5 Talking Points from this week's IMPACT Wrestling (May 19th, 2022): Ultimate X Qualifier, Mia Yim's in-ring return, Blockbuster matches announced
The build towards Slammiversary continued on the latest edition of IMPACT Wrestling. The IMPACT World Tag Team Championships were up for grabs in the main event as The Briscoes defended their titles against Violent By Design.
Eric Young reflected on his win last week as he prepared for his title bout against IMPACT World champion Josh Alexander at Slammiversary. The Walking Weapon also had a few words of his own.
Additionally, Mia Yim made her highly anticipated in-ring return to IMPACT Wrestling. The Qualifiers for the Ultimate X match continued this week as Laredo Kid was in action against Mike Bailey.
Without further ado, let's check out the five talking points from this week's IMPACT Wrestling.
#5. Ultimate X qualifying match on IMPACT Wrestling
The opening bout of the night saw Mike Bailey and Laredo Kid in action in the Ultimate X qualifier.
Towards the end of the fast-paced encounter, Bailey hit a kick to the head and went for the pin, but Laredo countered it into a pin attempt of his own. Bailey shifted his weight to trap Laredo and eventually managed to secure a pinfall victory.
.@SpeedballBailey is headed to Ultimate X at #Slammiversary! #IMPACTonAXSTV @Laredokidpro1 https://t.co/N3i3Mu758b
Bailey joined Ace Austin and Kenny King in the Ultimate X match at Slammiversary with three more spots still up for grabs.
#4. Mia Yim's in-ring return to IMPACT Wrestling
On the May 12th episode of IMPACT Wrestling, Gail Kim announced that Tasha Steelz will be defending her Knockouts World Championship against Deonna Purrazzo, Jordynne Grace, Chelsea Green, and Mia Yim in the first-ever Queen of the Mountain match at Slammiversary.
For the first time since March 2nd, 2017 - The HBIC is in action on IMPACT! #IMPACTonAXSTV @MiaYim https://t.co/EqQCyglM1m
Steelz argued with Kim about the announcement and pushed for the inclusion of Savannah Evans in the bout before being interrupted by Yim. This led to a brawl between Yim, Steelz, and Evans. Purrazzo, Grace, and Taya Valkyrie also got involved later.
Purrazzo, Evans, and Steelz teamed up to face Valkyrie, Yim, and Grace in the latest edition of IMPACT Wrestling as Yim made her in-ring return to the promotion after five years. Steelz and Valkyrie kicked off the match; the latter gained the upper hand with a Blue Thunder Bomb and tagged in Grace, who kept the momentum going.
A little @gailkimITSME homage as @MiaYim picks up the victory for her team with Eat Defeat. #IMPACTonAXSTV @JordynneGrace @thetayavalkyrie https://t.co/SBC4RzcL2Z
Evans created a distraction which helped her side comeback into the match. Once Yim got in on the action, chaos ensued as everyone got involved in a brawl. Yim hit the Eat Defeat on Evans to pick up the win for her side.
#3. Josh Alexander had some words for Eric Young ahead of their title bout
From Team Canada to Don't Fire Eric to World Elite to defending TNA to Violent By Design - nobody on the current roster has had more matches or won more titles in company history than @TheEricYoung.
All of that has prepared him to face @Walking_Weapon at #Slammiversary. https://t.co/bUpGEiZnPd
Young cut an intriguing promo reflecting on his pro-wrestling career and his journey in IMPACT Wrestling. He spoke about how he ran with every character that was given to him and has finally reached the point where he is his truest self.
.@TheEricYoung is going to have to bring the fight of his life to take the IMPACT World Championship from @Walking_Weapon at #Slammiversary. #IMPACTonAXSTV https://t.co/d8IGJxM2j2
Moments later in a backstage interview with Gia Miller, Alexander stated that Eric Young would be in the conversation to be the MVP of the last 20 years at IMPACT Wrestling.
However, The Walking Weapon further stated that Slammiversary will determine who will be the face of the company for the next 20 years, and he vowed to be the one to usher in the new era.
#2. The Briscoes (Mark & Jay Briscoe) vs Violent By Design (Joe Doering & Deaner)
The main event of the night saw The Briscoes defending their IMPACT World Tag Team Championship against former champions Violent By Design in a rematch from Under Siege. The champions had it under control before Joe Doering hit a crossbody on Jay.
.@TheEricYoung and @Walking_Weapon come nose to nose for the first time ahead of their HUGE IMPACT World Championship match on June 19th at #Slammiversary!
#IMPACTonAXSTV @CodyDeaner @bigjoedoering @SussexCoChicken @jaybriscoe84 https://t.co/RIA8F7KYZW
Deaner distracted the referee which allowed Eric Young to get involved. Both teams engaged in some back and forth action before Jay rolled up Deaner for the win to retain the titles.
After the match, Violent By Design launched an assault on The Briscoes before Josh Alexander made the save. The Briscoes and Alexander stood tall to close the show.
#1. Blockbuster matches announced on IMPACT Wrestling
Following the main event, it was announced that The Briscoes and Josh Alexander will battle Violent By Design in a six-man tag. Alex Shelley and Trey Miguel will face each other in an Ultimate X Qualifying match.
Earlier in the night, Chris Sabin called out Frankie Kazarian and the two will do battle on the upcoming edition of IMPACT Wrestling.