IMPACT! Wrestling Review - September 28, 2023

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Impact X-Division Champion Chris Sabin def. Alan Angels

Angels earned this opportunity when he won last week's Ultimate X match. I didn't think he stood a chance of actually becoming champion, but the guy's a skilled worker and he had an enjoyable opener with the always-excellent Sabin here. Post-match, a video for KENTA played on the big screen, confirming he'll be Sabin's next challenger at Bound for Glory. I don't think KENTA takes the title, but that should be awesome.

Rhino def. Jack Price

This was Rhino's first singles match since returning a few weeks ago. He made quick work of Price as he should have. Steve Maclin attempted to jump him afterward, but Rhino fended him off. I know Maclin was the one who put Rhino on the shelf in storyline a few months ago, but that can't be the match for Bound for Glory, right? That would be a definite downgrade for Maclin, who has nothing to prove from beating Rhino. Maybe that will lead to something with Maclin and Bully Ray, who Maclin confronted backstage later in this episode.

Impact World Tag Team Champions The Rascalz def. JOYA (Non-Title)

Yuya Uemura was in the midst of his "goodbye ceremony" (after opening up the "fired" briefcase from Feast or Fired) when The Rascalz interrupted. That led to Santino Marella booking an impromptu match where Uemura would get his job back if JOYA beat The Rascalz. Nothing against Uemura, but I'm glad JOYA didn't win because that would have completely defeated the purpose of Feast or Fired. This was fun and had great drama with the crowd buying into several nearfalls toward the end.

Impact Digital Media Champion Tommy Dreamer and Heath def. Kenny King and Sheldon Jean in a Memphis Street Fight

Dreamer and Heath have had issues with King and Jean for weeks, so this made sense. I appreciate that it wasn't saved for Bound for Glory because I don't think it would have been worthy of happening on IMPACT's biggest stage. This was exceeded my expectations with everyone having a chance to shine and Dreamer wisely being kept limited. Crazzy Steve attacked Dreamer afterward but didn't cash in his briefcase, so I presume that's being saved for Bound for Glory. For what it's worth, Steve wasn't wearing his usual face paint, so he might be moving away from that.

Jonathan Gresham def. "Speedball" Mike Bailey

This is the fifth singles match these two have had this year. Their mini rivalry culminated in them teaming, so I was surprised Gresham cheated to win this one, seemingly signaling at a heel turn for him and effectively ending their alliance. It might prove to be a nice change of pace for him considering he hasn't done much of note since arriving in IMPACT. This was the usual entertaining outing from these two, though I question Bailey losing before he faces Will Ospreay at Bound for Glory.

Impact Knockouts World Champion Trinity def. Gisele Shaw (Non-Title)

The commentators argued over whether or not Shaw would earn herself a title shot with this win, but it didn't matter because she was never going to beat Trinity so close to Bound for Glory. This wasn't a blow-away bout by any means, but it was cool they got the main event slot and produced a very good match, especially once they picked up the pace. Shaw continues to impress. Post-match, Mickie James made the save for Trinity and announced that she'll be invoking her rematch clause for the Impact Knockouts World Championship at Bound for Glory. Another excellent addition to a stacked card.

Overall Show

With IMPACT 1000 in the rear view, IMPACT can now fully focus on building up Bound for Glory and they've already done a terrific job of generating excitement for the event with what's been announced so far. There's still a few weeks to go and more work to be done, but the top matches are certainly promising on paper. This was an efficient episode with everything serving a purpose and/or delivering and giving us an idea of what we can look forward to at the pay-per-view.

SEE MORE: IMPACT Reviews