9 Ups & 3 Downs From IMPACT Wrestling Hard To Kill 2022

Ups...

9. Big Beef

Though somewhat hampered by its lack of time, Jake Something vs. Madman Fulton achieved just about everything it needed to. As a previously unadvertised contest on the pre-show, this didn't matter, really. It did, however, serve as a mini-banger of a hoss fight, owing to IMPACT's careful handling of its layout.

It was evenly-fought, nailed every beat, and, if IMPACT's booking is to be trusted, sets Something back on track following a disgracefully lacklustre 2021. He beat the piss out of the former Sawyer Fulton, but he took just as much as he gave. Fulton booted Jake out of the ring from the ring of the bell, before then one-handed deadlifting him off the arena floor, and onto the ring apron. His flurry of Chokeslams not long after made Jake look like a goober, but it was needed to further enhance the impact of Jake's eventual victory.

Fighting back with his entire body frame smashing into Madman's, Jake ultimately scored the 1-2-3 via Black Hole Slam, swinging Fulton off his feet with such ease and precision. Like the X Division four-way that followed it, the outcome could be an indication as to how IMPACT perceives Jake Something in 2021. He screamed star at various points.