10 Wrestling Matches Fans Can’t Agree On

3. The Final Deletion - TNA Impact (July 5, 2016)

Ospreay Ricochet
Impact Wrestling

You knew it'd appear on this list. The second of 2016's trifecta of controversial wrestling matches, The Final Deletion barely resembled one in the traditional sense.

An intentionally ludicrous procession of lawnmowers, drones and dilapidated boats, the match/angle/something-completely-new-entirely was filmed at Matt Hardy's North Carolina "Compound". Hammily acted and performed with patent, rehearsed contrivance, it was something entirely new to an industry many bemoan for its lack of originality. It tapped into the so-bad-it's-good pop culture sweet spot previously occupied by Rebecca Black's Friday and movies like The Room.

The ridiculousness was the entire point, but those who condemned it for that very reason perhaps missed that wrestling was ludicrous before brothers Matt and Nero bastardised it beyond recognition. Wrestlers are unable to see camera crews inches away from their face. Wrestlers will act surprised when they are invariably interrupted during promos. Wrestlers do everything possible to protect one another under the pretence of hurting one another. The very basis of the industry is rooted in brain-melting paradox.

Wrestling feuds, events and matches are so homogenised in 2016 that they often bleed into one another to become indeterminate. The Final Deletion was, if nothing else, memorable.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!