#AndNEW: New Impact Pro Wrestling Tag Champions

Gable Galileo entered Impact Pro Wrestling’s Lethal Leap Day show this past Saturday without a championship. By the end of the night, IPW’s most opportunistic competitor would have gold around his waist, sort of…

Before the show officially began, AJ Smooth and his partner Daniel Mott came to the ring to address the crowd. In January, Smooth made his intentions to capture the Tag Team Titles known. Going so far as to choose a random partner out of the crowd. Mott, a rather inexperienced student at the IPW training facility, entered this match as a pawn in a bigger scheme between Smooth and Galileo. 

Joining the two in the ring was Galileo and the three dubbed themselves the Princes of the Universe before exiting to a chorus of boos. For the tag team championship match, Smooth and Mott entered first, conspicuous by his absence was Galileo. The champions, Ryan Slade and Jimmy Wylde entered next to a raucous ovation. 

#AndNEW: New Impact Pro Wrestling Tag Champions
Photo by Clint Dye/Tag Team Photography

Many wondered where the tag champs relationship was due to Wylde missing their last tag title defense in November. But, all was well as they entered the ring full of confidence. As the referee was checking the challengers for hidden weapons, Galileo entered through the audience and attacked Slade. 

#AndNEW: New Impact Pro Wrestling Tag Champions
Photo by Clint Dye/Tag Team Photography

With his partner momentarily incapacitated, Wylde was easy prey for his two opponents. Smooth provided most of the damage, occasionally tagging Mott in for a punch and kick as the two double-teamed Wylde. Never one to give up, Wylde used his athleticism to survive the onslaught. Wylde landed a running knee which opened up the opportunity to finally tag in Slade. 

Once the tag was made Slade came in guns blazing. Smooth was met with a clothesline and beautiful standing suplex. Mott, who tried to intervene was chased off by the tag champions and they were able to hit a combination front slam-code breaker. 

Photo by Clint Dye/Tag Team Photography

Before they could make the cover, the nefarious Galileo made his presence felt yet again. With the referee distracted Galileo nailed Wylde with his telescope to allow Smooth to make the cover for the 1-2-3. After the match, the Princes of the Universe celebrated in the ring. Galileo, holding a tag team championship, despite not even being in the match while Mott was relegated to holding Smooth’s face mask. 

With their antics, this devious trio proved how far they will go to win the gold. And with Gable Galileo seemingly leading the way, fans can only imagine the lengths they will take to stay on top.

Photo by Clint Dye/Tag Team Photography