The TNA World Heavyweight Championship was established in 2007 as the top title in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), now known as Impact Wrestling. The championship was created following the end of TNA's relationship with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and it became the symbol of the company's premier singles competition.
2007: Creation of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
End of the NWA Affiliation: TNA initially used the NWA World Heavyweight Championship as its top title due to its affiliation with the National Wrestling Alliance. However, in May 2007, TNA's relationship with the NWA ended, and TNA lost the rights to promote the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and the NWA World Tag Team Championship.
Announcement of the New Title: On the May 17, 2007 episode of "TNA Impact!," TNA management announced the creation of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship as the company's new top title. The title was to be contested in a King of the Mountain match at the upcoming pay-per-view event, Slammiversary.
2007-2011: Early Reigns and Establishment
First Champion (Kurt Angle): The first champion was crowned at Slammiversary on June 17, 2007, in Nashville, Tennessee. Kurt Angle won the King of the Mountain match, defeating Christian Cage, Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, and Chris Harris to become the inaugural TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Angle's win marked the beginning of a period where he would be the face of the company, holding the title multiple times.
Title Defenses and Notable Champions: During its early years, the TNA World Heavyweight Championship was contested in a series of high-profile matches and feuds involving top stars such as Sting, Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Booker T, Jeff Jarrett, and Mick Foley. The title quickly became central to TNA's main event scene, with numerous title changes and significant feuds contributing to its prestige.
Significant Reigns:
Sting became a key figure in the title's history, winning it in October 2007 at Bound for Glory and becoming a four-time champion over the next few years.
Samoa Joe captured the title in April 2008 at Lockdown, defeating Kurt Angle, which marked Joe's ascent as a top star in TNA.
AJ Styles won the championship in September 2009 at No Surrender, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the company. Styles became one of the title's most prolific champions, holding the belt multiple times and defending it against a range of challengers.
Innovative Matches and Defenses: TNA utilized unique match types and stipulations to elevate the prestige of the championship. The King of the Mountain match, the Six Sides of Steel cage matches, and various other gimmick matches were used to create memorable moments and intense rivalries around the title.
2011-2015: Hogan-Bischoff Era and Title Controversies
Hogan and Bischoff Influence: When Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff took control of TNA's creative direction in 2010, they aimed to make the TNA World Heavyweight Championship the centerpiece of their push to compete with WWE. The title was featured prominently in storylines, with a focus on both established stars like Jeff Hardy and homegrown talents.
Controversial Storylines:
Jeff Hardy's Title Reign and Controversy: Jeff Hardy won the title at Bound for Glory 2010, turning heel in the process and becoming the leader of the faction Immortal. His reign was marred by a controversial match against Sting at Victory Road 2011, where Hardy was visibly impaired and unable to compete properly, leading to a very short and improvised match that saw Sting win the title.
Bobby Roode and James Storm Rivalry: Bobby Roode's reign, beginning in October 2011, was one of the longest in the title's history. Roode and James Storm engaged in a heated feud that involved multiple matches and showcased TNA's ability to build compelling long-term storytelling around its championship.
New Champions and Title Changes: During this period, several stars held the championship, including Austin Aries, Bully Ray, and Chris Sabin. Aries, in particular, was notable for his victory over Bobby Roode in July 2012 at Destination X, marking a significant moment for a wrestler who rose through the ranks as an underdog.
2015-2017: Title Changes and Further Developments
Multiple Vacancies and Tournament Formats: From 2015 to 2017, the TNA World Heavyweight Championship experienced several vacancies and changes due to both storyline reasons and backstage issues. TNA frequently used tournament formats, such as the World Title Series in 2015, to crown new champions and inject drama into the title scene.
Final Champions Before Rebranding: Notable champions during this period included Matt Hardy, Drew Galloway (McIntyre in WWE), EC3 (Ethan Carter III), and Eddie Edwards. Each champion brought their own style and approach to the title, helping keep the championship relevant during a time of transition and uncertainty for TNA.
2017-Present: Rebranding to Impact Wrestling and Title Continuity
Rebranding to Impact Wrestling: In 2017, under new ownership by Anthem Sports & Entertainment, TNA rebranded as Impact Wrestling. The TNA World Heavyweight Championship was renamed the Impact World Championship, aligning with the company’s new direction. This change marked a new era for the title as Impact sought to rebuild its brand and reputation.
Title Unification and Restoration:
In 2020, the "TNA World Heavyweight Championship" was revived as a separate title in a storyline involving former champions. However, in March 2021, the Impact World Championship and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship were officially unified, with Rich Swann defeating Moose to become the unified champion, ending the lineage of the original TNA World Heavyweight Championship and establishing the Impact World Championship as the definitive top title of the promotion.
Legacy of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
The TNA World Heavyweight Championship played a vital role in the company's history, serving as a symbol of excellence and competition in TNA/Impact Wrestling. The title was held by a mix of veteran stars and rising talents, creating memorable moments and defining matches throughout its history. While the name and branding have changed over time, the legacy of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship remains a significant part of Impact Wrestling's identity, reflecting its journey from a fledgling promotion to a resilient and enduring player in the world of professional wrestling.
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