Impact notes: Weekend TV taping lineups, new DAZN UK TV deal

Impact Wrestling has released a pair of lineups ahead of this weekend’s double-dip of TV tapings in Atlanta, Georgia.

As previously announced, Lio Rush will make his return to Impact on Friday for the first time since Impact x NJPW Multiverse United during WrestleMania weekend.

In a trio of title matches set for Friday, Impact World Champion Alex Shelley will defend his title for the first time as he takes on Brian Myers, Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo defends against former champion Taylor Wilde, and X-Division Champion Chris Sabin defends against former champion Trey Miguel in a rematch.

Here are Friday’s announced matches:

  • Impact World Champion Alex Shelley defends against Brian Myers
  • Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo defends against Taylor Wilde
  • X-Division Champion Chris Sabin defends against Trey Miguel
  • Lio Rush appearance
  • Jonathan Gresham vs. Angels
  • Courtney Rush vs. Gisele Shaw
  • Masha Slamovich vs. KiLynn King

On Saturday, Rush will officially return to action as he teams with Nick Aldis against the Motor City Machine Guns (Shelley & Sabin). If he defeats Myers Friday, Shelley will next defend against Aldis at July’s Slammiversary, leading to speculation Sabin could defend his title against Rush at the PPV if Sabin successfully defends his title Friday.

Here are Saturday’s announced matches:

  • Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs. Nick Aldis & Lio Rush
  • Trinity vs. Jai Vidal
  • Deonna Purrazzo open challenge
  • Rich Swann & Sami Callihan vs. Moose & Brian Myers
  • Mike Bailey vs. Kevin Knight

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Impact’s flagship weekly show will now be seen on DAZN’s linear channel on Sky UK.

The show, seen Thursdays on AXS TV in North America, will now also be available on DAZN HD 1, channel 429 for UK and Ireland viewers on Fridays at 23:00 BST (11 PM).

The latest move is part of a November 2022 deal done between DAZN and Anthem Sports Group which owns Impact. The channel will also air monthly specials, original series, and content from Impact’s library.

DAZN HD 1 was launched on Sky UK in March with a focus on combat sports, women’s football and documentaries.