DirtSheets.com Presents:
Bound for Glory 2012 Round Table
X Division Title Match
Zema Ion (Champion) vs. RVD
Chris: Talk about a match completely thrown together at the last minute. It’s clear they realized that they didn’t have RVD on the card, and they didn’t have an X division title match either, so they decided to kill two birds with one stone. With that in mind, I don’t see RVD walking out with the X division title. I think they’re keeping the title on Zema Ion until Jesse Sorenson is clear to return. This match has potential though. It’s a great chance to elevate Zema as I feel he’s still lacking relevance even though he’s champion. I predict RVD to win but by DQ so Zema keeps the belt and the feud can continue.
Winner: RVD by DQ
Paul: Interesting match-up. I've been a Rob Van Dam for most of teenage and adult life and I absolutely hate Zema Ion, so I personally hope that Rob Van Dam wins. RVD hasn't been doing a whole lot so far and Zema Ion has been champ for a while so if they want to do with X-Division what they are doing with the Television Title, I think giving the belt to RVD is a smart move to just let him go out there and work. I can't think of a solid reason not to pick against him so my pick goes to Rob Van Dam
Winner and NEW X-Division Champion: Rob Van Dam
Sean: This should be a good match with RVD involved and Zema Ion is not bad in the ring either. I would hope this would be a match to showcase Zema Ion a bit and give him a good win against a veteran like RVD. However, considering they could not give Magnus a win against him it worries me that the same fate will befall Zema Ion here too. However, I just do not see how the X-Division Title benefits RVD in this point in his career. Unless TNA wants to hit the reset button on the X-Division with RVD as its champion, I see Zema Ion retaining here and he goes back into obscurity for another month.
Winner and STILL X-Division Champion: Zema Ion
Gary: This match was just recently made and I'm not sure it really matters that we didn't get a feud out of this one. Zema Ion is an odd character, but he will do everything in his power to defend his X Division Championship. RVD will give Ion all he can handle; yet I don't think it will be enough to win the X title or even really get pop the crowd for the giant show. This match would've been better if it was a hair vs. hair match. Just sayin'.
Winner: Zema Ion
David: I can honestly say that I have never liked Zema Ion. I can even say that I haven’t cared for the X Division Title since he’s been holding it. I might even believe that TNA actually doesn’t like Ion as their X Division Champion. He has rarely been showcased on TV and I just think it’s time for him to drop the belt. RVD definitely isn’t my first pick to hold the belt but he will make it a lot more interesting. I would much rather see a feud between a young guy and RVD than anyone and Zema Ion. RVD should get the win for all of our sakes.
Winner and NEW X Division Champion: RVD
Zach: I honestly did not expect this to be on the card, but I am somewhat ok with it. TNA is trying to build Zema Ion to not only be an agile high flyer, but a submission guy as well. I will say that the submission he used on Doug Williams last week was sick and impressive looking. I think that Zema Ion is for sure winning here. RVD doesn’t need to waste time with the X-Division title, and they are continuing to build Zema Ion as champion. There’s really no question that Zema Ion will walk out as champion. It should be a decent high flying showcase that is sure to end in submission, and I’m predicting about 8 and a half minutes in length.
Winner and STILL X-Division Champion: Zema Ion
Jacob: RVD doesn't need the win. Zema should come out on top, solidifying his X Division reign. This totally has nothing to do with my apathy towards RVD (yes it does).
Winner: Zema Ion
Pick to win: Zema Ion 4-3
TV Championship Match
Samoa Joe (Champion) vs. Magnus
Chris: I’m really pumped for this match. Joe has found new life this year and is getting back to being the old Joe. Magnus, as well, has really upped his game this year. Given enough time, I think this could be the sleeper hit of the night. I am predicting Joe to retain here. I’d love for Magnus to win but Joe just won the belt, so it wouldn’t make sense for him to lose so soon. Plus the feud is still in the early stages, Joe can win here and that can push Magnus more over the edge.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Paul: Much easier pick here. Joe to win in what should be a very good back and forth, hard-hitting match-up. They could probably play off of this some more if they want to but I won't be surprised if Joe starts getting into the Ace's and 8's feud after this show.
