10 Ways TNA Totally Screwed Themselves Over

3. Destroying The X Division

Dixie Carter Hulk Hogan
Impact Wrestling

The X Division used to be the jewel in TNA’s crown. It felt like a spiritual successor to WCW’s fantastic cruiserweight division, and a playground for the world’s most exciting athletes to steal the show on a nightly basis. Acts like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Christopher Daniels built their reputations through it, and before long, the X Division was considered a “must see” attraction for any self-respecting wrestling fans.

The division’s motto was “it’s not about weight limits, it’s about no limits,” and it more than lived-up to the tagline. TNA’s X Division pushed the boundaries of athleticism, and they raised the bar with signature gimmick matches like Ultimate X. Every big X Division match guaranteed a highlight reel of awesome action, and when it was on fire, so was TNA.

Under Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, the X Division was completely dismantled. It’s most prominent wrestlers were stripped away, the match quality went down, and the division’s importance was reduced. As time passed, TNA put less and less effort into their X Division presentation, and the division went from a company highlight to a lower-card afterthought.

The X Division is barely noticeable today. DJ Z and Trevor Lee wrestled a fun match for the title at Bound For Glory, but it’s hard to think of a single reason to care about it any more. In letting their trademark attraction slide to this level, TNA have given fans one less reason to watch their product, and demolished what used to be an important part of their identity.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.