It’s IMPACT Wrestling night! You can tune in at 8 p.m. ET on AXS TV, Fight Network (Canada), and Twitch. It’s a massive evening of hard-hitting action, including the debut of New Japan’s El Phantasmo. Of course, without the people behind the scenes putting in all their hard work, we wouldn’t have the IMPACT shows, PPVs, and specials that we love. With this in mind, I interviewed IMPACT Wrestling Floor Director Ingrid Isley for my books about the history of IMPACT Wrestling, and, among other topics, she shared her thoughts about why she loves working for the company.
Ingrid, who wears many hats, told me, “I love working for IMPACT Wrestling! It’s really a great company, and it feels like being part of a family.” If you watch closely, you’ll see Ingrid sitting ringside. One minute she’s communicating with producers, the next she’s signaling to the referee. Whether she’s keeping the ring clean, checking the microphones, or anything in between, Ingrid takes pride in her work and loves what she does.
Tonight’s episode of IMPACT Wrestling will feature stellar matches, including Moose vs. James Storm, Su Yung vs. Taylor Wilde, and Rhino vs. Chris Sabin in their first match against one another in 16 years. The funny part is the last time Sabin and Rhino locked horns was in their first-ever match against one another. And the historic moments don’t stop with the matches.
IMPACT Wrestling’s partnership with New Japan has been excellent. New Japan has promoted IMPACT on social media, featured the IMPACT Tag Team Championship on its shows, and more. Unlike the AEW collaboration with IMPACT, this is a true partnership where both sides are supporting each other equally. It’s refreshing! As part of this ongoing effort, El Phantasmo is making his debut on IMPACT Wrestling tonight. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table.
During my conversation with Ingrid, she revealed something I hadn’t realized: she watches the complete episodes with all of us in real time. “I don’t watch the backstage interviews when I’m at tapings. I watch the full shows live with the fans on Thursday nights.” It’s pretty cool to think that someone behind the scenes, who is helping to create the spectacle we see on screen, is experiencing it for the first time, along with the rest of us.
However you plan on watching, make sure you do because IMPACT Wrestling tonight is going to be a hot show. The matches are off the charts, and the debut of El Phantasmo is bound to be exciting. I’d like to offer a big thank you to Ingrid, Ross, David, Scott, Don, Petey, Gail, Eric, Jimmy, D’Lo, Matt, and all of the folks behind the scenes at IMPACT Wrestling who toil away, hour after hour, to bring us the best promotion in the professional wrestling industry. Their efforts don’t go unnoticed, and I look forward to watching IMPACT Wrestling tonight!