Winner and STILL Television Champion: Samoa Joe
Sean: This is one of the hardest matches to predict on this card because it could really go either way. Having the title would really benefit Magnus because it could help start a push that he deserves. However, it is also quite possible TNA wants this feud to keep going for a bit and though it could keep going with Magnus forcing Samoa Joe to use his rematch clause. I just see somehow Samoa Joe getting a win, even though something in my gut is also telling me I am going to regret this choice. I just can´t think that Samoa Joe just won the title, only to lose it a month later.
Winner and STILL Television Champion: Samoa Joe
Gary: Samoa Joe hasn't even had time to have brunch with his newly acquired TV Championship and already he has a huge threat, in Magnus, to lose it. These ex-tag partners will give the crowd a show they will not forget. Both of these guys know each other in and out; which will lead to a lengthy, but highly entertaining match. Samoa Joe hasn't held the title long and he will make sure he walks out of the building holding the gold he walked in with.
Winner: Samoa Joe
David: This match has the possibility to steal the show if given enough time. Both Magnus and Joe are incredibly wrestlers, too bad they aren’t wrestling for a bigger prize. I just can’t see Joe losing the TV Title now or any time soon. For once, I feel like the TV Title means something and at this point it isn’t even the most insignificant title. Magnus is destined for bigger and better things but this PPV just isn’t for him. Joe will retain.
Winner and STILL TV Champion: Samoa Joe
Zach: Joe and Magnus have history and it will play out well here. This could really be one of the more hard hitting and solid matches of the night. Unfortunately for Magnus, Joe just won the title, so there’s no chance of it changing hands here. Magnus will give Joe a run for his money, but I’m willing to bet Samoa Joe wins via Rear Naked Choke in around 12 minutes.
Winner and STILL Television Champion: Samoa Joe
Jacob: Should be a really fun match to watch, but Joe's going to retain. Its way too soon for him to lose. Even so, I wouldn't mind seeing these two feud over the TV Title. I like TV Titles that are made to look important.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Pick to win: Samoa Joe 7-0
Joey Ryan vs. Al Snow
Chris: This match makes little sense to me, and I don’t really care too much for it. The booking of this feud is just all over the place. Didn’t Al Snow vote yes on Joey Ryan and Taz was the one to ‘No’ him? So what’s Joey’s deal with Al Snow? Shouldn’t he be going over after Taz? Oh well, this should be interesting to say the least. I have no idea what kind of shape Al Snow is still in or if he can still go anymore. Either way, this shouldn’t be long and Joey should win to earn his TNA contract.
Winner: Joey Ryan
Paul: Not really a lot to say here. If TNA doesn't put Joey Ryan over here then what's the point of the match? I am looking forward to seeing Al Snow back in the ring though. He's been training people for years so I'm sure he still in pretty decent shape and Snow should make Ryan look like a million bucks.
Winner: Joey Ryan
Sean: If Al Snow wins I will feel like TNA just wasted our time for a bunch of months just so that Joey Ryan does not get a contract. To me, if Joey Ryan doesn´t win, why even have him on the show at all? Am I right here? Joey Ryan has to win this.
Winner: Joey Ryan
Gary: Joey Ryan wants a TNA contract and Al Snow will be the road block he must overcome. This match maybe the comedy relief moment of the night; excluding any segment Brooke Hogan is heard or seen. I look for shenanigans to take place in this match. I'm sure Al Snow will involve a manikin head or part in some fashion in this one. Al Snow is smart and I'm sure he will win the battle (aka the match), but Joey Ryan will win the war (aka the contract). Let's just say this will be weird in the end.
Winner: Al Snow
David: This match would have no point if Joey Ryan didn’t win. I really feel like this could be so much better with more consistent build and maybe a different opponent. I would much rather see Taz return to the ring than Al Snow. No offense to Al Snow but has he ever been a threat to anyone in the ring? This seems more like an easy ride for Joey Ryan. Ryan should win here and finally we will get him as a regular on the main roster.
Winner: Joey Ryan
Zach: This is probably the match that I have the least faith in to be decent. Joey Ryan is a solid wrestler. The problem here is that Al Snow will have to shake off several years of ring rust, most likely. Who knows what Al Snow’s ring condition, let alone physique looks like today? Hopefully Al will impress us and maybe he will get a few “You still got it” chants when he gets somewhat of an upper hand. Obviously, I wish Joey Ryan were facing Taz because the feud was way hotter with him. Overall, I’m hoping that the match is entertaining because of Joey Ryan’s signature personality. He is entertaining and hilarious to watch, and I’m thinking his heel persona will be the only saving grace here. Ryan wins or the whole thing is utterly pointless.
