2021 brought new promises and hopes for IMPACT Wrestling. The promotion formed new partnerships with AEW and NJPW as the pro wrestling business slowly started to brush off the effects of the pandemic.
The exchange of talent allowed both Scott D’Amore and Tony Khan to create a solid product for fans and critics alike. While match quality had always been IMPACT’s strength, the incredible litany of talent that graced IMPACT Zone in 2021 led to several match-of-the-year contenders.
Having said that, let’s take a look at some of the best IMPACT Wrestling TV matches of 2021:
Eric Young vs. James Storm (March 3, 2021)
Eric Young and James Storm witnessed a career renaissance in 2021. Both spent the year tearing the indie scene with incredible matches. They also had a solid outing against each other on IMPACT Wrestling #827.
The pair had a well-worked main event that featured several nods to their many past exchanges. For Storm, it was a feel-good moment to be joined ringside by longtime friend Chris Harris, as well as Chris Sabin and Jake Something.
Young played his heel gimmick to perfection. He refused to let go of any opportunity to outdo Storm in his 1000th match for IMPACT Wrestling.
Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann & Willie Mack vs. Kenny Omega & The Good Brothers (IMPACT Wrestling #873)
Kenny Omega’s arrival in IMPACT Zone set the stage for an epic showdown with Rich Swann. However, they met in a multi-man match on April 8, 2021, before they eventually had their epic showdown at Rebellion.
Swann was joined by fellow IMPACT cohorts, Eddie Edwards and Willie Mack. Omega, on the other hand, was backed by Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson. The match was solid from a storyline perspective. It served as a preview of the classic between Omega and Swann at Rebellion.
Swann looked strong as the defending IMPACT World Champion going into Rebellion against the soon-to-be-known Belt Collector.
Alex Zayne vs. Laredo Kid vs. Trey Miguel (Impact X-Division Title Tournament First Round Three-Way Match – September 30, 2021)
Alex Zayne, Laredo Kid and Trey Miguel collided with an opportunity to fight for the X-Division Championship. This match opened the show and featured a short, explosive burst of action inside the squared circle.
All three competitors displayed their incredible athleticism throughout the match. If you are a fan of aerial maneuvers and spot fests, this match is worth checking out.
Josh Alexander vs. Minoru Suzuki (IMPACT Wrestling #905)
Josh Alexander had a fantastic 2021. The Walking Weapon delivered some incredible matches against the who’s who of the business. One of these superb outings came against the notorious Minoru Suzuki.
Alexander relied on his mat wrestling skills and strength to get a hold of the iconic Pancreas founder. The pair exchanged some vicious-looking strikes during the match. The Walking Weapon managed to prevail with a brutal C4 Spike.
Josh Alexander vs. TJP (60 Minute Iron Man Match for IMPACT X-Division Title – June 3, 2021)
This is the match that solidified Josh Alexander’s X-Division Championship run. The Walking Weapon engaged in a highly physical Iron Man match against the incredibly smooth TJP at
Impact Wrestling Before The Impact #16.
The pair went the distance without getting a decisive win. The match went into overtime and saw Alexander retain his title with his patented C4 in an absolute masterclass. The final score read: Josh Alexander (2); TJP (1).
Also read: Best IMPACT Wrestling PPV Matches of 2021
