There’s no hyperbole in saying that IMPACT Wrestling had a successful 2022. From critically acclaimed storylines to nail-biting action, the promotion checked the box on every front. Speaking of matches, IMPACT stars put on multiple critically-acclaimed matches on weekly television for fans to enjoy.
For those not in the know, IMPACT Wrestling airs every Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV. From John Alexander’s classic one-hour outing against Mike Bailey to Chris Sabin’s banger against Frankie Kazarian, these are five of the best IMPACT Wrestling TV matches of 2022.
JONAH vs. PCO (Monster’s Ball Match – May 5, 2022)
JONAH and PCO went to war in their final encounter at IMPACT Wrestling #929. The Monster’s Ball Match stipulation served as the perfect exclamation point for two big men with bad blood between them. The Australian had give the French Canadian back-to-back losses in their previous encounters.
The big men began their brawl backstage before they brought the action to the ring. It didn’t took them time to fill the ring with foreign objects. At some point during the match, JONAH hit PCO with a powerbomb through the thumbtacks. IMPACT’s resident Frankenstein Monster paid back with a sledgehammer shot to the throat that sent his opponent crashing outside through the table.
PCO capitalized on the momentum by hitting his patented PCOsault (moonsault) on the 330-pounder for the win. The match turned out to JONAH’s last outing in IMPACT Wrestling.
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mickie James (IMPACT Wrestling #959)
This is arguably one of Mickie James’ best matches from her “Last Rodeo.” The 23-year veteran collided with one the very best in Deonna Purrazzo in the main event of IMPACT Wrestling’s November 19, 2022 taping.
Purrazzo looked to put an end to James’ Hall of Fame-worthy career in bitter fashion. James, however, did more than just hold her own against The Virtuosa’s technical skills. The win set up a title vs. career match between James and Jordynne Grace at Hard to Kill 2022.
Alex Shelley vs. Mike Bailey (Impact Wrestling Multiverse Of Matches 2022)
Alex Shelley entered as the multi-year, well-traveled veteran in this outing against Mike Bailey. The match did its job to showcase the clash of different styles the pair brought against each other. Shelley switched up his actions to show off his veteran instincts every time he got the chance.
Bailey, meanwhile, looked like a star with his explosive comeback and excellent submission moves. The final stretch wouldn’t have looked any better and put a decisive end to a great encounter.
Chris Sabin vs. Frankie Kazarian (June 30, 2022)
Chris Sabin lowkey had a great 2022. The IMPACT Wrestling veteran put on spectacular performances against the likes of Mike Bailey, Matt Cardona, and Frankie Kazarian. Speaking of Kaz, his outing against Sabin at IMPACT Wrestling #937 turned out to be one of the best matches of their careers.
The pair’s chemistry was evident from the get-go. Both men demonstrated their incredible athletic prowess despite being in their forties. The match started off slow but gradually picked up the pace. The storytelling and in-ring psychology never felt out of place in this epic 20-minute encounter between the two veterans of the X-Division.
Josh Alexander vs. Mike Bailey (IMPACT Wrestling #960)
Josh Alexander’s incredible ring work in 2022 earned him the 14th spot on PWI’s illustrious 500 entries. The Walking Weapon had numerous classics on IMPACT Wrestling TV and pay-per-view events. One of these matches came against Mike Bailey for the IMPACT World Championship.
The pair put on a one-hour Broadway on the IMPACT Zone. They never held back from bell to bell and put their contrasting styles to effective use against each other. IMPACT named this outing their match of the year as part of their year-end awards for 2022.
Also read: Best IMPACT Wrestling PPV Matches Of 2022
