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

6. Speedball's Moment Of Glory

Originally booked as Ace Austin vs. Chris Bey vs. Laredo Kid vs. Jake Something, Something was instead replaced by the debuting Mike Bailey the day of the pay-per-view.

Bailey was excellent; he's a natural fit for the X Division.

Everyone felt like a huge deal, though the overarching story was focused entirely around Speedball's debut. He presented energetic bursts immediately, executing his patented high-paced side kicks as his second manoeuvre, while a triple-spin corkscrew roundhouse kick to a cornered Ace Austin preceded the Ultima Weapon as his chosen match-ender. The Canadian striker was always the rightful winner, but that he got this strong a showing was necessary to how he's perceived in the company moving forward.

Austin, Chris Bey, and Laredo Kid were all shining talents, too; Austin's Fosbury Flop and Bey's (a tad overshot) Tope con Hilo were gorgeous visuals, as was the aforementioned bonkers Spanish Fly from Laredo Kid to Mike Bailey. It simply wasn't their night to shine, hence why each held back from what they would have usually produced. There was no Madman Fulton or Hikuleo interference because it simply wasn't needed.

This was Mike Bailey's night, and he more than capitalised on the opportunity.