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What's the story?
Impact Wrestling famously brought in a six-sided ring, much to the chagrin of wrestling fans and wrestlers alike. However, at the most recent Impact Wrestling tapings (for which full spoilers can be found here) the company went back to a traditional squared circle, with four sides.
In case you didn't know...
The six-sided ring has been a source of controversy ever since it was introduced. Eventhough it helped to differentiate Impact Wrestling (then TNA) from other wrestling promotions and lead to some cool looking spots and matches, it has been described to be potentially dangerous for wrestlers because it meant that the floor was stiffer.
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The heart of the matter
In a recent press conference on January 11th with Don Callis and Scott D'Amore, they spoke about the change from a six-sided ring to a four-sided ring.
As reported by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter:
On the move to the four-sided ring, which, as noted last week, was a decision they wanted for the November tapings but it didn’t happen. they said that was because a four-sided ring is better for bumping in.
As you can see they've wanted to change to a four-sided ring since before November but couldn't make it happen in time so had to do it at the January tapings.
They also state that the ring is better for bumping in which is good news for the wrestlers as their bodies will undergo lesser punishment than before. It is also good news for Impact Wrestling fans as this means that the wrestlers are able to take riskier bumps and complete riskier moves knowing that the floor of the ring will allow it.
What's next?
Impact Wrestling is currently undergoing a period of change. They're experimenting with many things. The move back to the four-sided ring receiving positive responses shows that things are looking up for the company.
Author's take
Anything that improves safety for wrestlers in the ring is a good thing in my book. Impact Wrestling is definitely moving in the right direction with this change.
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