AUSTIN ARIES – ONE STEP UNKNOWN
If Aries gives up the X Division title for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship, and I'm pretty confident that's what they're going to have him do, then I believe it will be a step down on several levels.
If he decides not to and remains the X Division Champion, subsequently giving up his title shot at Destination X, it's not necessarily a step up, but it certainly won't be a step down. It's not as risky either.
Timing is everything in pro wrestling. Unfortunately, the timing isn't right for Aries to make a realistic jump into the main event picture. Not long-term anyway.
Did Dolph Ziggler gain anything substantial by simply challenging CM Punk for the WWE Title this past January? No, because when he lost, there wasn't room for him to stay there. There were others in line ahead of him and he got pushed to the backburner.
Even winning the title doesn't guarantee you anything if it's short-lived and the subsequent push isn't respectable. Again, ask Ziggler.
The same will likely happen to Aries. Roode will beat him at Destination X. Roode will likely hold on to it until BFG. Roode will likely lose it to Storm there. Storm will hold on to it for a while. where does Aries fit into that picture? Furthermore, how does relinguishing his title without being beaten for it help the X Division?
I'm a HUGE fan of Austin Aries and agree he should absolutely get his shot on top, but I'm not sure it should happen now. The risks vs rewards in this scenario don't lean in his favor.
On a side note: my girlfriend even scoffed at Hogan's verbal BJ this past Thursday on Impact. "Are we really supposed to believe that he believes that"? Good point, dear! And no.
