TNA: 5 Reasons It Is Everything Wrong With Professional Wrestling
2. The "Ex"-Division
The first article I ever submitted to What Culture (click here) and one that got me my current position as part of its fine and talented staff, was a rebuttal to some of the main arguments that smarks give, specifically as to why the "PG era" is terrible. One of those is about how they got rid of the now defunct Cruiserweight Division.
My point illustrates that in this new era where the majority of headlining contenders are all now under that weight class, it simply means that there is no need for it anymore as the term "Heavyweight" no longer applies in regards to both the WWE and World Championship belts. You may ask why this is relevant, but it will become clear as I go on.
The other thing aside from the six sided ring that defined TNA as the "true alternative" to the WWE was the X Division. It was described as "wrestling re-invented" and combined both what was great about the high flying WCW Cruiserweight style and the style of "Extreme" professional wrestling that made ECW so memorable.
Alongside with that, the prestige of a World Championship and you had the makings of something that had the potential to push the company into the stratosphere of true WWE-type world dominance. It was what the caption said, "It is not about weight limits, it is about no limits!"
Without this once iconic and unique division, you wouldn't have many of the names now currently main eventers within the company ranks. Then the "network" imposed a 225lb weight limit on the division. So, let me get this straight, as I still have ADAM WEST floating around in my head.
The new era of the X-Division that was once described as "revolutionary" and the previously stated "wrestling re-invented" is now reduced to a glorified now completely outdated Cruiserweight knock-off? The insanity of it knows no bounds. Can anyone out there reading that above question give me one logical answer as to why this was in any way shape or form, "best for business?" Wow, I actually physically scratched my own head as I typed that.
And then it got worse, when it was announced that all X-Division matches would be three-ways, with the champ defending against two challengers. I wholeheartedly retract my previous statements in regards to having only 3 reasons to turn off TNA. I mean, come on man! Are you serious bro?
Coupled with the fact that the modern day IMPACT World Heavyweight Championship winners include Austin Aries and Chris Sabin, this change has all but wiped the belt clean of any relevance it once had. Where at one time I treasured it more so than the company's main championship, now I couldn't give a rats ass who is holding the title.
Even though the past four examples weren't enough to get the coffin door closed, they had to go and drive one more in just to make sure it stayed shut permanently.