Alberto El Patron is the new Impact Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion after defeating Bobby Lashley in controversial fashion on tonight’s show.
Alberto, who made his debut for the company tonight, won after a second referee counted the pinfall. The closing moments of the match saw Lashley accidentally clothesline the assigned referee, and the two continued to fight. Lashley ended up bringing the title in the ring after he hit a spinebuster, but Alberto superkicked him and hit Lashley in the face with the title to win the match.
It initially looked like the decision would stand as called, but both referees and Bruce Prichard were debating the match finish, which continued off air as seen in the video below:
Introducing a new #WorldChampion on his first night at #IMPACTonPop @VivaDelRio pic.twitter.com/h2Y6QwWYz3
— IMPACT WRESTLING (@IMPACTWRESTLING) March 10, 2017
Wait, there seems to be some controversy over the win. Do we have a new Champ? More to come… pic.twitter.com/5utpucYs3s
— IMPACT WRESTLING (@IMPACTWRESTLING) March 10, 2017
What happened when Impact went off the air? @VivaDelRio celebrated his World Title victory @FightBobby was in disbelief & chaos ruled all. pic.twitter.com/Th9G7GvBPC
— IMPACT WRESTLING (@IMPACTWRESTLING) March 10, 2017