Tonight is the night for Impact Wrestling’s debut of their Emergence special event. The show will span two nights (Aug. 18 & Aug. 25). Night 1 features three title bouts and the first big challenge for Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows. If you’ve wanted to dip your toes back into Impact, then tonight is as good a time as any. Let’s recap the storylines and make predictions for night 1.
If you have your eye on the 30-minute ironman match for the Knockouts Championship between Deonna Purrazzo and Jordynne Grace, that bout will be on night 2 of Emergence. Eddie Edwards will also continue his World Championship open challenge on night 2.
Tag Team Championship: Motor City Machine Guns vs The North
Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin will defend the tag titles against Ethan Page and Josh Alexander in the main event. The Motor City Machine Guns made their surprise return to Impact at Slammiversary. They were rewarded a title shot the following episode of Impact Wrestling and proved they still have skills by winning the titles from The North. Page and Alexander claimed they were only at 40% health and cashed in their automatic rematch for Emergence. It is now time to see who is the greatest tag team in Impact.
Prediction: The North win back the gold. They have used several tricky tactics during their 383-day title reign. Now that Page and Alexander have danced with MCMG, they know what to expect and will adjust accordingly with sneaky strategy. I think this feud will be heading toward a trilogy bout.
Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows vs Ace Austin & Madman Fulton
The Good Brothers made their first appearance together in Impact at Slammiversary. Ace Austin and Madman Fulton attacked new champ Eddie Edwards, so Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows ran down for the save. That was the seed for this feud.
On the next TV episode, Ace came out to demand an apology for the attack. The Good Brothers laughed it off and fisticuffs ensued. These two have brawled in the parking lot and Ace even schemed to have Gallows arrested.
Prediction: Austin & Fulton. Logic would say the big money signees would prevail in their first feud, but I don’t think this beef will be one and done. Ace is too high profile in Impact to be put away so quickly.
X-Division Championship: Chris Bey vs TJP vs Rohit Raju
Chris Bey won the X-Division Championship from Willie Mack at Slammiversary. Bey successfully retained in the rematch. TJP made an impression by submitting Bey during a tag team bout to earn his shot. Rohit Raju weaseled his way into the three-way by claiming he would have Bey’s back to make it 2-on-1 against TJP. Bey agreed to Rohit’s proposal, even though, we all know Rohit will try to win the title for himself at some point during the contest. Bey doesn’t view Rohit as much of a threat, so he’s not too concerned about it.
Prediction: Bey remains Finesse Division champ. Impact has been building Bey ever since he signed. It is too early to pull the plug on his title run.
TNA Heavyweight Championship: Moose vs Trey Miguel
Moose is the self-proclaimed TNA Heavyweight Champion. He has defended the strap mostly against former TNA talent. Rather than an open challenge, Moose hands out invitations to future opponents. He thought he was awarding Suicide a third crack at the title, however, it turned out to be Trey Miguel under the mask. Trey was wearing it as a goof with his Rascalz buddies. Moose was unaware at the time that it was Trey.
A side story to keep an eye on is EC3’s focus on taking that title. EC3 wants to control his narrative. To do that, he must destroy his past. The TNA Heavyweight Championship is a symbol of EC3’s former life. It is not personal with Moose. He just happens to be the one with the belt. This is Moose’s pride and joy, so it is becoming personal for him.
Prediction: Moose keeps his baby. The TNA Heavyweight Championship is a prop setting up toward Moose vs EC3. Any future title defenses until then are just going through the motions before the big fight.
Kylie Rae vs Taya
This bout was set up in Wrestle House. Wrestle House is a comedy reality show with a bunch of wrestlers trapped in a house by Rosemary. She won’t let them out until John E. Bravo becomes her sacrificial lover. Tommy Dreamer is the host and makes matches for a backyard ring when arguments arise.
Kylie Rae is the #1 contender for the Knockouts Championship. Taya laughed her off by claiming she hasn’t beat anyone. Match time!
It would make sense that this bout takes place at Wrestle House instead of the Impact Zone. If that is indeed the case, then don’t expect a quality contest between two top talents. The Wrestle House matches have been short and more on the comedy side. Maybe Impact will surprise us by making this a competitive clash with show-stealing potential.
Prediction: Kylie Rae. The #1 contender isn’t going to lose.
Emergence begins tonight at 8 pm ET on AXS TV. It can also be seen live on Impact’s Twitch channel.
What are your predictions for night 1 of Emergence? Which match will steal the show?