Tomorrow, Impact Wrestling will present their 17th edition of Bound for Glory. BFG was a show that was teased in 2003 (with Hulk Hogan), debuted in 2005 and has been promoted as the biggest show of the year for Impact Wrestling. There is a crown jewel event this weekend and it is Impact Wrestling's Bound For Glory show.
Here is your preview for Bound For Glory!
Here is your preview for Bound For Glory!
COUNTDOWN TO GLORY
6-WAY MATCH FOR THE DIGITAL MEDIA CHAMPIONSHIP
A few weeks ago on Impact, the company announced the creation of a new championship title. Initially fans were excited until the title concept was revealed. With the X Division Championship serving as Impact's midcard title, the Digital Media Championship would become an undercard title much like the WCW TV Title, the European Title and the 24/7 Championship before it. Even the qualifying matches showed the importance of the title. This championship will have an intergender aspect to it as three of the six in this match are Knockouts.
While my personal favorite for this one is John Skyler, I definitely see Impact having a Knockout as the first ever champion as a way to make waves. The strong leader would be Jordynne Grace, who has a longer history of intergender contests, nearly winning the X Division Championship last year at BFG.
6-WAY MATCH FOR THE DIGITAL MEDIA CHAMPIONSHIP
A few weeks ago on Impact, the company announced the creation of a new championship title. Initially fans were excited until the title concept was revealed. With the X Division Championship serving as Impact's midcard title, the Digital Media Championship would become an undercard title much like the WCW TV Title, the European Title and the 24/7 Championship before it. Even the qualifying matches showed the importance of the title. This championship will have an intergender aspect to it as three of the six in this match are Knockouts.
While my personal favorite for this one is John Skyler, I definitely see Impact having a Knockout as the first ever champion as a way to make waves. The strong leader would be Jordynne Grace, who has a longer history of intergender contests, nearly winning the X Division Championship last year at BFG.
TAG TEAM MATCH
VIOLENT BY DESIGN VS HEATH AND ???
Last year, Heath had a wave of momentum heading into the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Battle Royal. He nearly won the match before getting hurt. In turn, his buddy Rhino ended up picking up the win. With Heath sidelined though, Violent By Design set their sights on the War Machine and Eric Young got into the head of Rhino. Rhino even used the Call Your Shot Trophy to shock the Impact Wrestling world and capture the Tag Team Titles for VBD. Fast-forward and Heath has returned from injury and wants his pet Rhino back. Rhino, who was beaten down by VBD for failing, hasn't spoken a word or shown his allegiance. Scott D'Amore has granted Heath a tag team match against Violent by Design, but will Rhino be his partner?
This has been a solid story. I know many aren't a fan of Rhino or Heath but they were really entertaining before their story got derailed. The stuff with Rhino seems predictable as I feel he will help Heath in the end leading to a tag team feud. It is one of the less interesting matches on the card for me though.
VIOLENT BY DESIGN VS HEATH AND ???
Last year, Heath had a wave of momentum heading into the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Battle Royal. He nearly won the match before getting hurt. In turn, his buddy Rhino ended up picking up the win. With Heath sidelined though, Violent By Design set their sights on the War Machine and Eric Young got into the head of Rhino. Rhino even used the Call Your Shot Trophy to shock the Impact Wrestling world and capture the Tag Team Titles for VBD. Fast-forward and Heath has returned from injury and wants his pet Rhino back. Rhino, who was beaten down by VBD for failing, hasn't spoken a word or shown his allegiance. Scott D'Amore has granted Heath a tag team match against Violent by Design, but will Rhino be his partner?
This has been a solid story. I know many aren't a fan of Rhino or Heath but they were really entertaining before their story got derailed. The stuff with Rhino seems predictable as I feel he will help Heath in the end leading to a tag team feud. It is one of the less interesting matches on the card for me though.
3-WAY MATCH FOR THE VACANT X DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
EL PHANTASMO VS TREY MIGUEL VS STEVE MACLIN
In the build towards our main event, Josh Alexander ended his awesome X Division Championship reign by using Option C and vacating his title in exchange for a world title match. The promotion announced a series of 3-Way Matches with the winners going to Bound for Glory.
