The title was introduced at the August 13, 2016, tapings of TNA's television program Impact Wrestling after TNA President Billy Corgan announced that the TNA King of the Mountain Championship would be deactivated and retired in favor for the new championship. Corgan also announced a 8-man single elimination tournament that would feature new rules that would apply to the title. The new rules would be similar to how bouts were contested in professional wrestling in Europe in which each match will consist of three timed rounds, with a team of judges to determine the outcome based on points, if there is no winner via pin or submission within the time limit. The final match of the tournament took place at Bound for Glory, with Aron Rex becoming the inaugural champion by defeating Eddie Edwards (replacement for the injured Drew Galloway).[1][2]
Rules
Three 3 minute rounds, with special event matches going 5 minutes
10 point must system
Judging categories: Physicality, aggressiveness, controlling the action
Wins can happen anytime via pin or submission
If there is no winner after three rounds, a winner is decided by judge's decision