Winner: Joey Ryan
Jacob: Barring cheating shenanigans, there's no way Ryan loses to Al Snow. It's as clear as day.
Winner: Joey Ryan
Pick to win: Joey Ryan 6-1
Aces & Eights vs. Sting & Bully Ray
Chris: Looking forward to this match as I’ve really been digging the Aces and Eights storyline. Bully and the StingMon should make for an interesting team. I know what a lot of people are thinking, and yes the writing is on the wall here. It’s really looking like Bully turns on Sting to reveal himself as the leader of Aces and Eights. That sounds like a good story, but I don’t think it’ll happen. Well let me rephrase, I think Bully is turning on Sting, but I don’t think he’s their leader. If there’s anything I’ve learned from watching wrestling, if it’s too predictable, chances are there’s going to be a swerve. I think that reveal will be saved for later on in the show, in a certain title match that I’ll get to later.
Winner: The Aces and Eights
Paul: Sort of the same thing with Joey Ryan & Al Snow. If Ace's & 8's doesn't win here, then what's the point? The interesting part is who the leader of the group is because whoever it is sure to be revealed here. Whether it's Bully (who it should be but I keep racking my brain trying to think who else it could really be), Jarrett, somebody we haven't seen in a long, long time in TNA, the match is sure to keep all of us on the edge of our seats.
Winners: Aces & Eights
Sean: The reports have been saying for a long time that this feud is supposed to end at Bound For Glory. However, they have not done any kind of swerve or revealed anyone as the leader of Aces & Eights yet. I mean, you would think they would have to reveal somebody from TNA being with Aces & Eights before this just ends right? On the podcast I went with Sting and Bully Ray, but I cannot think of another way for Bully Ray to continue being the biggest heel in the company than being revealed as the “leader” of Aces & Eights.
Winners: Aces & Eights (thanks to a swerve from Bully Ray)
Gary: This will be the premiere match, outside of the TNA Championship match, and the most anticipated match of the night. Both sides have a lot to lose if they do not come out as victors. Aces & Eights knows this and they'll do everything under the Sun to make sure they stick around TNA for good. Sting has to trust Bully Ray; which will most likely be the downfall for "The Icon". Look for Bully Ray to screw over Sting, as well as Hogan, by helping Aces & Eights come out on top. There will be a crazy ending, so don't go for a pizza during this match.
Winner: Aces & Eights
David: TNA will finally reveal its hardest kept secret when Bully Ray shows the world that he is a part of Aces and Eights! Ok, maybe it wasn’t so heavily guarded but it seems pretty obvious here. I like to think in the back of my head that we will get a super swerve and the StingMon is the man behind the whole thing but that’s near impossible. Bully Ray will turn on Sting and we will see a beat down of a life time. Aces and Eights are taking over.
Winner: Aces & Eights (with help from Bully Ray)
Zach: I have been saying it for a while now; the swerve is happening here and Bully Ray is the leader of Aces and Eights. It doesn’t matter much that it’s predictable; it’s what should happen because Bully Ray is the top heel in TNA. Believe it. I’m predicting Bully Ray to backstab Sting, declare himself as the leader of Aces and Eights, and the stable walks out having won the right to free access in the Impact Zone. And regardless of Bully Ray’s possible turn, A’s and 8’s need to win here or the storyline is prematurely ended. It’s a no-brainer to continue the storyline. As for match quality, it’s anybody’s guess. This match is all about storyline, not necessarily wrestling.
Winner: Aces and Eights
Jacob: As much as I'd like to see Aces & Eights get theirs, I know it’s way too soon for that to happen. The bigger question is whether or not Bully Ray turns heel during the match. I've given it some thought this week, discussed it with my fellow Dirt Sheeters, and I'm going with Bully Ray not turning heel. It's a longshot, but I'm bad with predictions anyway so why not?
Winners: Sting and Bully Ray
Pick to win: Aces and Eights 6-1
Knockouts Title Match
Miss Tessmacher (Champion) vs. Tara
Chris: It’s a rematch from last month’s PPV, except this time Tara’s playing the heel. Feud’s been ok, not really sure what’s the deal with Tara’s Hollywood boyfriend. Apparently he’s going to be ringside at BFG, so maybe we’ll get more about that there. Seeing as Tess won last month, I’m predicting a Tara victory here.