I will be honest; I think two or three of these competitors came out of nowhere while names like Rohit Raju, TJP, Ace Austin, Petey Williams and others are nowhere to be seen. That doesn't mean this won't be an exciting match but it will be a new chapter in the division.
I feel like the X Division Championship match is a good indicator of what Bound for Glory has become. It is less about personal feuds and stories and more about the glory of becoming a champion. Most of the matches tonight have that undercurrent happening.
While any of these guys becoming champion is interesting, I feel this is Trey Miguel's time to shine. I think a good story could come from Steve Maclin "hunting" Trey following the PPV. Either way, we are bound for an excellent match.
EL PHANTASMO VS TREY MIGUEL VS STEVE MACLIN
In the build towards our main event, Josh Alexander ended his awesome X Division Championship reign by using Option C and vacating his title in exchange for a world title match. The promotion announced a series of 3-Way Matches with the winners going to Bound for Glory.
I will be honest; I think two or three of these competitors came out of nowhere while names like Rohit Raju, TJP, Ace Austin, Petey Williams and others are nowhere to be seen. That doesn't mean this won't be an exciting match but it will be a new chapter in the division.
I feel like the X Division Championship match is a good indicator of what Bound for Glory has become. It is less about personal feuds and stories and more about the glory of becoming a champion. Most of the matches tonight have that undercurrent happening.
While any of these guys becoming champion is interesting, I feel this is Trey Miguel's time to shine. I think a good story could come from Steve Maclin "hunting" Trey following the PPV. Either way, we are bound for an excellent match.
3-WAY TAG TEAM MATCH FOR THE TAG TEAM TITLES
GOOD BROTHERS VS FINJUICE VS BULLET CLUB
Is it fair to say that the build for this match has been terrible?
Good Brothers have been away from the Impact Zone for the last month and have been dictating that Finjuice and Bullet Club, who have been feuding should get a match where the winners earn a tag title shot. It just seems like a wasted opportunity to do more with this story.
Chris Bey has received the endorsement of Jay White and has become a member of the Bullet Club, a renegade group who dominated in Japan for years. The Bullet Club feud with Finjuice made its way to the United States. These teams have been battling the past few weeks in singles and tag team matches as different members of the group have appeared.
I think Good Brothers feel unnecessarily shoved into this feud. I would have much rather have some sort of gimmick match between Bullet Club and Finjuice that culminated at BFG. Good Brothers could have done something else at the PPV.
GOOD BROTHERS VS FINJUICE VS BULLET CLUB
Is it fair to say that the build for this match has been terrible?
Good Brothers have been away from the Impact Zone for the last month and have been dictating that Finjuice and Bullet Club, who have been feuding should get a match where the winners earn a tag title shot. It just seems like a wasted opportunity to do more with this story.
Chris Bey has received the endorsement of Jay White and has become a member of the Bullet Club, a renegade group who dominated in Japan for years. The Bullet Club feud with Finjuice made its way to the United States. These teams have been battling the past few weeks in singles and tag team matches as different members of the group have appeared.
I think Good Brothers feel unnecessarily shoved into this feud. I would have much rather have some sort of gimmick match between Bullet Club and Finjuice that culminated at BFG. Good Brothers could have done something else at the PPV.
KNOCKOUTS TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
DECAY VS THE IINSPIRATION
Viewers of Knockouts Knockdown were able to witness a promo for the debuting Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay (The former Iiconics) for Bound for Glory. The star-studded Knockouts Tag Team were immediately granted a Knockouts Tag Team Title shot against Rosemary and Havok of Decay.
I feel Impact has done a good job treating the Iinspiration as divas. The two ladies haven't appeared yet on Impact, but have sent RD Evans, their barrister to speak on their behalf. Many criticize the fact that they have been given a title shot in their debut match but I feel like it fits right in with their characters.
I don't necessarily think the match with stand out but it should be interesting to see how the Iinspiration are presented. My guess is that they win the KO Tag Team Titles on their debut and become unbearable to watch in the coming weeks.
DECAY VS THE IINSPIRATION
Viewers of Knockouts Knockdown were able to witness a promo for the debuting Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay (The former Iiconics) for Bound for Glory. The star-studded Knockouts Tag Team were immediately granted a Knockouts Tag Team Title shot against Rosemary and Havok of Decay.
