Mickie James has relinquished the Impact Knockouts title due to a broken rib that has kept her out of action for more than a month.
With the move, Jordynne Grace vs. Deonna Purrazzo at Sunday's Rebellion pay-per-view will determine the new champion.
In a show-closing promo in an empty arena Thursday, James delivered a promo where said she had to do what's right for the business, the locker room and for the title. She thanked the viewers for the "Last Rodeo" that brought her to the title and said she is not cleared to compete at Rebellion.
"Deonna, Jordynne...it's your time now," she said before putting the title and her cowboy hat in the ring and then leaving. Grace and Purrazzo were watching in a control room with Grace scowling at Purrazzo and storming off after the news.
James was to defend against Grace at March's Sacrifice in a rematch from January's title vs. career match but had to withdraw due to the injury. James then had to withdraw from a four-way title defense at Multiverse United a week later.
Impact management announced that James, Grace and Purrazzo (the winner of the four-way) would face each other in a three-way for the title at this Sunday's PPV. If James couldn't compete, Grace vs. Purrazzo will compete for the title instead.
Both women will be looking for their third reign as Knockouts Champion.
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