Boosting programming is something AJ Styles is accustomed to, because he's been doing it for well over a decade. In the early years of TNA, the company really struggled to find their own direction. Shows were promoted as weekly pay-per-view events, meaning management needed to constantly look for ways to keep fans coming back. One of main hooks proved to be the TNA X Division. Largely a Cruiserweight league, the X Division became a genuine highlight of the weekly shows. On a weekly basis, fans knew they were going to see spectacular matches featuring the likes of AJ Styles, Jerry Lynn, Low-Ki and The Amazing Red. This kept a core audience ticking along, and helped make AJ an attraction. For years, Styles was a linchpin of the X Division. Eventually, officials realised they had a potential headliner on their hands, and the decision was made to move AJ into the World Title ranks. This was a smart move, and a natural progression for the wrestler. However, it was hard not to notice that the X Division and AJ remained linked occasionally throughout his TNA run.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