I feel Impact has done a good job treating the Iinspiration as divas. The two ladies haven't appeared yet on Impact, but have sent RD Evans, their barrister to speak on their behalf. Many criticize the fact that they have been given a title shot in their debut match but I feel like it fits right in with their characters.
I don't necessarily think the match with stand out but it should be interesting to see how the Iinspiration are presented. My guess is that they win the KO Tag Team Titles on their debut and become unbearable to watch in the coming weeks.
CALL YOUR SHOT GAUNTLET BATTLE ROYAL
I have to say that I have become a fan of the Gauntlet Battle Royal at Bound for Glory. It started with a few years of the Bound for Gold Match and then evolved into the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Battle Royal. The match is a favorite of mine because of the debuts and returns that we get. This match was where we first really saw Kylie Rae, Joey Ryan, James Storm, Daivari and others. I expect that trend to continue this year.
The Call Your Shot hasn't traditionally been a good match but I am excited for the potential surprises we may get. People like W. Morrissey (#20), Chris Sabin (#1), Moose, Rich Swann and Brian Myers have already been announced for the match. I am expecting Eddie Edwards to return in this match. I could see Sam Beale eliminating Brian Myers or VSK. What about all the other stories along the way?
The big question is will we see Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt or Buddy Murphy in this match? Will we see any other additions to Impact Wrestling? Who will earn themselves a guaranteed title match?
I have to say that I have become a fan of the Gauntlet Battle Royal at Bound for Glory. It started with a few years of the Bound for Gold Match and then evolved into the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Battle Royal. The match is a favorite of mine because of the debuts and returns that we get. This match was where we first really saw Kylie Rae, Joey Ryan, James Storm, Daivari and others. I expect that trend to continue this year.
The Call Your Shot hasn't traditionally been a good match but I am excited for the potential surprises we may get. People like W. Morrissey (#20), Chris Sabin (#1), Moose, Rich Swann and Brian Myers have already been announced for the match. I am expecting Eddie Edwards to return in this match. I could see Sam Beale eliminating Brian Myers or VSK. What about all the other stories along the way?
The big question is will we see Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt or Buddy Murphy in this match? Will we see any other additions to Impact Wrestling? Who will earn themselves a guaranteed title match?
AWESOME KONG INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME
At Knockouts Knockdown, it was announced that Knockout legend, Awesome Kong would be joining the ranks of the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame. While many things could be said about Kong, it can't be argued that she doesn't deserve this spot. I am very happy that her work in Impact will be recognized and celebrated with her entrance into the Hall of Fame, along the liked of Kurt Angle, Sting, Gail Kim and others.
At Knockouts Knockdown, it was announced that Knockout legend, Awesome Kong would be joining the ranks of the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame. While many things could be said about Kong, it can't be argued that she doesn't deserve this spot. I am very happy that her work in Impact will be recognized and celebrated with her entrance into the Hall of Fame, along the liked of Kurt Angle, Sting, Gail Kim and others.
KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP
DEONNA PURRAZZO VS MICKIE JAMES
This has been the best-built match on this show. Leading up to NWA Empowerrr, the Excutive Producer of the show, Mickie James wanted the best talent on the show. It definitely made sense that she actively recruited one of the greatest women's wrestlers in Deonna Purrazzo to compete at the show. Deonna was not humble about the opportunity, and was very disrespectful of Mickie in the process. At the NWA Women's show, Deonna even attacked Mickie after her match.
It has gotten real personal since that night. The two have been at each other's throats. Deonna went to Mickie's ranch and fought with her in a barn. The two attempted to take each other out with the Pick Your Poison Challenge. It was so bad that Scott D'Amore announced a no contact order between the two. Unfortunately, that was broken this week on Impact when Matthew Rehwoldt attacked Mickie.
Matthew Rehwoldt won't be in Deonna's corner at Bound for Glory. Deonna will be competing against a former Knockouts Champion in Mickie James. While Deonna has had plenty of strong challengers in the Age of the Virtuosa, very few have been on the level of Hardcore Country. On top of that, both ladies must realize that the veteran, Mercedes Martinez is waiting in the wings for whoever leaves Bound for Glory as champion.
