IMPACT Wrestling witnessed a substantial increase in viewership in 2021 due to its working relationship with AEW and NJPW. Match quality also witnessed an uptick, thanks to a series of incredible crossover matches between IMPACT stars and AEW invaders.
These excellent matches, coupled with overall great storytelling, allowed IMPACT to maintain its momentum for the entirety of the 12 months. With that being said, let’s take a look at the best IMPACT Wrestling PPV matches of 2021.
Christian Cage vs. Josh Alexander (IMPACT World Championship – Bound for Glory 2021)
Christian Cage won the IMPACT World Championship in a spectacular match at AEW Rampage. Captain Charisma put his title on the line against a worthy contender, Josh Alexander, in the main event of Bound for Glory 2021.
The storytelling was fantastic from bell to bell. Cage looked and played the part of the veteran to perfection. Alexander, on the other hand, proved he was the perfect pick to carry the torch from the IMPACT Wrestling veteran.
The post-match angle added much more to the drama as Moose invoked his Call Your Shot Gauntlet and put away the Walking Weapon for the title in front of his family.
Kenny Omega vs. Sami Callihan (No Disqualification Match for the IMPACT World Championship – Slammiversary)
Kenny Omega was, without a doubt, on top of the world in 2021. The Cleaner already had the AEW World Championship around his waist. He added IMPACT Wrestling’s top title to his resume by defeating Rich Swann in a fantastic match at Rebellion.
The Belt Collector put on another super performance in the Slammiversary main event against Sami Callihan. The No Disqualification stipulation favored the death-match maniac Callihan, who started the match strong with a piledriver.
Both men spent the next several minutes trying to keep each other at arm’s length. Omega showed his sadistic side by rubbing his knee against thumbtacks. He then used the tacks-infested knee for a vicious V-Trigger on Callihan for the win.
Ultimate X Match (IMPACT Wrestling Slammiversary 2021)
Before he was picked to carry the world title, Josh Alexander had a solid run with the X-Division Championship. The Walking Weapon won the title in a three-way at Rebellion. He put on an incredible defense against TJP in an epic 60-minute Iron Man Match.
His greatest challenge, perhaps, came in the form of the Ultimate X Match at Slammiversary 2021. Alexander defended his title against Ace Austin, Chris Bey, Petey Williams, Rohit Raji, and Trey Miguel in the high-risk match-up.
This match had no shortage of bodies falling right in the middle. In the end, the Walking Weapon managed to survive this absolute war of a match.
Kenny Omega vs. Rich Swann (IMPACT Wrestling Rebellion)
This is the match that kicked off Kenny Omega’s critically acclaimed Belt Collector reign. The Cleaner clashed against Rich Swann in a Winner Takes All Match for the IMPACT and AEW World Championships.
The match had both AEW and IMPACT Wrestling officials in attendance. Tony Khan and Jerry Lynn were in the crowd to absorb all the action. The two companies also brought in Mauro Ranallo to call the match and he absolutely nailed in.
Kenny Omega and Rich Swann brought out the absolute best in each other. Swann utilized his smooth offense and insane selling to the best of his abilities. Omega brought the fight with his amazing psychology and in-ring acumen.
It took multiple V-Trigger knee strikes and a One-Winged Angel for the Cleaner to put away Swan for the win.
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mickie James (Knockouts World Championship – Bound for Glory)
Deonna Purrazo and Mickie James had an excellent feud over the IMPACT Knockouts Championship in 2021. The pair were involved in many heated segments and grade-A matches during the Virtuosa’s second run with the championship.
The best match in their epic feud came at IMPACT Wrestling Bound for Glory 2021. The bout delivered on all aspects. It had great storytelling meshed with nuanced in-ring action and psychology.
IMPACT named Purrazzo vs. James Knockouts Match of the Year as part of their year-end awards for 2021.
Also read: Best IMPACT Wrestling PPV Matches Of 2022
