On October 25th, IMPACT Wrestling host Gut Check at Park Villa Hub in Glasgow to find the next IMPACT Wrestling star. Judged by Scott D’Amore, Gail Kim, and Joe Hendry, entrants can enter themselves to take part.
So that leads to me throwing in some wild speculation on five picks that I think would be perfect to put themselves forward and would slot into the IMPACT Wrestling roster if given the chance.
That being said, there’s many wrestlers that would be perfect for IMPACT Wrestling that won’t be on this particular list, with many veterans like Emersyn Jayne, and Andy Roberts being two big examples, that have put in a body of work in the UK and Europe to earn a trial outwith the Gut Check format (in my opinion).
The prize is a Development Contract with IMPACT Wrestling in Canada, including up to six months training at the Can-Am Dojo in Windsor, Ontario (and a bursary toward living expenses).
Let’s drop some picks!
Angel Hayze
‘The Young Lioness’ already has over 7 years experience, and has shared the ring some of the best to come out of the UK and Ireland including Alba Fyre, Isla Dawn, and Lyra Valkyria. Angel made a handful of appearances in NXT UK before the closure of the brand, on the WWE Network via Insane Championship Wrestling’s Fight Club episodes, plus a blink and you miss it appearance at All Elite Wrestling’s All In event at Wembley.
In the ring, she is one of the top wrestlers in the country, facing opponents of all shapes and sizes and looking competitive. Not one to let her size be a disadvantage, she has been a champion around the UK, including the ICW Women’s World Championship that has been held by Piper Niven, and Session Moth Martina.
Daisy Jenkins
A regular when I put together lists like this recently. A graduate from Fife Pro Wrestling Asylum and officially the hardest wrestler in Fife, Daisy Jenkins recently competed in Dubai in a historic match against Roxxy marking the first time international and homegrown women’s wrestlers went head to head in the United Arab Emirates.
A hybrid talent, able to bust out lucha moves with ease, with an ability to adapt to her opponents style. Daisy is a workhorse, making the most of opportunities given. Though her wrestling career is young, she has travelled the UK to learn and hone her craft, and has had the opportunity to take on big opponents like IMPACT Wrestling’s Dani Luna, and international talent Aliss Ink recently.
Ronan King
One of the hottest prospects in Scottish wrestling right now. 19 year old Ronan King is ridiculously well rounded. Despite debuting late 2021, King has already got a fantastic back catalogue of matches to refer to from his series with Mikkey Vago, a sports entertaining bout with Grado, plus excursions over the border to Wrestle Carnival.
With ring awareness, charisma, and confidence beyond his years it makes Ronan is a perfect asset to build on for the future of IMPACT Wrestling.
Kez Evans
A former ICW World Heavyweight Champion, Kez has been noted in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 for the past 3 years, with the highest placing at 198 in 2022. A fantastic achievement. Trained at the Glasgow Pro Wrestling Asylum under the likes of Wolfgang, BT Gunn, and Lionheart, Kez Evans has quite the record of high profile opponents which includes Ilja Dragunov, Grado, Big Damo, Mark Haskins, and former IMPACT Wrestling World Champion Josh Alexander.
Kez doesn’t have a flashy moveset but his intensity and ability to make a crowd react is a tremendous quality. He is able to smash opponents, and make a crowd venomously despise him in turn, Evans is underrated in his abilities.
Ashley Vega
It’s no secret that Ashley Vega’s number one goal is to get in the ring with wrestling legend Mickie James, but don’t let her Diva inspired exterior fool you, she is vicious in the ring.
Boasting training and guidance under Emersyn Jayne, Joe Hendry, and Andy Roberts, along with a drive to be the hardest worker in the room by constantly adding new arrows to her quiver.
Despite her young age, Ashley has already gathered 6 years of experience and has shared the ring with Veda Scott, Jamie Hayter, Lana Austin, and Lyra Valkyria.
Five picks and many more flooding my brain. Who do you think would stand out at Gut Check?
More information on IMPACT Wrestling Gut Check: here.
SCOTTISH WRESTLING NETWORK | SWN 