Winner: Tara
Paul: I really like Tessmacher but nobody else really seems too. She's not terrible in the ring and she's young and somebody who if TNA put some effort into, could be a Knockout that'll stick around for a while as a top face. However, Tara, has been here forever and her talking to her boo or whatever (who, SPOILER, I'm pretty sure is Eric Young so she can have a feud ready to go with ODB) pretty much spells the end for Tessmacher.
Winner and NEW Knockouts Champion: Tara
Sean: Another student vs. teacher match with Tara being a heel this time does not really change the result for me honestly. Tara has been made to look totally silly with all this “Hollywood boyfriend stuff” and Brooke Hogan being involved too, so I do not see how TNA helps itself by having anyone but Tessmacher win here.
Winner and STILL Knockouts Champion: Miss Tessmacher
Gary: The student, Miss Tessmacher, will face her mentor and teacher in Tara for her Knockouts Championship. This match could go either way with both competitors knowing each other like a book. Look for a rollercoaster match with close calls throughout the match. My gut is telling me that the Houston native, Miss Tessmacher, has done her homework and will graduate with flying colors.
Winner: Miss Tessmacher
David: I think Tessmacher’s run with the Knockouts Title is over. Tara is obviously the one with the storyline with some hot shot boyfriend (or girlfriend, swerve!). This is no longer teacher vs. student in my opinion; this is more we need to get the title on Tara because she is more interesting. No offense to Tessmacher but things gotta change. Tara will get the win here.
Winner and NEW Knockouts Champion: Tara
Zach: With Tara’s new phone character and extremely little steam going for Tessmacher at the moment, I think it is obvious that Tara wins here. Tess had a nice run with the title but she has been absolutely incognito on the mic lately. Gail Kim has already told Tara that she’s the next opponent should Tara win, and it’s obvious that a feud is brewing between them. Tara’s been overwhelmingly solid in the ring lately, and she’s been getting more screen time than Tessmacher anyway. All signs point to the Widow’s Peak. The match itself should be decent but it will be Tara carrying Tessmacher to a decent match.
Winner and NEW Knockouts Champion: Tara
Jacob: I think Tara ends Tess's reign with this match. Tess has had her time in the spotlight; I think it's time for the gold to move.
Winner: Tara
Pick to win: Tara 5-2
Street Fight
Bobby Roode vs. James Storm
Special Enforcer: King Mo
Chris: This is a match that’s building for a year and it’s been a great feud. Most thought this would be the title match, but I’m glad it’s not. This feud didn’t really need the belt; it’s all about the personal animosity between Roode and Storm. I’m completely fine with the addition of King Mo as it gives the match an even bigger feel to it. Storm should win here, no question about it. This story is all about Storm’s redemption. He needs to beat Roode, and what better place than the biggest PPV in the company. Storm can then use this win to get himself back in the title picture and I’m assuming Roode will go on to feud with King Mo.
Winner: James Storm
Paul: This should be a great match and has a chance to be match of the night I think. These know each other forwards, backwards, and every other direction possible. I thought this was going to be our TNA World Heavyweight Title match heading into the BFG Series, but TNA guessed correctly that this feud didn't need the belt to make any more special than it already is. James Storm'll get the win, I'll be upset because Bobby Roode is the best thing in TNA today, but I'll live because this should be a fantastic street fight.
Winner: James Storm
Sean: This is the match that has been almost eight to 10 months in the making. Not having the title involved I think tarnishes this feud a bit because it was all about the title for a long time. Sure, this is really about Storm finally giving Roode the beat down he deserves and this is gonna be one hell of a match, but I still wish this was your main event on BFG.
Winner: James Storm
Gary: Former Beer Money tag partners, Roode and Storm, will be in the biggest grudge match of the year. This match has been brewing for too long and now we will get the payoff we've all been waiting for. Look for emotions to run high and for blood to be spilled in this fiery match. I’m sure we will get lots of action inside and outside the ring; with possibly some hardcore action thrown in the mix as well. It should be no surprise if at the end of this match the ring area looks like a war zone. Yet, I only see one man walking away from this match and that man will be a Cowboy heading into the sunset.
Winner: James Storm
David: I really believe that this will be the match of the night when it’s all said and done. This match has the most history behind it and I think this is the final chapter, at least for a long while. I stated before that the addition of King Mo enforcing the match is a good thing. He should keep any outside interference out and it will be interesting to see what he does overall. This is going to be a hard fought, maybe even bloody match up and it should make all the hardcore wrestling fans very happy campers. I just don’t see Storm losing here unless King Mo screws him over which is very possible.