DEONNA PURRAZZO VS MICKIE JAMES
This has been the best-built match on this show. Leading up to NWA Empowerrr, the Excutive Producer of the show, Mickie James wanted the best talent on the show. It definitely made sense that she actively recruited one of the greatest women's wrestlers in Deonna Purrazzo to compete at the show. Deonna was not humble about the opportunity, and was very disrespectful of Mickie in the process. At the NWA Women's show, Deonna even attacked Mickie after her match.
It has gotten real personal since that night. The two have been at each other's throats. Deonna went to Mickie's ranch and fought with her in a barn. The two attempted to take each other out with the Pick Your Poison Challenge. It was so bad that Scott D'Amore announced a no contact order between the two. Unfortunately, that was broken this week on Impact when Matthew Rehwoldt attacked Mickie.
Matthew Rehwoldt won't be in Deonna's corner at Bound for Glory. Deonna will be competing against a former Knockouts Champion in Mickie James. While Deonna has had plenty of strong challengers in the Age of the Virtuosa, very few have been on the level of Hardcore Country. On top of that, both ladies must realize that the veteran, Mercedes Martinez is waiting in the wings for whoever leaves Bound for Glory as champion.
IMPACT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
CHRISTIAN CAGE VS JOSH ALEXANDER
Ever since April of this year, an AEW talent has held the most prestigious championship in this company. Kenny Omega held onto the title defeating names like Rich Swann, Sami Callihan and Moose in the process. He eventually lost the championship on the debut of Rampage by falling to former NWA World Champion, Christian Cage.
Cage strolled back into the Impact Zone acting like a returning hero. He was the one who defeated the evil Kenny Omega. He was a former Impact talent coming home. But is that true? Josh Alexander doesn't see it like that.
Josh Alexander has been the fighting champion of Impact in the past year. While Omega was dodging challengers, Josh Alexander faced them head on. He competed in Ultimate X, The Triple Threat Revolver, the Iron Man Match and faced some of the best wrestlers in the company. He declared himself the King of the Mountain in Impact.
At Victory Road, Alexander beat Chris Sabin, who then told him to use Option C. That is what Josh Alexander did. He traded in his X Division Championship for a World Title Match at Bound for Glory. It is a match that originally was about friendly competition but has turned heated followed passive comments from Christian Cage.
I honestly feel like this will be a barn-burner of a match. It could also be a match that really establishes Josh Alexander (a workhorse) as the face of the company. It could also be a match that moves us along from the forbidden door chapter of Impact in 2021.
CHRISTIAN CAGE VS JOSH ALEXANDER
Ever since April of this year, an AEW talent has held the most prestigious championship in this company. Kenny Omega held onto the title defeating names like Rich Swann, Sami Callihan and Moose in the process. He eventually lost the championship on the debut of Rampage by falling to former NWA World Champion, Christian Cage.
Cage strolled back into the Impact Zone acting like a returning hero. He was the one who defeated the evil Kenny Omega. He was a former Impact talent coming home. But is that true? Josh Alexander doesn't see it like that.
Josh Alexander has been the fighting champion of Impact in the past year. While Omega was dodging challengers, Josh Alexander faced them head on. He competed in Ultimate X, The Triple Threat Revolver, the Iron Man Match and faced some of the best wrestlers in the company. He declared himself the King of the Mountain in Impact.
At Victory Road, Alexander beat Chris Sabin, who then told him to use Option C. That is what Josh Alexander did. He traded in his X Division Championship for a World Title Match at Bound for Glory. It is a match that originally was about friendly competition but has turned heated followed passive comments from Christian Cage.
I honestly feel like this will be a barn-burner of a match. It could also be a match that really establishes Josh Alexander (a workhorse) as the face of the company. It could also be a match that moves us along from the forbidden door chapter of Impact in 2021.
FINAL THOUGHTS: Bound for Glory has a real opportunity to splash a fresh coat of paint on Impact Wrestling. This company has been playing it safe in Nashville for over the past year. BFG emanates from Sam's Town in Las Vegas. We have the potential of seeing new faces, new champions and ushering in a new era. I hope you are watching.
