Gail Kim Comments On Honoring Daffney At Knockouts Knockdown, Continuing Mental Health Discussion
Photo Credit: IMPACT Wrestling
IMPACT Wrestling will honor the late Daffney with a match she was infamously connected to.
It was revealed on IMPACT Wrestling this Thursday that Alisha Edwards, Brandi Lauren, Jordynne Grace and Savannah Evans will compete in a Monster’s Ball match as a tribute to the late wrestler who passed away from suicide in September. She was 46. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated interviewed Gail Kim ahead of Knockouts Knockdown which will air tonight on IMPACT Plus and the retired legend spoke to the significance of honoring Daffney in such a special way.
“She was one of the first to break the mold and become this hardcore queen, and the Monster’s Ball match was an important part of that,” Kim says. “It’s a great event to bring back, but it means so much more than that this time.”
“There is a very strong bond in our industry of brothers and sisters,” Kim says. “It’s an undeniable one, and we always unite for these moments that touch us. It’s a business that moves very quickly, but we all slowed down when learning about Daffney. It is time to come together and honor her, beginning with this Monster’s Ball match.
“And after this show, we want to continue the discussion about mental health. This is a fast-paced world and a fast-paced business, and we need to do more to help one another.”
Gail Kim is associated with the new “Tag Me In” initiative and discussed the importance of making mental health a focal point for all of wrestling and its fans.
“It’s important for us to speak up,” Kim says. “We all need a shoulder to lean on. And with these tragedies happening, with Daffney and Ashley [Massaro], it’s so important to be even more in tune with the people around us. We need to let people know we’re here for them. The smallest gesture has the potential to make the biggest difference.”
The match already went down in the IMPACT Zone and Kim mentioned how important the Monster’s Ball meant to everyone.
“I can’t wait for everyone to watch this match,” Kim says. “It’s almost like Daffney was there watching, and the girls felt that responsibility to deliver.”
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