What I Liked:
The match started off quickly with Daniels and Magnus, two of the more solid in ring performers. The feud has been good, but not great. I enjoyed the action of this match, including a few nice spots like Joe and Magnus hitting some classic tag team style moves. I thought Joe was the one guy in the match that would not do too well, considering Daniels and Kaz are fast and progress the match as a high velocity. Daniels’ progression from a boot to Joe was followed with a great DDT. The action picked up with all four guys in and out of the ring, and the finish saw Kazarian with the pinfall after hitting a chop block. Him and Daniels would hit a double team maneuver to capture the titles. Overall, I thought the title switch was effective and a good way to start off the match.
What I Disliked:
Over the past few months, Joe and Magnus were in much better feuds that quickly ended. I felt they were rushed in this specific feud, especially since they had to drop the titles. Kazarian and Daniels have been too busy with AJ Styles, so I was not expecting them to win this match. For the future, I see Styles finding a tag partner, maybe someone like Hardy, to feud and exact his revenge on Daniels and Kaz. Also, the opening match was solid, but there should have been more emphasis on Daniels and Kaz finding a cheap way to win. That is how they have been booked on Impact, so it is only logical to do it here.
Grade: B
Gail Kim def. Brooke Tessmacher to Retain the Knockouts Championship:
What I Liked:
Timing was everything here. The women were given time, executed each move with purity, and got the crowd somewhat invested. Tessmacher, although she slipped up a little, has made leaps and bounds when it comes to her moves inside the ring. Kim was able to be the veteran presense and carry a good portion of the match, including a few nice reversals to garner the offense on her side. Tessmacher was flying all over the ring, hitting a body splash onto Kim. I really liked how Tessmacher tried to steal Kim’s finisher, Eat Defeat, numerous times. With her not having a real noticable finisher, it is intelligent to have her steal it from the champion.
What I Disliked:
I agree with Kim winning, but who else comes after Tessmacher? I feel like Kim really has already faced a lot of the roster and beaten them. Due to Kim getting the cheap win with her feet on the rope, it seems like they will give Tessmacher another shot next month. I like this call, but it comes to the disapproval of other Knockouts who deserve a shot. You put so much time into Mickie James, but she is rarely seen. I want them to build a really good Knockout feud for 3-4 months, because they have the talent to do that. They book their women’s matches so much better than the WWE without a doubt.
Grade: B-
