The relationship between WWE and the independent wrestling scene goes on, and this week’s episode of TNA iMPACT! gave fans another surprising example. Current WWE ID Men’s Champion Chazz “Starboy” Hall made his TNA iMPACT debut by answering Mustafa Ali’s open challenge for the TNA International Championship.
Hall is one of the top names connected to WWE’s growing ID program. The WWE ID system helps develop independent wrestlers while still allowing them to work for other promotions.
Previously known as Starboy Charlie, Hall has been building some momentum over the last year. His biggest moment came on March 23 when he defeated Cappuccino Jones to win the WWE ID Men’s Championship.
Before showing up in TNA, Hall successfully defended his title against Titus Alexander at the Marvellous 10th Anniversary Commemorative Event in Japan on May 5.
Mustafa Ali’s open challenge brings in WWE-linked rising prospect
Hall decided to grab the opportunity when Mustafa Ali issued another open challenge for the TNA International title. Ali won it from Trey Miguel at Rebellion in April and has been defending it against different challengers from across wrestling.
Hall may have been unfamiliar to some TNA viewers, but he impressed fans with his speed and athleticism. Even though the match lasted less than five minutes, he managed to show why many see him as a rising prospect.
There were even moments where it looked like Hall might pull off the upset. One such moment came when he hit a Tornado DDT and followed it up with a standing somersault splash for a close near fall. Hall also used his speed and springboard moves to keep pressure on Ali.
In the end, Ali’s experience made the difference. The TNA International Champion survived Hall’s offense and took advantage of a late mistake. After avoiding a Sliced Bread attempt, Ali eventually caught Hall during a springboard move and rolled him into a bridged backslide pin to pick up the win.
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