The battle lines have been drawn in IMPACT Wrestling as we preview Brace for IMPACT for 1/20/22. Last week promised a big show and blew us away with the champion vs champion match. As Purrazzo celebrated with the ROH Women’s Championship and the AAA Reina de Reinas championship, Maria Kanellis hit the ring. The two exchanged words before Matt Taven, Vincent, Mike Bennett, and PCO arrived, seemingly to intimidate The Virtuosa.
Matt Rehwoldt practically leaped from the commentary table into the ring to square off with the ROH intruders, only to get a 5-on-1 beatdown. Then out came Rich Swann and Willie Mack, but the OGK still held the numbers advantage. IMPACT Wrestling signed off with Taven, Vincent, Bennett, Kanellis, and PCO standing tall. What could happen this week, with more ROH talent on the card? We’ll be looking at just that in this week’s Brace For IMPACT.
Brace for IMPACT for 1/20/22
ROH Championship
Jonathan Gresham vs Steve Maclin
Steve Maclin exited Hard To Kill not only with his undefeated record intact, but with the X-Division Championship. This week on IMPACT Wrestling, he’s interested in capturing some more gold, as he’ll be facing Jonathan Gresham for the ROH Championship. Gresham made his IMPACT Wrestling debut at Hard To Kill, retaining the ROH Championship over Chris Sabin in a fantastic mix of technical and high flying styles.
Now he has a different challenge, as Maclin brings more of a power game to the table. Will that be enough for Maclin to capture the ROH Championship? Or will Jonathan Gresham become the next contender for the X-Division Championship? And what does this all mean for IMPACT Wrestling and the ROH intruders? We’ll have to find this Thursday when Jonathan Gresham defends the ROH World Championship against X-Division Champion Steve Maclin on AXS TV.
Brace for IMPACT for 1/20/22
Tasha Steelz (w/Savannah Evans) vs Chelsea Green
At Hard To Kill, Tasha Steelz won the first ever all-women Ultimate X Match to become #1 contender to the Knockouts Championship. Now the former Knockouts Tag Team Champion is waiting for her chance to strike at Knockouts Champion Mickie James. This Thursday night will be an excellent opportunity for James to scout her opponent, as Steelz will take on Chelsea Green in singles action.
Chelsea Green was also part of the Ultimate X Match at Hard To Kill, and she’s eager to prove her loss is but a minor hiccup in her career. Defeating Steelz may be a bit more difficult than Green expected, however, as Steelz has the towering Savannah Evans in her corner. And with the ROH Women’s Championship now in play, whoever wins this match has something else to compete for in the future.
Brace for IMPACT for 1/20/22
Charlie Haas vs Josh Alexander
Having defeated JONAH at Hard To Kill, Josh Alexander must be looking to reclaim the IMPACT World Chamionship. However, his mini feuds with Minoru Suzuki and JONAH have pulled him away from the championship scene. He’ll need some more high profile wins if he wants a rematch with Moose for the IMPACT World Championship. What could be more high profile than a win over one half of the World’s Greatest Tag Team?
Yes, this Thursday night, Charlie Haas makes his first-ever appearance in the IMPACT Zone to face Josh Alexander. While Haas is commonly known as a tag team wrestler, most famously teaming with Shelton Benjamin, he’s also known for his technical acumen. Josh Alexander has a similar story, having a record-breaking tag team title reign with Ethan Page as The North.
Indeed The North vs The World’s Greatest Tag Team stands as one of this writer’s dream matches. Charlie Haas vs Josh Alexander promises to be a technical masterclass this Thursday night on AXS TV.
Brace for IMPACT for 1/20/22
Doc Gallows & Joe Doering (w/Karl Anderson & VBD) vs Heath & Rhino
At Hard to Kill, Heath and Rhino teamed up with Rich Swann, Willie Mack, and Eddie Edwards to overcome the unholy alliance of Violent By Design and The Good Brothers. The culmination of a story that began last year, when Rhino emerged victorious from the Call Your Shot Gauntlet, securing his best friend a contract in IMPACT Wrestling. However, their journey isn’t over quite yet.
Along with the contract, Rhino also won a championship match for himself an Heath, a match they have yet to invoke. They may not have to after tonight, however, as they face Doc Gallows of The Good Brothers and Joe Doering from Violent By Design. Seeing as Gallows comprises one half of the IMPACT World Tag Team Champions, if either Heath or Rhino pins him, they earn a championship match.
That’s easier said than done, however, as Gallows and Doering weigh 290lbs apiece and bring a power-intensive style of wrestling. Could their disunity following the loss at Hard to Kill be the deciding factor? Find out this Thursday night on AXS TV.
What Else To Expect
- W. Morrissey in action
- The Influence in action
*****
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