Xscape match
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The Xscape Match is a gimmick steel cage match exclusive to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. It is featured annually at TNA's Lockdown all-steel cage pay per view in April.
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[edit] Format
The format of the Xscape Match is twofold. The first portion of the match is that of a multi-man elimination match within the Six Sides of Steel cage. Every time a competitor is pinned or forced to submit, he is eliminated. The referees at ringside open the door each time and allow the eliminated competitor to leave the match prior to locking the cage again.
Once the matchup is down to two competitors, the format of the match changes to that of an "escape" match. Much like the WWE "Blassie-style" cage match, both competitors focus not on pinning or submitting their opponent, but rather on escaping from the cage. Unlike WWE matches, however, it is not possible to escape the cage by exiting through the door. The first competitor to get over the top of the cage and drop to the floor is declared the winner.
[edit] History
There have been two Xscape Matches in TNA history:
[edit] TNA Lockdown 2005
Shocker, Chris Sabin, Sonjay Dutt, and Michael Shane competed in the first X-Division Xscape Match. Shocker scored the first elimination of the match, pinning Sonjay Dutt at 10 minutes, 45 seconds. Chris Sabin scored the second pinfall on Michael Shane at 14 minutes. Shocker and Sabin both made their way to the top of the cage, but it was Shocker who fell first (at 15 minutes, 42 seconds) to secure the victory.
[edit] TNA Lockdown 2006
Chris Sabin, Elix Skipper, Puma, Petey Williams, Chase Stevens, and Shark Boy competed in the second ever Xscape Match. Petey Williams pinned Shark Boy with a Canadian Destroyer for the first elimination, Elix Skipper pinned Chase Stevens after a Sudden Death for the second elimination, Petey Williams pinned Elix Skipper with a roll-up for the third elimination, and Chris Sabin pinned Puma with a Cradle Shock for the last elimination. Sabin and Williams both made their way to the top of the cage and dropped down at roughly the same time, but Williams landed on Team Canada coach Scott D'Amore while Sabin hit the floor, giving Sabin the victory at 12 minutes and 3 seconds.
[edit] Notes
- The Xscape Match was conceived by Dusty Rhodes during his tenure as head booker for TNA Wrestling. It was retained by the replacement booking committee the following year due to its popularity, ability to showcase multiple wrestlers, and unique format.
- Both Xscape Matches were utilized not only to put over the X-Division, but one superstar in particular. Shocker, who won the first Xscape Match, had recently filmed McDonald's commercials that were airing all over the country at the time. Chris Sabin, who won the second, had just been named the captain of Team USA in the TNA World X Cup a week earlier.
- In 2006, Chase Stevens went for a shooting star press off the top of the cage, expecting to land on his competitors. Due to the formation of the wrestlers fighting on the floor of the ring, Stevens landed in such a way that caused him to fall face first on the mat. Contrary to initial worries, Stevens was ok, but was later reported as not happy with his fellow wrestlers not breaking his fall.
