Gail Kim last wrestled in 2019 on when took on Tessa Blanchard on Blanchard’s quest to become the IMPACT World Champion. That match was, at the time, sort of a ”passing of the torch“, as Blanchard would go on to become IMPACT World Champion shortly after.
On August 30th, Gail Kim was on Busted Open Radio and revealed that she would compete in one more match.
Later that same day, Gail Kim announced via IMPACT Wrestling’s social media Twitter account that she’d be teaming WITH Awesome Kong and taking on any competition, past or present.
“To this day, I feel we are the place to be for female wrestling,” said Kim. “We have such a great locker and great people here. I cry tears of joy knowing that the women keep moving Impact forward, and that Impact keeps showcasing the women. [Impact Wrestling President] Scott D’Amore has always been very supportive of women in wrestling, and Emergence was a great example. We had Deonna Purrazzo and Trinity in the ring for the main event, a woman referee and a woman ring announcer, and me on commentary–and Scott D’Amore made that happen. The women keep working harder, and that never ends.”
“Tagging with Trinity, that gives me goosebumps,” said Kim. “This is a dream match, and there are still surprises to come. I couldn’t have asked for a better match. It’s a great reason to wrestle again.
“I didn’t even expect myself to be back, but it’s a special occasion. I found out about a month ago, and I get to work with amazing people. It’s going to be a celebration, a reunion, and some nostalgia that wrestling fans will love.”
“I saw Kong not too long ago at ODB’s wedding, and she looked great,” said Kim. “She said she was ready to scratch that itch and get back in the ring. And here we are, my greatest rival is about to become my greatest partner.”
“When I came out of retirement for a singles match in 2019, I took it very seriously,” said Kim. “I was a perfectionist. At 46, the training is more of a challenge–but it’s a challenge that I welcome.
“A close friend of mine and my husband both told to me accept that I’m 46 and I can’t do the same things I did. And I thought about it and said, ‘Screw that.’ I’m going to do the best I can, and I hope the fans love it.”
“This is the greatest passion in my life,” said Kim. “I can’t wait to get back in the ring. I’m nervous, but I’m really excited, too.”
H/T Justin Barrasso for Sports Illustrated. Full article here.
The next day when Tom Hannifan was hosting the Press Pass featuring The Beautiful People – Velvet Sky & Angelina Love – he announced at the beginning of the live broadcast that there will be a huge 5 on 5 Knockouts Tag Team Match.
Gail Kim, Awesome Kong, IMPACT Knockouts Champion – Trinity, Jordynne Grace, & a Mystery Partner will take on Deonna Purrazzo, Gisele Shaw, Savannah Evans, Angelina Love, & a Mystery Partner.
Kim and Awesome Kong were longtime rivals. Kim defeated Kong in their final match together in January of 2016, but she is thrilled that they can team together at IMPACT1000.
As previously covered by Bodyslam, things announced for IMPACT 1000 so far:
–IMPACT World Title Match: Alex Shelley defends against Trey Miguel
–Gail Kim Competing in one more match
–Awesome Kong competing at IMPACT1000
–Gail Kim teaming with Awesome Kong
–The return of Feast or Fired at IMPACT1000
–The return of Team 3D (Bully Ray & Dvon Dudley)
–The return of Ultimate X/Team 3D competing
–a mixed tag team match between Traci Brooks/Frankie Kazarian and Eddie/Alisha Edwards
–The Beautiful People appearance(Angelina Love & Velvet Sky)
IMPACT1000 is a television taping that will be held on Saturday, September 9th, from the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. Get your tickets here.
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