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Bound for Glory (2023)

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Bound for Glory
PromotionImpact Wrestling
DateOctober 21, 2023
CityCicero, Illinois
VenueCicero Stadium
Attendance1,000
Pay-per-view chronology
← Previous
Multiverse United 2
Next →
Hard To Kill
Bound for Glory chronology
← Previous
2022
Next →
2024

The 2023 Bound for Glory was a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by Impact Wrestling. It took place on October 21, 2023, at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois. It was the 19th event under the Bound for Glory chronology, and the second to be held in the Chicago area, following the 2019 event.[1] The event also featured various wrestlers from partner promotion New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

Eight matches were contested at the event, including one taped for an episode of Impact Main Event Mondays. In the main event, Alex Shelley defeated Josh Alexander to retain the Impact World Championship. In other prominent matches, Trinity defeated Mickie James to retain the Impact Knockouts World Championship, Will Ospreay defeated Mike Bailey, and in the opening contest, Chris Sabin defeated Kenta to retain the Impact X Division Championship.

The event was notable for the Impact Wrestling debut of Sonny Kiss, and the returns of Juventud Guerrera and Matt Cardona. The event was also the final pay-per-view under the Impact Wrestling banner, as the promotion reverted to the revived moniker of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling at Hard To Kill.[2]

Production

[edit]

Background

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Bound for Glory is a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by Impact Wrestling. The event was created in 2005 to serve as the company's flagship PPV event, similar to WWE's WrestleMania, in which wrestlers competed in various professional wrestling match types in what was the culmination of many feuds and storylines that occurred during the calendar year.[3] On January 25, 2023, it was announced by Impact Wrestling that Bound for Glory would take place on October 21, 2023, at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois, a suburb just outside Chicago.[1][4]

Storylines

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The event featured several professional wrestling matches, which involve different wrestlers from pre-existing scripted feuds, plots, and storylines. Wrestlers portrayed heroes, villains, or less distinguishable characters in scripted events that build tension and culminate in a wrestling match or series of matches. Storylines are produced on Impact's weekly television program.[5]

At Emergence, Impact announced that NJPW's IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay will return to the company at Bound for Glory.[6] His opponent was later revealed as Mike Bailey on Week 2 of Impact! 1000, a match that was originally scheduled for Multiverse United in March before Ospreay sustained an injury.[7]

On the April 6 episode of Impact!, due to a torn triceps, Josh Alexander was forced to vacate the Impact World Championship.[8][9] In his absence, Steve Maclin and later Alex Shelley would hold the title, with Alexander returning to confront Shelley at the end of Slammiversary.[10][11] In the following weeks, Shelley took exception to Alexander calling the Impact World Championship "his" title, since he was never beaten for it. The two would continue to be reluctant allies, however, Shelley would at points abandon Alexander whenever the latter was in trouble, such as at Emergence.[12][13] On Week 2 of Impact! 1000, Impact announced that Alexander will challenge Shelley for the Impact World Championship at Bound for Glory.[14]

On the September 28 Impact!, after Chris Sabin retained the Impact X Division Championship against Alan Angels, a video package played announcing the Impact return of Kenta at Bound for Glory.[15][16] Later in the night, Impact announced that Sabin will defend the X Division title against Kenta at the event.[17]

On the April 13 Impact!, Mickie James was forced to vacate the Impact Knockouts World Championship due to a broken rib.[18][19] Deonna Purrazzo and Trinity would become champion in James' absence. On Week 1 of Impact! 1000, James made her return from the injury, teaming with current champion Trinity to win a 10-Knockout tag team match on Week 2. Although during the post-match celebration, James was noticeably eyeing Trinity's title belt.[20][21] On the following week's episode, Trinity defeated Gisele Shaw in a non-title main event, before being ambushed by Shaw and the SHAWntourage (Savannah Evans and Jai Vidal). However, James would emerge to help the champion fend off Shaw's associates. James later spoke to Trinity about how she earned her title but reminded her that she never lost it herself.[15][16] James would challenge Trinity to a Knockouts World Championship match at Bound for Glory, which Impact made official on their website.[22]

