Ultimate X Match

The Ultimate X Match is a signature stipulation of TNA and is particularly regarded as the hallmark match of the X-Division.

In this match, vertical metal structures are set up at the four corners of the ring, from which two ropes (similar to those used for the ring) are diagonally suspended, crossing each other to form a large X, elevated 15 feet above the ring. At the center of the cables, at the point of intersection, a championship belt or a red X (representing the prize, if it’s not a belt) is hung.

The winner of the match is the first to unhook and claim the suspended object, which can only be reached by hanging from the ropes, without using ladders or similar tools. On some occasions, an additional victory clause has been added, requiring the competitor to touch the ring mat while holding the prize in hand; however, this has led to some controversial endings (it sometimes happened that the winner was not the same person who unhooked the object, as occurred in one case when the referee was knocked out during the match).

This stipulation does not allow for pinfalls or submissions; there are also no count-outs or disqualifications (DQ).

Typically, the Ultimate X Match is contested as a multi-man match: most commonly in Triple Threat or Fatal 4-Way formats, though it has also featured even more competitors (5, 6, 10). It has also been contested in Tag Team format and, more rarely, as a 1 vs 1 match.

Additionally, this stipulation always has something at stake: a title, the status of #1 contender, or the World X Cup (the trophy awarded in a tournament exclusive to the X-Division).