11 Biggest Stories From IMPACT's Bound For Glory And What They Mean Going Forward

5. Tessa Blanchard Continues Her Reign Of Dominance

The current Knockouts Champion Tessa Blanchard has an unquestionable pedigree as a third-generation star. Meanwhile, Taya Valkyrie has recently been broadening her own horizons by competing for various promotions in Mexico before returning to Impact just three weeks ago and immediately challenging Blanchard.

Sunday's title match began with a Hurricanrana and spear by Valkyrie, but Tessa swiftly retaliated with a brutal neckbreaker on the apron. The champion’s momentum was then halted when Taya locked her in a chokehold. She followed up with a stunning Moonsault and her Road to Valhalla finisher in what seemed to be the end, however, the referee was unable to count the pinfall - distracted with fixing the ring apron which Tessa had pulled into the ring. This allowed the champion to hit a Buzzsaw DDT to retain her Knockouts Title.

Though she only made her return last month, Valkyrie showed that she may be the woman to finally end Tessa's reign. While she came close to doing just that on Sunday, Blanchard’s ring acumen and quick-thinking kept the title in her grasp. Tessa will certainly look to finish out 2018 as champion, but if there’s anyone who can prevent that it will be Taya Valkyrie.

Contributor

Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.