The IMPACT Wrestling archives are full of unforgettable matches and moments. This week on the Pluto TV Rewind, we head back to Sacrifice 2010 where Rob Van Dam defended the IMPACT Wrestling World Championship against AJ Styles!
AJ Styles was on top of the wrestling world as the reigning IMPACT Wrestling World Champion. He won the title at 2009’s No Surrender pay-per-view event, defeating Kurt Angle, Sting, Matt Morgan and Hernandez in a five-way match for the ages. AJ went on to have many successful title defences against other huge names like Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels. On 2010’s first pay-per-view of the year, Genesis, Styles was tasked with defending the gold in a singles bout against Kurt Angle. This was the night that everything changed. Styles decided to be influenced by the dirtiest player in the game, Ric Flair, and clobbered Angle in the head with the World Championship in order to win the match. With Flair guiding his every move, Styles had all the power, all the money and all the perks that came with being associated with Flair! It didn’t look like anyone could dethrone him – until IMPACT Wrestling’s latest newcomer made his presence felt.
Rob Van Dam debuted on an episode of IMPACT!, defeating Sting in record time and cementing his spot at the top of the IMPACT Wrestling roster. After playing a vital role in Team Hogan defeating Team Bischoff in Lethal Lockdown at Lockdown 2010, Van Dam would receive a shot at Styles’ World Championship the following night on IMPACT!. In a shocking turn of events, Van Dam defeated Styles with his signature Frog Splash and pinned him to be declared the new IMPACT Wrestling World Champion!
The wrestling world was buzzing after Van Dam’s big victory. It was announced that AJ Styles would receive his contractually obligated rematch at the following pay-per-view, Sacrifice 2010. Would Styles be able to regain the title he worked so hard to capture? Or would Van Dam keep his momentum going and hold on to to the gold?
The match was an instant-classic. Both competitors hit their signature moves but was still unable to put the other one away. At one point, Styles’ mentor and manager, Ric Flair, attempted to get involved but it was Jay Lethal who came down to even the odds for Van Dam! After the threat of Flair was neutralized, Van Dam was able to refocus on Styles. Van Dam connected with a devastating Five Star Frog Splash to win the match and retain the title!
For more unforgettable matches and moments, tune into the IMPACT Wrestling channel on Pluto TV.
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