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IMPACT Wrestling established itself as the number three promotion in the United States in 2021. Through a partnership with All Elite Wrestling and consistent in-ring quality, the company has made itself a source of entertainment for its fanbase.
16 new champions were crowned, with multiple stars debuting in 2021. The roster has expanded with Matt Cardona, W. Morrissey, and the IInspiration. That's not even taking into account the likes of AEW's Kenny Omega, Christian Cage, and Kazarian, as well as NJPW's FinJuice and Minoru Suzuki, who all left their mark in 2021.
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With the arrival of 2022, it's time to remember the moments that defined 2021 for IMPACT Wrestling. Multiple shifts have changed the course of this promotion more than many others in the industry. In this article, let's take a look at the five defining moments of IMPACT Wrestling in 2021.
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5. The IInspiration make their in-ring debut to defeat Decay for the IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Titles
During their run, the IIconics became one of the best women's tag teams in WWE. After being released by WWE in April 2021, Peyton Royce and Billie Kay sparked conversations about where they would head next.
It was announced in October that Royce and Kay, now known by their real names Cassie Lee and Jessica McKay, would debut for IMPACT Wrestling to face Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Decay at Bound For Glory in Las Vegas. The IInspiration came out with a brand new entrance and presentation. They were bonafide superstars on this night.
They made a triumphant debut by defeating Rosemary and Havok to become the new IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Champions. The IInspiration have such charismatic characters that they would be successful for any company. IMPACT picked up a money act that should become a mainstay for the promotion in 2022.
4. "Switchblade" Jay White makes a shocking arrival in IMPACT Wrestling to confront The Elite at Slammiversary
Kenny Omega defeated Sami Callihan in an insane and bloody No Disqualification main event to retain the IMPACT World Title at Slammiversary. The Cleaner celebrated with Don Callis and The Good Brothers afterward, but this was interrupted by none other than NJPW's "Switchblade" Jay White.
The Bullet Club leader confronted the AEW and IMPACT World Champion Kenny Omega, Doc Gallows, and Karl Anderson. All three men were former members of the iconic New Japan faction. This had many fans wondering what would happen next. Despite Chris Bey becoming a part of the Bullet Club, nothing much came of this shocking arrival by Switchblade.
3. Moose cashes in the Call Your Shot trophy to beat Josh Alexander for the IMPACT World Title in front of his family at Bound For Glory
Heading into Bound For Glory, Josh Alexander invoked "Option C" to relinquish the X-Division Championship for a shot at the IMPACT World Championship. At Bound For Glory, the Walking Weapon defeated AEW's Christian Cage to win the title. He celebrated in the ring with his wife and son in an emotional post-match celebration.
However, things quickly turned sour. Earlier in the night, Moose won the Call Your Shot Gauntlet to win the trophy for a guaranteed shot at any title anytime he wanted. The self-proclaimed Wrestling God cashed in right after Alexander's win in front of his family. The scene of Moose standing over the Walking Weapon and his family with the IMPACT World Title was unforgettable for the company's fans.
2. Mickie James defeats Deonna Purrazzo to win the IMPACT Knockouts Championship at Bound For Glory
Mickie James returned to IMPACT Wrestling at Slammiversary and immediately confronted the Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo. Although she meant no harm and invited The Virtuosa to compete at NWA Empowerrr, this sparked a feud that would take up much of their 2021.
After Deonna attacked Mickie at NWA's 73rd Anniversary Show, the two ladies couldn't keep their hands off each other, brawling in the ring and even at Mickie's barn. This gave their Bound For Glory showdown a bitter animosity that made fans want to see the clash.
At the pay-per-view, Purrazzo and James gave a spirited brawl that fit the tone of their rivalry. They fought all over ringside and had a level of intensity that matched the buildup. It was a great encounter that told a simple yet effective story. Mickie defeated Deonna to win the IMPACT Knockouts Championship at Bound For Glory.
1. Kenny Omega defeats Rich Swann to retain the AEW World Title & win the IMPACT World Championship at Rebellion
Kenny Omega arrived in IMPACT Wrestling at the end of 2020 and staked his claim to become the belt collector. With the AEW World Championship and AAA Mega Championship in his possession, The Cleaner looked to hold the top prize in the promotion sooner rather than later.
After his pinfall victory over Rich Swann in a six-man tag team match at Hard To Kill, the inevitable Champion vs. Champion clash was set for Rebellion. It was billed to be the biggest IMPACT World Title bout in the company's history.
They delivered a thrilling main event with enjoyable action and marvelous storytelling. Omega hit his signature moves at will while Swann was fantastic with perfectly timed comebacks. The Best Bout Machine fulfilled his proclamation by defeating Swann with The One-Winged Angel to win the IMPACT World Championship. The title win signified Omega becoming a top star in a third promotion.
IMPACT Wrestling's 2021 will be remembered for their partnership with AEW that put new eyes on the product and produced in-ring quality, as this very match. That's why Kenny Omega defeating Rich Swann for the world title was IMPACT Wrestling's defining moment in 2021.
