For Impact Pro Wrestling fans, the biggest weekend of the year is upon us. You see, it’s time for the Impact Pro Wrestling presents the George Tragos / Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend in Waterloo, Iowa. Thursday night the festivities begin with the Jason Sanderson Kickoff at the Dan Gable Museum followed by pro wrestling trivia to cap the night off.
Friday is the meat and potatoes of the weekend with a pair of Impact Pro Wrestling shows, more on that shortly. Then on Saturday, the weekend ends with the Tragos/Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Inductees this year include Mark Henry and Ken Shamrock among others.
After the event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID, this year’s weekend is huge. But, for this article we are focusing on the Impact Pro Wrestling shows taking place this Friday, July 16. Friday afternoon a bevy of male and female stars converge on the Waterloo Convention Center.
Each looking to become the 2021 Hall of Fame Classic Winners. The male and female opening rounds will take place on the afternoon show. During the evening show will be the men’s semifinals and finals along with the women’s finals.
Tragos/Thesz IPW Hall of Fame Classic
On one side of the women’s bracket, we have Brooke Valentine versus Briar Hale. Brooke Valentine has been a staple of the IPW women’s division for years. Beginning her wrestling career with IPW, she has transitioned into one of the most sought-after women’s wrestlers throughout the Midwest. She is coming “home” to prove her dominance once again.
Briar Hale, whose twin sister Sage is the current IPW Women’s Champion, hopes to use a victory in the Hall of Fame Classic as a springboard to bigger things. Wrestling for just over a year, this will be one of her biggest opportunities to date.
A tournament victory could put her in line for a future championship match. The other side of the bracket features Miranda Gordy versus Heather Monroe. Both Gordy and Monroe have been making waves across the country on the independent scene. A win in the IPW Hall of Fame Classic would be a nice feather in either’s cap. For Gordy, this is the start of a busy weekend as she is scheduled to compete for the IPW Women’s Championship on Sunday when IPW returns to the Forte Center in Des Moines.
The winners will meet during the evening show, crowning the winner of the Women’s Hall of Fame Classic.
Tragos/Thesz IPW Hall of Fame Classic
Stacked is the best way to describe the men’s tournament this year. Eight wrestlers are vying to become this year’s Hall of Fame Classic winner, joining prior winners like Curt Stallion and Austin Aries. The first-round matchups are all ones to watch.
“The Frontman” Jah C vs Gable Galileo
An IPW main stay Galileo gets a huge opportunity in facing off with the inaugural Black Wrestlers Matter Champion. Jah-C wants to add another trophy to his ever-growing case off accomplishments, this should be a good one.
Drama King Matt (formerly Aiden English in the WWE) vs AJ Smooth
Earlier this year, Smooth took former WWE Superstar Mike Bennett to his limit, this is his second shot at a wrestler formerly with the WWE. Drama King Matt comes in with a lot of fanfare. Leaving with a tournament victory would be a nice highlight for his 2021.
GPA vs Jeremy Wyatt
Geoffrey Percival Austere, or as most know him, GPA, comes in representing the windy city. Having wrestled for numerous Chicago-based independent promotions, this is his next step at branching out. Across from him will be Jeremy Wyatt, the long-standing Gateway Heritage Champion. This has all the makings of a technical masterpiece.
Gary Jay vs The 1 Called Manders
While GPA vs Wyatt has all the making of a technical classic, Manders vs Jay could be an all-out brawl. Neither man is afraid of getting down and dirty in a good old-fashioned brawl. Whoever emerges from this match will have definitely earned their spot in the semi-finals Friday night. Just like the women, the men will decide the 2021 Hall of Fame Classic winner during Friday night’s evening show. A show that will also feature:
Impact Pro Wrestling Presents George Tragos / Lou Thesz Hall of Fame Show IPW Heavyweight Championship Match
The Big Picture © vs “Golden Boy” Bryce Jordyn
Since losing his “Golden Ticket Cash In” at the IPW 20 Year Anniversary Show, Bryce Jordyn has had a bit of an attitude change. At IPW’s most recent show from the Forte Center, he walked out on his tag match with partner Jaxon King. His actions left fans wondering what was going on with the Golden Boy.
