The TNA X Division Championship is one of the most innovative and unique championships in professional wrestling history. Established in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2002, the title was created to highlight a style of wrestling that emphasized high-flying, fast-paced action rather than weight limits. The X Division became a defining feature of TNA, helping to differentiate it from other promotions and showcasing a wide array of talented wrestlers from around the world.
2002-2005: The Inception and Early Years
Creation of the X Division: The X Division was introduced with TNA’s debut in June 2002. Unlike other championships that were defined by weight classes (like cruiserweight or heavyweight), the X Division was built around the concept that "it's not about weight limits; it's about no limits." This philosophy allowed wrestlers of all sizes to compete, focusing on athleticism, speed, and high-risk maneuvers.
First Champion (AJ Styles): The inaugural X Division Champion was crowned on June 19, 2002, during TNA’s first weekly pay-per-view event. AJ Styles won a four-way double elimination match against Low Ki, Jerry Lynn, and Psicosis to become the first champion. Styles, often referred to as "The Phenomenal One," became synonymous with the X Division, winning the title multiple times and setting the standard for what the division represented.
Notable Early Reigns and Matches: The early years of the X Division featured memorable matches and feuds between talents like Jerry Lynn, Low Ki, Amazing Red, Chris Sabin, and Michael Shane (Matt Bentley). These wrestlers helped establish the X Division’s reputation for innovative and exciting matches. The division quickly gained a reputation for featuring some of the most thrilling and athletic wrestling in the industry.
2005-2007: Rise of the X Division
Increased Focus and Prestige: By 2005, the X Division had become a key part of TNA's identity, often stealing the show on TNA’s pay-per-views. The title was regularly defended in Ultimate X matches—a unique TNA match type where the belt was suspended above the ring by ropes, and competitors had to climb the ropes to retrieve it. These matches showcased the X Division’s high-flying style and became synonymous with the championship.
Samoa Joe's Impact: Samoa Joe debuted in TNA in 2005 and quickly dominated the X Division, adding a new dynamic to the title’s lineage. Joe, who was larger and more physically imposing than typical X Division competitors, brought a mix of power and agility, showing that the division was about "no limits." His undefeated streak and brutal style made him one of the most dominant X Division Champions in history. His feud with AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels over the title produced several critically acclaimed matches, including their triple threat match at Unbreakable 2005, often regarded as one of the greatest matches in TNA history.
2007-2010: Expansion and Evolution
The X Division in TNA’s Growth: During this period, the X Division continued to be a crucial part of TNA’s programming, showcasing a variety of styles and talent. Wrestlers like Jay Lethal, Chris Sabin, Petey Williams, and Alex Shelley played prominent roles in the division. Petey Williams popularized his finishing move, the Canadian Destroyer, which became a defining move of the X Division.
Black Machismo and the X Cup: Jay Lethal, who adopted the “Black Machismo” persona, became a popular champion, winning the X Division title multiple times. TNA also introduced the World X Cup, an international tournament featuring X Division wrestlers from different countries, further showcasing the division's global reach and appeal.
Ultimate X and Other Gimmick Matches: The X Division continued to innovate with various match types, including the Ultimate X matches, Steel Asylum, and Six Sides of Steel cage matches. These matches added new elements to the competition and were often used to crown new champions or settle feuds.
2010-2013: Hogan-Bischoff Era and Challenges
Changes Under Hogan and Bischoff: With the arrival of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff in 2010, TNA's creative direction shifted, and the X Division's prominence was reduced in favor of more traditional heavyweight storylines. This period saw fewer main event opportunities for X Division talent, although the title remained an important secondary championship.
Austin Aries and the Option C Concept: In 2012, Austin Aries became a central figure in the X Division. Aries won the title and, after a lengthy and impactful reign, proposed the concept of "Option C," where the current X Division Champion could vacate the title for a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. This new stipulation added significance to the X Division title, and Aries became the first to use it, going on to defeat Bobby Roode for the World Championship at Destination X 2012. "Option C" became an annual tradition, raising the stakes of the X Division title.
2013-2017: Continued Relevance and New Champions
Return to Prominence: The X Division continued to produce notable champions, including Chris Sabin, who successfully used "Option C" to win the World Heavyweight Championship in 2013. Wrestlers like Manik (TJ Perkins), Sanada, Tigre Uno, Eddie Edwards, and DJ Z (Zema Ion) held the title during this period, keeping the X Division competitive and dynamic.
GFW Invasion and Tournaments: In 2015, TNA entered into a brief partnership with Global Force Wrestling (GFW), which included an "invasion" storyline that featured inter-promotional matches. The X Division was involved in these storylines, further showcasing the division’s diversity.
2017-Present: The X Division in Impact Wrestling
Rebranding as Impact Wrestling: Under new management and rebranding to Impact Wrestling in 2017, the X Division received renewed focus. The division continued to be a showcase for athleticism and high-risk wrestling, with a mix of veterans and newcomers vying for the title.
Current Champions and Developments: Recent champions have included talents like Rich Swann, TJP (TJ Perkins), Ace Austin, Trey Miguel, Josh Alexander, and Mike Bailey. The division remains known for its competitive matches and high-energy style, maintaining its reputation as a unique and vital part of Impact Wrestling’s roster.
Legacy and Significance of the X Division Championship
The X Division Championship has been instrumental in establishing TNA/Impact Wrestling’s identity, providing a platform for wrestlers to showcase innovative and high-risk styles. The division introduced a new approach to professional wrestling that celebrated athleticism, diversity, and creativity without the constraints of traditional weight classes.
Many of today's top stars, including AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, Austin Aries, and others, built their legacies in the X Division, making the title a critical part of professional wrestling history.
To this day, the X Division Championship represents the "no limits" philosophy, remaining a symbol of the exciting and ever-evolving nature of professional wrestling.
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