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Finally, Impact Wrestling’s January pay-per-view, Homecoming, is upon us. After two weeks of “best of” episodes and a non-eventful go home show there is little to no hype for this PPV. On paper, this isn’t a bad card, but how many fans are willing to spend $40 on a PPV in 2019? This PPV will most likely be the lowest buyrate in company history. With that being said, let’s preview Impact Wrestling’s Homecoming PPV, taking place in Nashville, Tenn. at the Asylum.
Allie & Su Yung vs. Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace – Singles match.
This is easily the least intriguing match on the card as it was just announced on Thursday. Also, this is built around Hogan wanting Allie to get her soul back. Seriously, how is anyone suppose to care about this match?
Prediction: Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace
Sami Callihan vs. Willie Mack – Singles match.
Just like the previous match, this was also announced on Thursday’s episode of Impact. It will be interesting to see if Rich Swann plays a role in the finish as we are unsure about his past relationship with Callihan. If this match is given enough time it could be a great undercard match.
Prediction: Sami Callihan
Eddie Edwards vs. Moose – Falls Count Anywhere match.
Moose has improved so much in the past two years and Edwards is still able to put on a great match. Unfortunately, this feud has been plagued by ridiculous storylines. Falls count anywhere matches are usually not my thing, but I expect a good match from these two.
Prediction: Moose
Eli Drake vs. Abyss – Monster’s Ball match.
The last thing fans were asking for was an Eli Drake vs. Abyss match in 2019. I expect this to be a brutal match that goes under ten minutes. I do like the storyline that Drake is the last of a dying breed, but please no more Tommy Dreamer promos about skinny jean millennials. The build has weirdly included Dreamer just as much – if not more than Abyss.
Prediction: Eli Drake
LAX (c) vs. The Lucha Bros – Impact World Tag Team Championship match.
LAX had an incredible 2018 and they are looking to start 2019 off the right way by successfully defending against the Lucha Brothers. I really hope this match is given the right amount of time as it could be match of the night. Konnan will likely play a role in the finish, but I’m not sure in what way. I would love to see a heel turn for LAX and Konnan to freshen them up. If they retain who would they face next The Desi Hit squad? I think it’s too early for The Rascalz to challenge so really that only leaves the Desi Hit Squad.
Prediction: LAX
Jake Crist vs. Ethan Page vs. Rich Swann vs. Trey Miguel – Ultimate X Match for the vacant X-Division Championship.
For the most part, Ultimate X matches are great and I expect no different with this one. It’s very crucial for Impact to deliver with this match. Impact now more than ever needs to distinguish themselves from the competition and they can start by pushing the X Division. I can’t imagine Crist or Miguel winning due to their allegiances with their respective teams and I just don’t see Page as an X Division star, but Swann could easily put the X Division title back on fans radar.
Prediction: Rich Swann
Tessa Blanchard (c) vs. Taya Valkyrie – Impact Knockouts Championship match. Gail Kim will be the Special Guest Referee.
This is one of the more intriguing matches on the card in my opinion. The social media exchanges have been good, but definitely not on the level of Austin Aries and Johnny Impacts. Taya saying the only reason Tessa is in Impact is because of her family, is ridiculous on so many levels. Anyways, I doubt Tessa loses the title before she has her feud with Jordynne Grace.
Prediction: Tessa Blanchard
Johnny Impact (c) vs. Brian Cage – Impact World Championship match.
The babyface versus babyface storyline between Impact and Cage has been somewhat lackluster. Killer Kross will undoubtedly make his presence known by either interfering during the match or shooting an angle after the finish. Cage is not that much better than Impact on the mic, but I would love to see what a title reign would look like with him. Impact could start a feud with Kross and Cage could move on to someone like Sami Callihan.
Prediction: Brian Cage
For the small roster they have, a good card. Now running as little more than Border City Wrestling 2.0, I had hoped they would have followed WWE’s formula of bringing in a “special attraction.” Impact has no buzz whatsoever and, without spending to get some talent, will fade into obscurity on the Pursuit Channel.