| 2 | 18.07.2025 | Styles619 | 5.0 | This was a decent match. Austin Aries was on a great run as X-Division Champion, having just defended the belt against Samoa Joe at Slammiversary in a great match. This was his first Ultimate X match, as was also the case for Zema Ion. The match started off pretty good, having some good fire and nice interplay from all 3 men, but then the injury took place. Chris Sabin took a plancha from Aries in the ring to Ion on the floor, but I think Sabin went really high on the move and landed wrong. He ended up tearing the ACL on his left knee, which took him out of action for almost a whole year. This after having torn the ACL and MCL in his right knee the year prior, so it was a string of bad luck for Sabin. He tried getting back into the match, but he was just too injured. The match slowed to a crawl after it happened, probably due to whatever planned spots being thrown right out the window. Aries did hit a top rope hurricanrana with the assistance of the Ultimate X ropes, then grabbed the belt to win the match. Afterwards, Aries cut a promo, saying he wasn't satisfied anymore with just being the X-Division champion. Hulk Hogan came out, saying that if Aries gave up his title, he would get a shot at the TNA Championship at Destination X. This is what would be called Option C, something that would remain a staple in TNA. So this whole segment is historically significant. I just wish the match was better, but I can't blame the talent or booking. It was just a freak injury. **1/2 |
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