Impact Wrestling Slammiversary 2017: Full Recap

Hey wrestling fans, let's dive deep into Impact Wrestling Slammiversary 2017! This event was a massive turning point for the company, then known as GFW (Global Force Wrestling) before it reverted back to Impact Wrestling. It was a night packed with surprises, great matches, and moments that had the wrestling world buzzing. If you missed it, or just want a trip down memory lane, you've come to the right place! We're going to break down all the action, from the opening bell to the final, shocking conclusion.

The Road to Slammiversary 2017

The build-up to Slammiversary 2017 was quite interesting, guys. The company was still finding its footing under the new GFW branding, and they needed a huge event to make a statement. The main storyline leading into the pay-per-view revolved around the GFW World Heavyweight Championship. Alberto El Patrón had won the title a few weeks prior to Slammiversary, but his victory was controversial, and he faced challenges from multiple directions. The tension was palpable, and everyone was wondering if he could successfully defend his newly won championship on such a big stage.

Beyond the main event, other feuds were heating up. The Knockouts division was always a strong point for Impact, and their championship match promised fireworks. We also saw tag teams battling for supremacy, and singles contenders looking to climb the ladder. The roster was filled with talent, and Slammiversary was their chance to shine and prove why Impact Wrestling was a promotion worth watching. The stakes were high, and the anticipation for Impact Wrestling Slammiversary 2017 was through the roof. The creative team had put a lot of effort into crafting compelling narratives, and it was time for the wrestlers to deliver on the promise of an unforgettable night.

Opening the Show: Tag Team Turmoil

Slammiversary 2017 kicked off with a bang! The Tag Team Turmoil match set the tone for the entire evening, featuring multiple teams vying for the GFW Tag Team Championships. This match type is always chaotic and exciting, with teams entering at intervals, leading to a dynamic and unpredictable contest. The crowd was immediately engaged, and the high-octane action delivered. It was a showcase of the tag team division's talent, with quick tags, impressive aerial maneuvers, and hard-hitting brawls. The chemistry between the teams was evident, and they put on a clinic of tag team wrestling.

Ultimately, LAX (Latin American Xchange), led by Konnan, emerged victorious. This win was significant for LAX, as it marked their re-establishment as a dominant force in the tag team division. Their aggressive style and undeniable charisma resonated with the audience, and their victory felt well-earned. The match itself was a masterclass in tag team storytelling, with near falls and strategic moments that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. LAX's triumph wasn't just about winning belts; it was about reclaiming their identity and proving their dominance. This opening bout truly set a high standard for the rest of the night, demonstrating the depth of talent and the exciting possibilities within Impact Wrestling at Slammiversary 2017.

The Knockouts Championship Match

Next up, we had the GFW Knockouts Championship match. This bout featured the reigning champion, Rosemary, defending her title against Sienna. Rosemary, with her unique gothic persona and fierce in-ring style, was a compelling champion. Sienna, on the other hand, was a powerhouse who brought a different kind of intensity to the division. The match was a hard-fought battle, showcasing the distinct strengths of both competitors. It was a testament to the quality of the Knockouts division, which consistently delivered compelling narratives and athletic performances.

The match itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both women hitting their signature moves and coming close to victory. Rosemary's supernatural-esque presence clashed with Sienna's brute strength, creating a fascinating dynamic. The crowd was invested in the outcome, understanding the significance of the Knockouts title. In a surprising turn of events, Sienna defeated Rosemary to become the new Knockouts Champion. This was a major upset for many fans who had grown accustomed to Rosemary's reign. Sienna's victory signaled a shift in the division and set the stage for new rivalries and challenges. It was a hard-hitting contest that highlighted the toughness and skill of both women, proving that the Knockouts division at Impact Wrestling Slammiversary 2017 was as exciting as ever.

