5 Ups & 5 Downs From Impact Wrestling (26 Jan)

4. Radio Silence

Matt Cardona's AXS TV in-ring debut was a roaring success, as he and newly-babyface Josh Alexander left with the winner's purse over Ace Austin and Madman Fulton. A solid encounter that established Cardona in Impact Wrestling, and continued the story arc between the two sides.

It's key to note just how well Austin and Fulton have gelled together since officially uniting in May. This is what the former Sawyer Fulton needed to move on to the next stage in his career as he very easily could have floundered after the dissolution of oVe. He and the Super X Cup winner used some terrific tag team tactics to keep the match in their favour, while also busting out The Smoking Gunns' old sidewalk slam/top rope legdrop finish. They executed it beautifully, too.

They didn't need the win, though. They're already an established act. Cardona and Alexander were in need of the win for varying reasons; Matt is still a new face to the Impact Zone, while Josh has only just become a singles star for the first time. Ace inadvertently catapulting Cardona into a Radio Silence on Fulton was a nice finish.

Some good stuff in this match. As mentioned, Ace and Madman work perfectly together, while Josh's previously unseen amateur wrestling in-ring style is just what he needs to separate himself from the era of The North. Great effort by all involved.