On the September 28 episode of Impact!, the Call Your Shot Gauntlet was announced for Bound for Glory, with the winner as always earning a trophy they can use to invoke a championship opportunity of their choice at any time and place. A ten-person tag team match would be announced for the following week, with Champagne Singh, Dirty Dango, Eric Young, Jake Something, and Jordynne Grace defeating Bully Ray, Brian Myers, Shera, Jody Threat, and KiLynn King.[23][24] The following week, the five of them would go on to face each other, where Dango – with help from Oleg Prudius (formerly Vladimir Kozlov in WWE) – pinned Something to earn the last entry spot in the gauntlet match, and Something was forced into the first entry spot.[25][26]

At Slammiversary, ABC (Ace Austin and Chris Bey) defended their Impact World Tag Team Championship against Brian Myers and Moose, Rich Swann and Sami Callihan, and Subculture (Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster). At the closing moments of the match, The Rascalz (Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz) appeared and neutralized ABC from the match, allowing Andrews to pin Myers and Subculture to win the titles.[10][11] On the subsequent episode of Impact!, ABC invoked their rematch clause to challenge Subculture for the titles, but lost once again due to interference from the Rascalz.[27][28] At Emergence, The Rascalz would defeat Subculture to win the tag team titles, when outside interference from Dani Luna, ABC and The Good Hands (John Skyler and Jason Hotch) allowed Miguel to blind Webster with spray paint before pinning him.[12][13] On the first week of Impact! 1000, Bey competed in the Feast or Fired match, securing Briefcase 3,[29][30] which contained a tag team title opportunity.[20][21] On October 5, Impact announced that Bey and Austin would invoke this opportunity at Bound for Glory for the Impact World Tag Team Championship.[31] On the October 12 Impact!, The Rascalz successfully defended the titles against Rich Swann and Sami Callihan, now going on to face ABC at Bound for Glory.[25][26]

Event

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Other on-screen personnel
Role: Name:
Commentators Tom Hannifan
Matthew Rehwoldt
Ring announcer David Penzer
Referees Daniel Spencer
Allison Leigh
Frank Gastineau
Interviewer Gia Miller

Preliminary matches

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In the opening contest, Chris Sabin defended the Impact X Division Championship against Kenta. In the opening stages, Sabin delivered a diving crossbody for a two-count. Sabin then delivered a missile dropkick and a tornado DDT for a two-count. Kenta then delivered a draping DDT and a corner dropkick. Kenta then delivered a diving double foot stomp to Sabin for a two-count. As Kenta wanted to attempt the GTS, Sabin escaped and delivered a superkick and a step-up enzeguiri. Sabin then delivered the Clothesline from Hell, Michigan and the Cradle Shock for the three-count.

The next match was a Monster's Ball match contested between PCO, Moose, Rhino and Steve Maclin. In the opening stages, Maclin hit PCO with a trashcan and delivered a bodyslam to him onto a ladder. PCO then delivered a tope atomico and a diving leg drop to Maclin for a two-count. Moose then delivered a chokeslam to PCO onto thumbtacks on cinder blocks. Rhino then delivered a clothesline to Maclin and the Gore for a nearfall. As Maclin wanted to attempt a diving attack on Rhino, Bully Ray then came out and pushed Maclin through a barbed wire table. Moose then hit PCO with a chair, allowing Rhino to deliver the Gore to Moose. PCO then delivered the PCOsault on Moose and pinned him for the win.

In the next match, The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel) defended the Impact World Tag Team Championship against ABC[broken anchor] (Chris Bey and Ace Austin). In the closing stages, Trey delivered an apron neckbreaker to Austin for a two-count. Bey then delivered a brainbuster to Wentz for a two-count. Miguel and Wentz then delivered a meteora/diving double stomp for a two-count. As Wentz was arguing with the referee, he unintentionally used a spray can and sprayed Miguel in the eyes. Bey then delivered a superkick to Miguel, allowing Bey and Austin to deliver the 1-2-Sweet (Art of Finesse/The Fold combination) on Wentz to win the tag team championship.

