10 Wrestling Matches Fans Can’t Agree On
3. The Final Deletion - TNA Impact (July 5, 2016)
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.