After Diaz vs Smooth, what is next for the Light Heavyweight Championship?

As we get closer to February 12th and the impending Steel Cage Match pitting the ACW Light Heavyweight Champion Diaz against JD Smooth, we can say with pretty good accuracy that there will be a clear cut winner in this contest, unlike the last few outings between the two competitors. That's what a steel cage is for, to ensure a clear winner in a rivalry of uncertainty.

It is ironic that we mention uncertainty. While one result in the Febraury 12th title bout will determine what future ACW Light Heavyweight Title bouts will be going into the spring, another will bring uncertainty to the future of the ACW Light Heavyweight Title almost immediately. Once you take a look at both outcomes, you'll see exactly what we're talking about.

If Diaz successfully retains the Light Heavyweight Championship: Then JD Smooth goes to the back of the line of contenders, and there is the problem. After JD Smooth, there really isnt a clear #1 contender. Over the last 3 years, Diaz has defeated every Light Heavyweight that ACW has put in front of him.  While there are plenty of new up and coming Light Heavyweights in ACW, most have turned their focus to Tag Team competition, as they see a faster path to success due to the parity of Tag Team competition in ACW.

Thats not a knock at all to the young and exciting Tag Teams in ACW, but the Tag Team Titles have changed hands more than any other title in ACW over the last 3 years. The last time the Light Heavyweight Championship changed hands, Barack Obama was just finishing his first term as President. Because of this, there are very few if any viable contenders for the ACW Light Heavyweight Championship after JD Smooth.

If JD Smooth wins the Light Heavyweight Championship: we can almost gaurantee that Diaz will request an immediate rematch, which would presumably take place in Hagerstown, MD on Febraury 20th. With the King of Maryland Tournament taking place in March, one can assume both JD Smooth and Diaz will have their sights set on becoming King of Maryland after a return title bout. While that gives us a glimpse of what we could expect throughout the spring. we would basically be dealing with the same situation of lacking a clear contender once the summer rolls in. Smooth winning the championship on the 12th would just delay the inevitable.

There are many Light Heavyweight contenders from years past that have focused their attention to the ACW Championship, much like the newer Light Heavyweights have focused on Tag Team gold. Sicend is one of those names that come to mind, who is actively trying to regain the Heavyweight Championship he recently lost after years of Light Heavyweight success in ACW. You can probably count him out for the forseeable future as his focus is on the Heavyweight Championship.

Robbie Illuminati? Maybe, but securing a title shot will be rough considering his win-loss record in ACW over the past year has not been all that good. However, The South Phillionaire has been closer than anyone in dethroning the current champion, which could go a long way with ACW Officials in securing another title shot.

Pat Anthony could be next in line. After all, if im not mistaken he never did receive a rematch after the first Chaos in Carroll County when Diaz defeated him on a technicality in front of his hometown crowd. Though Anthony and his tag team partner Rayburn seemed to be focused on winning back the Tag Team Championships they lost back in November.

Louis G Rich could request another title match. After all, he and Diaz had a highly competitive series of matches over the summer of 2015, though I can only see him securing a championship match if a new champion is crowned as Diaz has defeated the 2015 King of Maryland twice in the last year.  Not to mention Rich's focus over the next two months will more than likely be on winning the King of Maryland yet again.

The uncertainty of the next #1 contender could not be more real. Out of the uncertainty, one thing is certain: Anything can happen over the next two months. Who will step up and take their shot at the most coveted prize in Maryland Wrestling? We'll all find out soon enough.......