In the next match, Will Ospreay faced Mike Bailey. In the opening stages, Bailey delivered a moonsault onto the outside to Ospreay. Ospreay then delivered a big boot and a diving crossbody for a two-count. Ospreay then delivered a forearm smash and a superkick for a two-count. As Ospreay wanted to attempt a bucklebomb, Bailey countered it into a backslide pin for a two-count. Bailey then delivered a poisonrana and the Ultima Weapon to Ospreay for a nearfall. Ospreay then delivered the Styles Clash and the Oscutter for a nearfall. As Bailey wanted to attempt the Flamingo Driver, Ospreay escaped and delivered a Storm Driver '93 for another nearfall. Ospreay then delivered the Hidden Blade and the Storm Breaker for the three-count.

The next match was a Call Your Shot Gauntlet match. The first participants were Jake Something and Eddie Edwards. The returning Juventud Guerrera then came out and #4 and a double DDT to Edwards and Kenny King, who came out at #3. Guerrera then clotheslined King out of the ring for the first elimination. The final four participants were Matt Cardona, KiLynn King, Bully Ray and Jordynne Grace. Bully Ray then clotheslined King out of the ring and Grace threw Cardona out of the ring simultaneously. As Bully Ray wanted to attempt a diving senton, Grace moved out of the way and delivered the Grace Driver to Bully Ray and pinned him to win the trophy. After the match, Grace declared that she will challenge for the Impact Knockouts World Championship at Hard to Kill.

In the penultimate match, Trinity defended the Impact Knockouts World Championship against Mickie James. In the opening stages, Trinity attempted the Starstruck submission, but James escaped and delivered a headscissors takedown. Trinity then delivered her own headscissors takedown and split-legged moonsault for a two-count. Trinity then delivered the Rear View for a two-count. Trinity then delivered an enzeguiri and another split-legged moonsault for a nearfall. James then delivered the Mick Kick and a tornado DDT for a two-count. As James wanted to attempt the Mick-DT, Trinity countered it into a Full Nelson Slam. Trinity then locked in Starstruck, but James countered it into a pin for a two-count, but Trinity then recovered and locked in Starstruck again, forcing James to tap out.

Main event

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In the main event, Alex Shelley defended the Impact World Championship against Josh Alexander. In the opening stages, Shelley attempted a big boot, but Alexander blocked it and delivered multiple knife-edge chops. Shelley then delivered a rolling elbow and a twisting neckbreaker. Alexander then delivered a German Suplex to Shelley for a two-count. Shelley then delivered a snap German suplex and Sliced Bread for a two-count. Alexander then delivered a bridging German Suplex for a two-count. As Alexander wanted to attempt a diving crossbody to Shelley on the outside, Shelley caught him and delivered Shell Shock to Alexander onto the barricade. Shelley then delivered a frog splash and locked in the Border City Stretch, but Alexander reversed it into an ankle lock, but Shelley escaped. Shelley then delivered Shell Shock and a superkick. Shelley then delivered another Shell Shock to Alexander and pinned him to retain the title. After the match, Shelley and Alexander embraced each other.

A vignette then aired revealing the return of TNA at Hard to Kill in 2024. Afterwards, Impact Wrestling president Scott D'Amore then announced that 'TNA Wrestling is back!'.

Reception

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The event received acclaim for its matches and quality, the Ospreay vs. Bailey match, in particular, with many calling it one of the best matches of the year. [citation needed]

Results

[edit]
No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[34]
1MEMMK Ultra (Masha Slamovich and Killer Kelly) (c) defeated Deonna Purrazzo and Tasha SteelzTag team match for the Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championship[a][32]6:06
2Chris Sabin (c) defeated Kenta by pinfallSingles match for the Impact X Division Championship[17]11:28
3PCO defeated Moose, Rhino, and Steve Maclin by pinfallMonster's Ball match[33]11:09
4ABC (Chris Bey and Ace Austin) defeated The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel) (c) by pinfallTag team match for the Impact World Tag Team Championship[31]
(This was Bey's Feast or Fired Tag Team Title match)
9:49
5Will Ospreay defeated Mike Bailey by pinfallSingles match[7]17:58
6Jordynne Grace won by last eliminating Bully Ray20-person Intergender Call Your Shot Gauntlet
The winner receives a trophy and a contract they can invoke anytime within one year for a championship match of their choosing.
28:56
7Trinity (c) defeated Mickie James by submissionSingles match for the Impact Knockouts World Championship[22]11:59
8Alex Shelley (c) defeated Josh Alexander by pinfallSingles match for the Impact World Championship[14]22:32
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
MEM – the match was taped for a future broadcast of Main Event Mondays

