X Division – One Step Down
Austin Aries accepted Hogan's proposition to challenge World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode at Destination X, but by doing so, he had to give up his X Division title. However, before announcing his decision, he made Hogan agree to his added condition — that every year, the current X Division Champion heading into this annual pay per view, will be given the same opportunity he is receiving now.
I don't care how much Aries and others in the future put over the X Division, what it means, and how prestigious its title is, no superstar in their right mind would pass up an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship.
Given this new stipulation though, I'm sure TNA will show someone eventually pass up the offer and remain the X Division Champion. I'll then question their competence.
Aries was a unique circumstance, only due to the fact he had held the title for so long, beaten every opponent they threw at him, and because TNA has done such a poor job creating worthy challengers in that divison, he had nothing left to accomplish. He needed to move up and on to better things. This is his next logical step.
It won't be for others, all the time.
Now, with Aries dropping the title, where does that leave the X Division? Surely TNA has learned by now that throwing people into impromptu tournaments for number one contenderships and vacant titles does NOT result in made stars.
Good, creative character development is the ONLY proven thing that works. Luck rarely plays a role and championships don't make true champions. It's now ground zero for the X Divison and I'm not looking forward to it.
At least with Austin Aries around, you had Austin Aries to enjoy.
