Cedric Alexander Reveals Strategic Plan for TNA X Division Title Reign and Option C

On the May 14 episode of Thursday Night Impact, Cedric Alexander defeated Leon Slater in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match. This victory concluded Leon Slater's X Division Championship reign at 298 days, establishing him as a joint longest-reigning champion in the title's history.

Following his championship loss, Leon Slater shared emotional sentiments, stating he was “sorry” to those who had followed his journey during his championship tenure.

sorry

Alexander Discusses Option C Strategy

In a recent interview with Soundsphere Magazine, Cedric Alexander addressed the future direction of his X Division Championship reign and the prospects of invoking Option C. Alexander indicated that while his immediate focus is on solidifying his time as X Division Champion, he has laid out specific conditions for a potential move to pursue the TNA World Championship.

Would I be interested in Option C? That’s a good question. I’m a little stuck on that.

Alexander further elaborated on his current objectives, emphasizing his dedication to achieving a dominant and historically significant reign within the X Division.

As of right now, I’m going to say no. I’m pretty down with the X-Division right now; this is something I want to sink my head into. I want to get the longest reign, the most dominant reign I can possibly get, then we’ll see.

However, Alexander proposed a specific condition for when he might consider invoking Option C. He stated he would only do so after surpassing Leon Slater’s record, and even then, he intends to wait an additional day for maximum impact.

After I surpass Leon’s record, we’ll take it from there and see how I feel. You know what? Just to be funny, if I do decide to go for Option C, I’m going to wait until I beat Leon’s record by one day. I’m going to beat Leon’s record by one day, and then I’ll cash in Option C, just to be that guy.

Alexander also acknowledged several other wrestlers who have inspired him. He has previously named Leon Slater, Jason Hotch and WWE’s Je’Von Evans as stars who have made him proud to be a wrestler.

The History of Option C in TNA/Impact Wrestling

The Option C clause was first introduced in TNA Wrestling in 2012. Its inception stemmed from Austin Aries, who, after winning the X Division title at Destination X in July 2011, declared he was not satisfied with solely being X Division Champion. Hulk Hogan, then the TNA Wrestling general manager, presented a resolution: Aries could pursue a World Title opportunity, but to do so, he would be required to vacate the X Division Championship.

Destination X in 2012 marked the first successful Option C outcome. Chris Sabin followed on at the 2012 Destination X event, defeating Bully Ray for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship via Option C. In the years following 2012, three more attempts were made to exercise Option C, all of which were unsuccessful.

When the TNA World Heavyweight Championship was reborn as the Impact World Championship in 2017, the Option C provision remained available. However, it would be two years later before it was first invoked under the Impact World Championship branding.

Brian Cage was unsuccessful when he invoked Option C at Homecoming in January 2019. Josh Alexander saw a victory using Option C at Bound for Glory in 2021. The year after Bound for Glory 2021, Frankie Kazarian was unable to defeat The Walking Weapon, Josh Alexander, at Over Drive when he attempted to utilize Option C.

Since November 2022, there have been no further Option C cash ins, despite eleven stars having held the X Division Championship during that period.