Call Your Shot Gauntlet entrances and eliminations

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Draw Entrant Eliminated by Order Elimination(s)
1 Jake Something Matt Cardona and Brian Myers 15 2
2 Eddie Edwards Eric Young 5 1
3 Kenny King Juventud Guerrera 1 0
4 Juventud Guerrera Eddie Edwards 3 1
5 Johnny Swinger Gisele Shaw 2 0
6 Gisele Shaw Sonny Kiss 4 1
7 Jody Threat Jonathan Gresham 9 0
8 KiLynn King Bully Ray 17 0
9 Sonny Kiss Matt Cardona and Brian Myers 7 1
10 Bully Ray Jordynne Grace 19 1
11 Matt Cardona Jordynne Grace 18 5
12 Jordynne Grace Winner 2
13 Eric Young Matt Cardona 13 1
14 Joe Hendry Brian Myers 6 0
15 Brian Myers Matt Cardona 16 6
16 Heath Brian Myers 8 0
17 Frankie Kazarian Matt Cardona and Brian Myers 11 0
18 Rich Swann Brian Myers 12 0
19 Jonathan Gresham Jake Something 14 1
20 Dirty Dango Jake Something 10 0

Notes

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  1. ^ The match was taped for an Impact Main Event Mondays that aired on October 23.

References

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  1. ^ a b Tessier, Colin (January 25, 2023). "IMPACT Bound For Glory 2023 Confirmed For Chicago, More Dates Announced". Fightful. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  2. ^ "IMPACT Wrestling Returns To Being TNA Wrestling With TNA Hard To Kill On January 13, 2024 | Fightful News". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  3. ^ Martin, Adam (2005-03-09). "FSN special appears to be off, third anniversary PPV and Bound for Glory". WrestleView.com. Retrieved 2014-01-01.
  4. ^ Harris, Jeffrey (January 25, 2023). "Impact Wrestling Announces 2023 Dates for Chicago Including Bound for Glory '23". 411Mania. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  5. ^ Grabianowski, Ed (13 January 2006). "How Pro Wrestling Works". HowStuffWorks, Inc. Discovery Communications. Archived from the original on November 29, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  6. ^ "Will Ospreay Returns to IMPACT Wrestling at Bound For Glory & Bound For Glory Fallout". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. August 27, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  7. ^ a b ""The Aerial Assassin" Will Ospreay Battles "Speedball" Mike Bailey at Bound For Glory". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. September 21, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  8. ^ "IMPACT! on AXS TV Results: April 6, 2023". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. April 6, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  9. ^ Moore, John (April 7, 2023). "4/6 Impact Wrestling TV results: Moore's review of Jonathan Gresham vs. Mikey Bailey, Eddie Edwards vs. PCO, Darren McCarty, Tommy Dreamer, and Yuya Uemura vs. Bully Ray, John Skyler, and Jason Hotch, Motor City Machine Guns vs. "TMDK" Bad Dude Tito and Shane Haste, Jody Threat debuts". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Slammiversary 2023 Full Results". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. July 15, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Moore, John (July 15, 2023). "Impact Wrestling Slammiversary results: Moore's live review of Alex Shelley vs. Nick Aldis for the Impact World Championship, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Trinity for the Knockouts Title, Scott D'Amore and a mystery partner vs. Bully Ray and Deaner". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  12. ^ a b "Emergence 2023 LIVE Results". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. August 27, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Vetter, Chris (August 27, 2023). "Impact Wrestling Emergence (8/27) results: Vetter's review of Trinity vs. Deonna Purrazzo for the Knockouts Championship, Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Kushida, and Josh Alexander vs. Bully Ray, Moose, Brian Myers, and Lio Rush". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  14. ^ a b "Josh Alexander Vows to Reclaim the Title He Never Lost in Bound For Glory World Championship Showdown vs Alex Shelley". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. September 21, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  15. ^ a b "IMPACT! on AXS TV Results: September 28, 2023". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  16. ^ a b Moore, John (September 29, 2023). "Impact Wrestling TV results (9/28): Moore's review of Chris Sabin vs. Alan Angels for the X Division Title, Mike Bailey vs. Jonathan Gresham, Knockouts Champion Trinity vs. Gisele Shaw in a non-title match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  17. ^ a b "KENTA Challenges Chris Sabin for X-Division Title in IMPACT Return at Bound For Glory". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  18. ^ "IMPACT! on AXS TV Results: April 13, 2023". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. April 13, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  19. ^ Moore, John (April 14, 2023). "4/13 Impact Wrestling TV results: Moore's review of Mickie James revealing her status for Sunday's Rebellion PPV, Kenny King vs. Frankie Kazarian for the advantage in the Hardcore War, Callihan and Angels vs. Joe Hendry and Dirty Dango, Gisele Shaw vs. Tasha Steelz, Taylor Wilde vs. Jessicka". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  20. ^ a b "IMPACT 1000 Results: September 21, 2023". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. September 21, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  21. ^ a b Moore, John (September 21, 2023). "Impact Wrestling TV results (9/21): Moore's review of Ultimate X, big Knockouts tag match, Feast or Fired results, Josh Alexander vs. Trey Miguel, Eric Young vs. Kenny King, Jake Something vs. Dirty Dango". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  22. ^ a b "Trinity vs James for the Knockouts World Title: An Epic First Time Ever Match at Bound For Glory". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  23. ^ "IMPACT! on AXS TV Results: October 5, 2023". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. October 5, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  24. ^ Moore, John (October 6, 2023). "Impact Wrestling TV results (10/5): Moore's review of Tasha Steelz vs. Killer Kelly, Chris Bey and Ace Austin vs. John Skyler and a partner in a fans' revenge match, Josh Alexander vs. Big Kon, ten-person tag match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  25. ^ a b "IMPACT! on AXS TV Results: October 12, 2023". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. October 12, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  26. ^ a b Moore, John (October 13, 2023). "Impact Wrestling TV results (10/12): Moore's review of Eddie Edwards vs. Frankie Kazarian in a best of three falls match, The Rascalz vs. Sami Callihan and Rich Swann for the Impact Tag Titles". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  27. ^ IMPACT Wrestling Staff (July 20, 2023). "IMPACT! on AXS TV Results: July 20, 2023 (Episode 992)". Impact Wrestling. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  28. ^ Moore, John (July 21, 2023). "Impact Wrestling TV results (7/20): Moore's review of Subculture vs. Ace Austin and Chris Bey for the Impact Tag Team Titles, Josh Alexander provides a status update, Kevin Knight vs. Jake Something, Dirty Dango vs. Santino Marella". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  29. ^ "IMPACT 1000 Results: September 14, 2023". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. September 14, 2023. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  30. ^ Moore, John (September 15, 2023). "Impact Wrestling TV results (9/14): Moore's review of Impact 1000 with Lio Rush vs. Chris Sabin for the X Title, Team 3D reunites, Eddie and Alisha Edwards vs. Frankie Kazarian and Traci Brooks, Feast or Fired". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  31. ^ a b "ABC Activate Their IMPACT World Tag Team Title Shot at Bound For Glory". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. October 5, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  32. ^ "Deonna Purrazzo & Tasha Steelz Unite to Challenge MK Ultra in Knockouts Tag Title Showdown at Bound For Glory". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. October 5, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  33. ^ "Bound For Glory: PCO, Rhino, Steve Maclin & Moose Tear Each Other Apart in Monster's Ball". Impact Wrestling. IMPACT Wrestling Staff. October 10, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  34. ^ Moore, John (October 21, 2023). "Impact Wrestling Bound For Glory results: Moore's live review of Alex Shelley vs. Josh Alexander for the Impact World Championship, Will Ospreay vs. Mike Bailey, Trinity vs. Mickie James for the Knockouts Title". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
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