Here's a recap of Mickie's busy night the January 19th, 2023 edition of Impact Wrestling. Thanks to ImpactWrestling.com for the recap.
New Knockouts World Champion Mickie James Kicks Off IMPACT!
After defeating Jordynne Grace to become new Knockouts World Champion in the epic conclusion to The Last Rodeo, Mickie James is in the ring to thank the fans for their support. But then, the man who failed to capture the IMPACT World Title from Josh Alexander, Bully Ray, interrupts. Bully tells her to leave but Mickie stands her ground. Bully calls himself the true “main event” of Hard To Kill and credits himself with selling out Center Stage in Atlanta. Bully says that without him, Josh Alexander would be a nobody. Mickie fires back, saying that if Bully wants her out of this ring, he needs to make her leave. Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans are out next as Steelz reminds Mickie that she can’t beat her. Evans clobbers Mickie, leading to a two-on-one beatdown. Moments later, Frankie Kazarian and Jordynne Grace even the odds. IMPACT’s new Director of Authority, Santino Marella, is about to make a match when Ernest “The Cat” Miller arrives. Miller gives Marella some advice, leading to this huge bout to kick off IMPACT.
Knockouts World Champion Mickie James, Jordynne Grace & Frankie Kazarian vs Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans & Bully Ray
Grace sets her sights on Bully but Evans attacks her from behind to gain control. Grace breaks free, then makes the tag to James. Evans hits a strong Irish whip into the corner, followed by a running clothesline. James comes back with the head scissors, then takes down Evans with a Thesz Press. James hits the ropes but Bully pulls her hair from the apron. Bully is tagged into the match as he delivers a powerslam to James. Steelz has her momentum momentarily broken by a Hurricanrana but quickly regains control with a pump kick. The pace quickens as Grace hits Steelz with her signature splash in the corner. Grace has Bully up on her shoulders but Bully counters with a chop. Kazarian takes out Bully, then sends Steelz and Evans colliding into one another. Bully retreats to the back as James hits the top rope Thesz Press on Steelz to win.
Knockouts World Champion Mickie James, Jordynne Grace & Frankie Kazarian def Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans & Bully Ray
After the match, the new #1 Contender for the Knockouts World Title, Masha Slamovich, issues a death warrant to Mickie James. That led to Mickie shoving it back in her face!