10 Wrestlers Who Did Their Best Work In TNA/IMPACT
4. Austin Aries
A-Double's initial TNA run as Austin Starr was nothing to write home about. Unhappy with his new persona and schedule, Aries was suspended due to his attitude and refusal to tape some promos on a day he believed to be his day-off. Heading back to ROH, he enjoyed a career renaissance with the vainglorious 'The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived' persona.
Now a much bigger star than last time, TNA rehired Aries as a tentpole for their X-Division moving forward. Catching on with fans in record time, Aries became an increasingly prominent figure throughout 2012 with even Hulk Hogan putting over his abilities. In a massive upset, Aries put an end to Robert Roode's record-setting world title reign to firmly establish himself as a main event talent.
Aries' well-received 'Option C' angle with the X-Division title became a staple of the show for several years after. By the time Aries left, he was more popular than ever and ready for a WWE run. Due to behavioural problems that have come to plague him in recent years, Aries' WWE run was short-lived and he returned to Impact to rule once again.
Aries' world title work throughout 2018 was on par with his previous main event run with the promotion. His bouts with stars like Pentagon Jr. and Johnny Impact were hot main events for the promotion. Sadly though, as good as his work was, Aries was once again unhappy with his booking, unceremoniously bowing out after his Bound for Glory bout with Impact.