X-Division Championship Showcase

The GFW X-Division Championship was on the line in a multi-man ladder match. This is always a crowd-pleaser, known for its high-risk spots and the sheer athleticism required to climb the ladder and retrieve the championship. The match featured some of the most exciting and innovative performers on the roster, all eager to prove themselves as the king of the X-Division. Trevor Lee was the champion heading into the match, and he had to defend his title against a formidable lineup of challengers, including Sonjay Dutt, Low Ki, Dezmond Xavier, and Andrew Everett. The dynamic nature of a ladder match means that anyone can win, and the uncertainty adds to the excitement.

The action in this match was absolutely breathtaking, guys. We saw incredible dives, daring climbs, and brutal impacts as competitors fought tooth and nail for the title. Trevor Lee managed to retain his X-Division Championship in a hard-fought victory. While some might have wanted a new champion, Lee's retention showed his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The match was a showcase of incredible talent and high-flying action, solidifying the X-Division's reputation for delivering some of the most thrilling moments in professional wrestling. The visual spectacle of the ladder match, combined with the skill of the wrestlers, made it a standout bout at Impact Wrestling Slammiversary 2017, leaving the audience breathless.

Main Event Build-Up and Match

The main event of Impact Wrestling Slammiversary 2017 featured Alberto El Patrón defending his GFW World Heavyweight Championship against Bobby Lashley. This match had a lot of intrigue surrounding it. Lashley, a dominant physical specimen, was looking to reclaim the title he felt was stolen from him. El Patrón, a former WWE superstar, was aiming to solidify his position at the top of GFW. The contrasting styles and the personal animosity between the two added a significant layer of drama to the main event.

Before the match even began, tensions were incredibly high. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd eagerly anticipating this clash of titans. The match itself was a hard-hitting, physical contest that lived up to the hype. Both men showcased their power and resilience, trading blows and executing impactful moves. It was a war of attrition, with momentum shifting back and forth. Alberto El Patrón eventually defeated Bobby Lashley to retain his GFW World Heavyweight Championship. The match was a fitting climax to the night, showcasing the top talent in the company and delivering a satisfying conclusion to the main feud heading into the event.

The Shocking Post-Match Angle

Now, here's where Impact Wrestling Slammiversary 2017 became truly unforgettable. Immediately following the main event, as Alberto El Patrón celebrated his victory, things took a wild turn. Bruce Prichard, acting as the on-screen authority figure, came out to congratulate El Patrón. However, this segment quickly devolved into controversy. El Patrón, in a highly controversial and unscripted moment, appeared to get into a legitimate argument with Prichard, seemingly upset about something related to the main event or his booking. This led to El Patrón throwing down the GFW title and walking out of the arena.

This incident sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. Initially, many believed it was part of the show, an elaborate angle designed to create buzz. However, reports quickly surfaced that El Patrón had legitimately walked out of the company. This was a huge deal for Impact Wrestling, as their top champion seemingly abandoned the promotion unannounced. The fallout from this event had significant repercussions for the company's immediate future and its creative direction. The Slammiversary 2017 main event winner leaving the building in such a manner was something nobody saw coming and dominated wrestling news cycles for weeks. It was a chaotic and ultimately damaging end to what had been a strong show, leaving fans bewildered and questioning the stability of the promotion.

Looking Back at Slammiversary 2017

So, what's the verdict on Impact Wrestling Slammiversary 2017? Overall, it was a solid wrestling show with several excellent matches, particularly the Tag Team Turmoil and the X-Division Ladder match. The Knockouts match also delivered a significant championship change. The main event between El Patrón and Lashley was a strong, physical contest that served its purpose. However, the show will forever be remembered for the chaotic and controversial post-match incident involving Alberto El Patrón's abrupt departure.

Despite the negative publicity surrounding the ending, the in-ring performances at Slammiversary 2017 showcased the talent and potential of Impact Wrestling's roster. The promotion was clearly trying to rebuild and establish new stars, and many of the performers delivered. The energy of the crowd, the quality of the wrestling, and the surprising moments all contributed to making this a memorable event, albeit for mixed reasons. It was a night of highs and lows, a turning point that, unfortunately, was overshadowed by backstage drama. For fans who were there or watched live, it was an evening they won't soon forget, leaving a lasting impression on the history of Impact Wrestling.