.

Overall Show

Against All Odds isn't until next week, but it looks like we have the complete card already set which is awesome news. I'm excited for Omega vs. Moose, but adding Callihan to the mix could be interesting if they want to save Omega and Moose one-on-one for Slammiversary or another time, or if they just want to take the title off Omega without him getting pinned. Either way, I'm intrigued. This was a thumbs-up episode with some successful angle advancement and above-average action, specifically the X-Division Championship Iron Man match that is worth checking out in its entirety. We also found out that the former Steve Cutler from WWE (now just known as Maclin) is coming into the company soon, so we'll see how he does.

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