Many predicted a jump to WWE would secure Aries’ place among the elite. For numerous reasons, including injury and a lackluster placement in the Cruiserweight division when healed, Aries’ WWE run disappointed. Rather than toiling in the undercard, unable to compete against the biggest stars, he exited on his own terms last spring.
Though his foray underwhelmed, exposure to the WWE Universe only broadened Aries’ already wide appeal. He was rightfully portrayed as one of the most technically sound performers in the world today and received widespread exposure as a commentator on 205 Live.
Departing before WWE might devalue his marketability through losses and poor storytelling, Aries hit the indie scene with force, collecting championships around the world. Returning to television at the January Impact tapings, he carried belts from Australia, the United Kingdom and beyond.
For many, now a truly global superstar, Aries represents the conquering hero, back to right the ship that once was TNA. He also provides a much-needed bridge between today’s Impact and a product great numbers fondly recall.
To their credit, Drake, Impact and El Patron carried Impact through a tumultuous 2017, including the company’s merger, then separation from Global Force. Still, even homegrown talent like “The Defiant One,” former multiple-time WWE champ El Patron and international sensation Impact (ie Mundo, Nitro, Morrison) fell just short of connecting with fans aching for historic ties to the company’s past.
In under a minute, Aries solved that dilemma. After backing the title picture into a corner with Drake defeating El Patron and Impact earlier this year, preventing either from receiving another shot at the belt, Aries reopened that door. With the title now around the waist of “The Belt Collector,” the World championship title scene was instantly reorganized.
What was quickly becoming a stale three-way dance for pole position now affords an array of hungry contenders, fresh stories and never-before-seen matches. This infusion of life is clearly evident in the televised product. Aries vs. Impact, a first-ever confrontation, was ratings gold; an upcoming Aries vs. El Patron match — also a first — could prove equally fortuitous.
A real winner, though, could be Eli Drake. Though dethroned by Aries in near-record-time, and failing to regain the belt in a subsequent rematch, a feud with Aries could become the turning point in his career.
Like many mentioned previously, Drake is a homegrown Impact talent with the ability and charisma to eventually become a company great. As it stands, though, his rise to World Champion came too quickly and during a transitional phase – neither beneficial for credibility’s sake or long-term staying power.
Defenses against superstars like El Patron and Impact positioned Drake as a solid champion, yet long-time fans likely see both as “outsiders.” To those same viewers, Aries represents Impact – and TNA, as it was before – at its finest. A prolonged program with the new champ could give Drake the rub of a company original (though he wasn’t), legitimizing his star status in ways few others in the industry could.
The same is true for any who face Aries in the future. As Impact moves forward, building its new legacy, Aries is its much-needed link to a past so many ache to see again. He’s faced Styles and Joe and Roode and Angle – and come out on top. He left for WWE, then realized the grass isn’t always greener.
Now back where many believe he’s belonged all along, as Impact World champion, Aries’ future is bright again. Likewise, things are looking up for Impact as well. The ratings, revived hype and optimism surrounding the product are proof.
In so many ways, as the saying goes, Austin Aries is unquestionably what’s best for business.
Pollo Del Mar is an award-winning journalist, Northern California independent pro wrestling personality and hosts Arm Drag Takedown with Pollo Del Mar (http://www.Facebook.com/ADTwithPDM), a podcast focusing on professional wrestling.
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Listen to Pollo’s interview with Austin Aries from November of 2017 in the embedded player below:
