Austin Aries posted the following comments on Twitter after he returned to Impact Wrestling and won their World Heavyweight Championship, saying he’s removing the weight class attached to the title:
I may not win many popularity contests, but now I don’t need to to win championships. Times are changing, and I’m leading the charge. #ProWrestling #ProWrestler #TheTruth #TGMTEL #TheBeltCollector@IMPACTWRESTLING
@IPWUK@DEFIANTwres@WSWWrestlingAUS— Daniel Healy (@AustinAries) February 2, 2018
My first decree as @IMPACTWRESTLING Champion. This will now be called the IMPACT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. No weight distinction. I’m not a heavyweight, but I am world class. And that is #TheTruth. https://t.co/89XFc2NJlk
— Daniel Healy (@AustinAries) February 2, 2018
For those that missed it, here’s a recap of last night’s return and title match:
Eli Drake and Chris Adonis come out for the Facts Of Life and Adonis praises Eli and plays a hype video, but it ends up being a spoof of their bad moments together. Eli puts a positive spin on it and calls them the best friends that ever lived. Eli says he is actually the greatest man that ever lived (!) and that’s a fact… but Austin Aries comes out and cuts the celebration off short. Aries says he heard what Eli said, but it’s not possible for Eli to be the greatest man that ever lived, because that’s him. Aries says he has a few facts for them, and rattles off a list of accomplishments including him being a multi-time champion. Aries says they’ve never faced off before, so Eli can’t call himself great until he beats him, and he wants to lay down the challenge right now. Eli takes his jacket and scarf off and says Aries has done it all, but it’s in the past, and Aries’ best work was being a commentator and he can’t stop being E-LI DRAKE. Aries wants to walk in here and lay down a challenge, but he’s not doing it, and walks off. Aries says Drake has no balls and Adonis blindsides Aries with the title, then Eli reconsiders and calls for a referee.
Impact Wrestling Global Championship
Eli Drake (c) (w/ Chris Adonis) vs Austin AriesEli goes for a quick pin but Aries kicks out, the Eli goes for a corner spear but Aries avoids it and Eli hits the ringpost. Aries elbows Adonis and knocks him off the apron, then turns and kicks Eli before hitting a Brainbuster to win.
Winner and NEW Impact Global Champion – Austin Aries
