IMPACT Wrestling Slammiversary 2021: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best

Result: Purrazzo compressed Rosa's neck with the Cosa Nostra to retain the title (10:30).

Rating: It's apt, really, that Thunder Rosa is named just that, as a thunderous ovation was let out for her when the NWA and AEW star emerged as Deonna Purrazzo's Knockouts Championship mystery challenger. She and 'The Virtuosa' put on a clinic that exceeded expectations in certain categories.

This was a match that was as technically proficient as it was violently hard-hitting at times. For every flashy takedown and lockup, there was a nasty hesitation dropkick to back it up. Purrazzo vs. Rosa was always going to rule, regardless of the situation, but this? This was a masterclass in modern technical wrestling.

Purrazzo adapting her mindset towards the end was key in developing Deonna's character arc in IMPACT. Rosa had managed to escape the Venus de Milo, and thus it was down to the Cosa Nostra to bring Deonna to the 246th day of her title reign. Rosa's neck may as well have snapped under the pressure; Deonna spiked her straight.

Arguably the match's best aspect is that no one was expecting Thunder Rosa. Mickie James was a shoo-in, surely. A wildcard bet would say Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. But Rosa? It was a legitimately brilliantly-timed surprise that worked in every way. 8.5/10