While we might not see 'Vengence for the Bunny' sequel from the Undead World storyline, we will see two highly competitive Knockouts matches. A returning Hall of Famer vs. Future One, and the KOs Title on the line between the Title Holder - a famous Luchadora and Challenger - rising, super talented Knockout!
GAIL KIM vs. TESSA BLANCHARD
This one is really promising and I don't know who is the better winner!
Gail Kim comes out of retirement to 'kick Tessa's arss'. Kim messed around in Blanchard's business so she could make a statement that as a Legend she will stand against dirty tricks and inappropriate attitude in the division she helped build up. As Kim said she will (try to) teach the young and promising, arrogant wrestler, how to behave with dignity and sportsmanship - as a real Knockout.
Well, Blanchard proves that she is one of the best at this point in the Impact women's locker. Her arrogance led her to a title reign, helped her winning matches. Tessa is definitely a huge talent when it comes to wrestling and her future looks bright.
I am not sure who I think will win it. I have 50:50 prediction because both women are equally suitable to win it. Why is that? Am I that insecure to shot into the unknown?
I have two versions of this one.
1. Gail Kim defeats Tessa Blanchard, in the name of the good old times and because she is a Legend. A legend who teaches a 'rookie' a lesson.
That will suits many fans, who appreciates Kim as professional, as one of the best, for her legacy. It's not bad, but it's too obvious. If Impact Wrestling wants to go in that direction, they will put a great show and will pay respect to Gail. But then Tessa will be sent back at the starting point trying to build momentum, from scratch. Not so good decision if you want her to be one of the leading new KOs.
2. Tessa defeats Gail, and earn a huge heat and momentum that might lead her to second title reign.
That would be a great accomplishment for Blanchard. It will slingshot her higher into the stardom, beyond Impact. The question is: 'Is Impact wanting her to become a bigger star?'. I don't have a doubt that Gail won't help to elevate Tessa in the name of the future development of that talented KO. She has done it before. Here we have the question - What stays behind the whole match? Do they want to pay more respect to Kim, who already accomplished everything or Do they want to catapult Tessa Blanchard's career further?
I will spit a prediction. Will say a name, just for the record. But for me, this match is hard to be predicted, because of no matter who wins it, there will be consequences. In version 1 - Gail Kim will leave Impact Wrestling as a solid winner and Legend, Tessa Blanchard will earn some heat, but she'll need to work her way back to the top. In Version 2 - Tessa will solidify her position of one of the hottest young talents in the ring, full package, while Kim who accomplished everything will be sent home with respect for everything she has done.
Prediction: GAIL KIM (?!?)
IMPACT KNOCKOUTS CHAMPION TAYA VALKYRIE VS. JORDYNNE GRACE
(TITLE MATCH)
Impact Wrestling blew off the roof when it signs a deal with AAA/Lucha Underground. Well, they don't have the full Luchadoras roster on their disposal, but they have one of the best. One that WWE had in their hands and forget to use in the past.
I'll start with Joardynne Grace. She has a lot of experience under her belt. She is stable and talented that was notable in the indies. So, when I saw her coming to Impact, I was pleased, because this is a good start - she will earn important experience, like how to work on TV on a higher level, how to build character and etc. Her athleticism and power paid off quickly sending her in the KOs title picture, with a bang, defeating another Impact KO Legend - Madison Rayne. This young woman has a great future.
Taya Valkyrie. Wera Loca. Johnny Impact's wife who can do her job better on her own, but in the name of the Heel character, as she uses him as he uses her to retain their belts. I follow Taya from AAA, Lucha Underground and I am impressed by her. When I read that she was part of FCW (then WWE developmental territory) at the time, but they 'forget' that they signed and she quietly left after her contract expired, I was shocked! Now she is KO Champion and for me she totally deserves it. She's a really strong Champion and I don't mind seeing more from her.
I know that Impact Wrestling often push new talents to the top because they have skills and they are doing their job, well. So, I won't be surprised if, after weeks of being antagonized by Taya, Jordynne Grace being awarded the belt in the name of justice.
I prefer Taya to win and to have more build up of their rivalry. Maybe for a moment Jordynne to step back and have a rivalry with Tessa Blanchard, while Taya dealing with Rosemary and Kiera Hogan (after they finish their storyline with Su Yung and clear the air in their relationships). But as the previous match I am 50:50 again. It's hard because again you have two really amazing talents who are equally suitable.
I'll shot into the nowhere:
Prediction: Taya Valkyrie, retains
P.S. I have the feeling that the opposite KOs will win - let it be!
We'll see on Sunday!
😀😀😀
