10 Times TNA Succeeded Where WWE Failed

6. The X Division

AJ Styles TNA
Impact Wrestling

When TNA debuted the X Division as their glorified rebrand of WCW’s Cruiserweight Division, fans were naturally sceptical having seen WWE drop the ball spectacularly with their own Cruiserweight Championship. Luckily, any initial scepticism was eradicated within seconds of the first opening bell.

Lightning fast action, incredible high spots and aerial manœuvres the likes of which had never been seen made the X Division must-see viewing. Better yet, it gave TNA something that WWE didn’t have and gave smaller wrestlers an opportunity to become stars.

TNA placed a lot of emphasis on the X Division in the early days and gave their X performers centre-stage and time to shine. This proved infinitely wise and the first few years of TNA were exemplified by the action of the X Division and the wars over the X Division Championship.

As they often said, the X Division was about “no limits, not weight limits”. While a somewhat confusing statement itself, it did open up the door for stars like Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle to mix it up with top "cruiserweight" talent. The division gave birth to stars like Christopher Daniels, Low-Ki and AJ Styles, who would all go on to become huge stars of the league after been given WWE tryouts prior and never been picked up.

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Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack. @MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!