Impact is known for causing surprises at the Bound For Glory event. There’s nothing better than the Call Your Shot Gauntlet to kick off a buffet full of popping delights. Impact added Sonny Kiss, Matt Cardona and Juventud Guerrera to the list of surprises for the PPV (October 21, 2023).
The Call Your Shot Gauntlet’s rules are similar to the Royal Rumble with 60 seconds between participants, except that final elimination is determined by pinfall or submission. The winner will receive a future title shot of their choice.
The field was 20 people deep and 13 participants were previously advertised. The list included Jake Something at No. 1, Bully Ray, Brian Myers, Eric Young, Jordynne Grace, Joe Hendry, Frankie Kazarian, KiLynn King, Kenny King, Jody Threat, Gisele Shaw, Eddie Edwards and Dango at No. 20. That was seven spots left for mischief.
The first surprise was Juventud Guerrera in 4th place. The Juvi juice was loose!
Guerrera showed off his skilled Lucha Libre skills for a spinning headscissors to eliminate Kenny King. The luchador was displaced when he was knocked off the apron by Eddie Edwards. This bitter moment turned into the climax of the next surprise.
Sonny Kiss landed at #9 in his Impact debut. The crowd was excited for the arrival and the reaction was huge.
Kiss hit Gisele Shaw with a spinning kick and a flip kick. Kiss picked up the Quintessential Diva to have a military press throw her over the ropes onto the Shawntourage.
Kiss found an unlikely ally in Bully Ray. Kiss tried to find a friend with some dance moves. Bully responded with old-fashioned shuffle popping and locking. Kiss jumped into Bully’s arms, but it was a step too far.
A moment later, the duo tied the game when Matt Cardona made a surprise entry at number 11. Cardona ran straight into the arms of his old rival. Bully Ray slams Cardona and then calls Kiss for a flying headbutt to Cardona’s groin. What’s up!?! Bully and Kiss prepared the crowd for a thunderous chant of “Get the tables!” Unfortunately, KiLynn King and Eddie Edwards interrupted the fun before tables were presented.
Cardona survived this onslaught and found a friend in Brian Myers. Cardona looked like he was planning to take out Myers from behind, but he hugged his buddy when he was caught sneaking. The main players worked together to eliminate Kiss. Cardona was always ready to turn on Myers, and he threw his friend over the ropes in an act of betrayal.
The other mystery spots went to Johnny Swinger, Heath, Rich Swann and Jonathan Gresham. The married couple Gresham and Grace worked together subtly, but nothing memorable happened. Swinger was back from a storyline injury and Crazzy Steve ran to attack him. Tommy Dreamer also returned to save Swinger from being forked by Steve. Dreamer and Steve battled into the audience as current rivals.
Dango earned the right to enter at number 20, and he capitalized on the opportunity by being eliminated by Jake Something in under three seconds. Oleg Prudius (aka Vladimir Kozlov) acted as Dango’s bodyguard and erupted in anger to clear the ring until security restored order.
The Call Your Shot Gauntlet Final Four went to Jordynne Grace, Bully Ray, KiLynn King and Matt Cardona. Grace clotheslined Cardona out of the ring and Bully did the same to King. Until the last two.
The audience was full of anticipation for this showdown. Bully looked disrespectfully at the tiny powerhouse. The bigger man was in control until he missed a flying senton. Grace unleashed three consecutive punches, but Bully was still standing. He grabbed Grace by her hair and pulled her to the mat. Bully pleased the crowd, then missed a standing elbow drop. Grace was a tornado of rage, spinning continuously for five more punches. The Juggernaut ducked a chop and then lifted Bully up for a pumphandle driver to win the match by pinfall.
After the success, Grace took the microphone to announce her shot at the Knockouts Championship at Hard to Kill on January 13th. Trinity is the current defending champion.
The Call Your Shot Gauntlet was so much fun. The Royal Rumble format sells on excitement, so there is already a high level of entertainment built in. Impact upped the ante with a handful of surprises. Bully Ray was the key to satisfaction. Dealing with Sonny Kiss was a blast, and then being an asshole to Grace was an incredible feat. Grace’s winning moment was badass. Bully worked the audience like the expert, which in both cases made him feel special.
What were your favorite moments from the Call Your Shot Gauntlet?
The Impact Bound For Glory PPV replay is available to watch on Fite TV.