Bound for Glory is IMPACT Wrestling’s biggest show of the year. The 2023 edition will see Alex Shelley defend his world title against Josh Alexander. International sensation Will Ospreay will also make his IMPACT Bound for Glory debut against Mike Bailey.
Plus, IMPACT Knockout World Champion Trinity will put her title on the line against Mickie James. The stacked line-up guarantees tons of action and drama at the 19th annual Bound for Glory pay-per-view event this weekend.
There’s no denying that IMPACT has been consistent with Bound for Glory. The October event has provided fans with some iconic matches and moments. With that said, let’s recall some of the best Bound for Glory matches in IMPACT history up to this point.
Trey Miguel vs. El Phantasmo vs. Steve Maclin Three-Way Match for X-Division Title – Bound for Glory 2021)
Trey Miguel, El Phantasmo, and Steve Maclin brought their A-game to this X-Division Championship defense at Bound for Glory ’21. The action was incredible, with each spot consistently paced out to achieve the best possible result.
Maclin stood out with his offense and proved why he’s one of the more reliable competitors on IMPACT Wrestling. Phantasmo was in his usual element. As for Miguel, he finally won the gold after chasing it for so long.
Christian Cage vs. Samoa Joe (Bound for Glory 2007)
After making one of the most iconic debuts in TNA history, Christian Cage squared off against Samoa Joe at Bound for Glory 2007. Both men had rightful claims to a shot at the TNA World Championship.
The match featured Matt Morgan as the special enforcer. Cage and Joe put on a great show for the fans and tried to best each other with everything they had. The Samoan Submission went full berserk to avenge the attack on his family by Captain Charisma and his goons.
Joe survived a blow-blow and a sleeper in the closing moments of the match. He delivered the enziguri and Muscle Buster combo to pick up the win in what was an excellent match.
Motor City Machine Guns vs. Generation Me (TNA World Tag Team Titles – Bound For Glory 2010)
The inaugural Bound for Glory PPV event featured a terrific opener between Samoa Joe and Jushin “Thunder” Liger. Five years later, two teams created an opener that would become one of the greatest Bound for Glory matches of all time.
Yes, I’m referring to the classic Motor City Machine Guns versus General Me match from the 2010 BFG event. Defending TNA tag team champs Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin put their titles on the line against the upstart team of Jeremy Buck and Matt Buck (better known as The Young Bucks).
The veterans Shelley and Sabin had the advantage in the early goings of the match as they kept the Bucks at arm’s length. Jeremy Buck (Nick Jackson) took a pretty stiff German that got him landed straight on his neck. Everything else was top-notch apart from that little rough spot.
AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels (30-Minute Iron Man Match for X-Division Title – BFG 2005)
AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels are two pioneers of the X-Division. The pair had numerous classics alongside Samoa Joe during the early days of the promotion. One of their best singles matches came at the inaugural TNA/IMPACT Bound for Glory event in 2005.
Styles and Daniels put on a 30-minute clinic that drew heavy inspiration from the classic Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels Iron Man match at WrestleMania XII. After failing to score points in the first 25 minutes, Styles capitalized with a vicious Styles clash to retain his title at the last second.
Josh Alexander vs. Eddie Edwards (IMPACT World Championship Match – Bound for Glory ’22)
Josh Alexander has earned his spot as one of the best wrestlers in the world. The Walking Weapon always gives his one hundred percent to the competition. His match against a veteran in Eddie Edwards at IMPACT Bound for Glory is a testament to both men’s greatness inside the squared circle.
The pair went over 25 minutes to produce a match-of-the-year contender. The bout highlighted Alexander’s incredible psychology and Edwards’ excellent in-ring awareness. At one point during the match, Edwards nailed Alexander with a vertical suplex on the exposed wooden floor.
The champion regained his momentum with several excellent delayed German suplexes before paying homage to AJ Styles with a Styles clash. Alexander would pick up the win with a second C4 Spike.
Honorable Mentions
- Abyss w/ Father James Mitchell vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Rhino vs. Sabu (Monster’s Ball Match – Bound for Glory ’05)
- AJ Styles & Christopher Daniels vs. LAX (Six Sides of Steel Match for the NWA World Tag Team Titles – Bound For Glory 2006)
- Johnny Impact vs. Austin Aries (IMPACT World Championship Match – Bound for Glory 2018)
- Frankie Kazarian vs. Mike Bailey (X-Division Championship Match – IMPACT Bound for Glory ’22)
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