After defeating Jordyn at the 20-Year Anniversary Show, the Big Picture has held on to the title by any means. Most recently he walked out of the Forte Center, title intact, after losing to Ugly via disqualification. It will be interesting to see if Jordyn’s confidence returns in order to take the belt off the long-standing champion.
Impact Pro Wrestling Presents George Tragos / Lou Thesz Hall of Fame Show
IPW Tag Team Championship Four Corners Match
Justin Decent & Ethan Everheart © vs The Legend Killers Matty Star & Sparrow vs Colt Cabana & Wes Brisco vs TBD
Decent and Everheart have been fighting champions since the minute they won the titles. Always willing and ready to fight anybody, they are the definition of fighting champions. On their heels from the moment they put the straps around their waists were the Legend Killers. The former champions recently reunited and have had one goal in mind, winning the tag titles once again.
So not only will the champs have the tenacious duo coming for them Friday night, but they also have to contend with the superstar team of Colt Cabana and West Brisco, along with a surprise team as well. Safe to say Justin Decent and Ethan Everheart have their hands full.
IPW Women’s Championship Match
Sage Hale © vs TBD
Taking inspiration from IPW Heavyweight Champion The Big Picture, Sage Hale has held on to her title by hook or by crook. Always willing to bend, break and completely ignore the rules, Hale does whatever it takes to stay champion.
She recently defended her championship in a triple threat match and once again emerged victorious. Picking the opportune time to strike, Hale has proven to be a very capable Women’s Champion. This Friday Hale is in for the unknown as her challenger has yet to be named. If she retains Friday night, she’ll have to defend it again on Sunday at the Forte Center against Miranda Gordy.
IPW Grudge Match
James Jeffries vs Max Chill
James Jeffries has been part of more than a handful of IPW Hall of Fame shows. The IPW legend is a staple in the company’s history and has provided IPW fans more than a fair share of memorable moments. An IPW Hall of Fame show wouldn’t be the same without him. Facing him is Max Chill, the leader of the Max Chill Mafia, making his Hall of Fame show debut.
These two have collided in a plethora of multi-man and tag matches and this Friday marks their first singles encounter. Chill undoubtedly will have The Shank and Adam Love in his corner stacking the odds against Jeffries.
Impact Pro Wrestling Presents George Tragos / Lou Thesz Hall of Fame Show
IPW Extreme Championship Ladder Match
Malice © vs Damien Saint vs Cole Cannon vs Jimmy Wylde vs Clay Cooper vs “Big Shoot” Cody Lee vs Zeke Dynamics vs Jaxon King
If you’re looking for a show-stealer come Friday night, look no further than this match. Malice, the reigning, defending IPW Extreme Champion has a huge obstacle to overcome Friday night. That obstacle takes the shape of seven young and hungry IPW up and comers.
During the COVID pandemic, the young guns in this match made their presence felt for IPW. These young guys carried the promotion during their Facebook live shows from the IPW Vault and this is an opportune time for one of them to bring home some gold.
But, don’t count out Malice, the Monster of the Midwest, who has proven time and again he’s willing to go to the extreme. Friday will be no different.
IPW 11th Annual Lou Thesz Hall of Fame Classic Battle Royal
20 Competitors
Winning a battle royal is never easy. The guy who emerges Friday night will have made his way through 19 other competitors. Fans can expect current stars of IPW along with what will probably be some returning surprises in the battle royal. Past winners include Sparrow, Matty Star, James Jeffries, and more recently in 2019, Bryce Jordyn.
It’s the biggest weekend of the year of Impact Pro Wrestling and it all starts Friday morning in Waterloo.