Winner: James Storm
Zach: Something about this match doesn’t rub me the right way. Maybe it’s that it’s not as heated as I’d like it to be. Maybe it’s because King Mo’s involvement seems like a completely pointless distraction. I really don’t know. I’m holding out hope that the match is decent, but I’m honestly not getting my hopes up. I want to believe that these men will thrive in a Street Fight setting and will give us one of the best TNA matches of the year. If done right, it certainly has the potential. But we will have to wait and see. Storm wins here. I want Roode to win, but all signs point to Storm in order for him to exact revenge on Roode. Should be decent and I’m open to being very pleasantly surprised.
Winner: James Storm
Jacob: I'm going with Bobby Roode. I want another match between these two, so I figure Roode winning means things don't end between them. That's my mindset anyway. I'm choosing the ending I want to further my fantasy booking.
Winner: Bobby Roode
Pick to win: James Storm 6-1
Tag Team Titles Match
Kaz & Daniels (Champions) vs. AJ Styles & Kurt Angle vs. Chavo & Hernandez
Chris: Two things I don’t like about this match. First, I really feel Angle is wasted here. He’ll probably the biggest name on their roster, yet I feel as if he’s just thrown into this match just because. Angle deserves a bigger match than this. He really should have been in the Aces and Eights match, as they attacked him too and they can play off the Wes Brisco story. He doesn’t even really have heat with Kaz or Daniels, they’re more tied to AJ than him. Which leads to my second issue, can we please get AJ away from Kaz and Daniels. I like the matches, don’t get me wrong, but good lord it’s time for them to move on.
As for the match, this is another match that could steal the show. It’s also another match where I predict the Ace and Eights will make their presence known as I expect Wes Brisco to cost Angle the match. Between Kaz and Daniels & Chavo and Hernandez, I expect Kaz and Daniels to win. I’ve been enjoying their stuff and would love for a long reign for them. Hell they especially deserve the win after being the only saving grace in that Claire Lynch story.
Winner: Kaz and Daniels
Paul: This one is a tough one. I don't think I can come up with a solid reason why any of these teams should win outside of Chavo & Hernandez, who I think need some more time and more building before they lift the belts. So that leaves us with World Tag Team Champions of the World and Angle & AJ. I think it might be interesting to shift the belts back to Angle & AJ again simply because there are several more feud options available to them as champions, especially with the Ace's and 8's feud getting ready to take off. Kaz & Daniels are great though and have really been one of the more entertaining parts of TNA in the last few months. At the end of the day, I think I'll pick Angle & AJ to win but I won't be surprised if I get this one wrong.
Winners and NEW TNA Tag Team Champions: Kurt Angle & AJ Styles
Sean: This is another one of those difficult matches to pick because it could go so many ways. However, I am going with the wildcards here, the team no one is talking about and that is Chavo & Hernandez. They have looked very good as of late, Angle & Styles have been anything but a band of brothers, and Kaz & Daniels just got pulverized by Sting and Bully Ray. It may end up being a long shot but I am going for the upset here.
Winners and NEW TNA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: Chavo Guerrero & Hernandez
Gary: We have a triple threat Tag Title match and it leaves us all wondering who will come out on top. One thing we know is that Angle and Styles are not on the same page; with AJ Styles still unfocused. Therefore, I don't see Angle and Styles doing anything in this match besides fighting each other. So that leaves Chavo/Hernandez against the champs Kaz/Daniels. Look for Chavo/Hernandez to steal the show with some great moves and some near falls. Honestly, Chavo/Hernandez will probably deserve to win the tag titles by the end of the match, but look for Kaz/Daniels to pull a stunt or two in order to retain their coveted tag belts.
Winner: Kaz and Daniels
David: I for one think that Kaz and Daniels is the second best thing going on in TNA right now right next to Bully Ray. They made the worst storyline interesting and they have been quality in all their segments. As much as I would love for them to continue to hold the belts, I have a feeling that TNA really wants Chavo to have a title. I think AJ and Angle will turn on each other turning into a separate feud and one of those guys will take the pin. This will lead to Kaz and Daniels solely feuding with Chavo and Hernandez and hopefully getting the titles back somewhere down the line. I could be completely wrong here as this could go either way but Chavo and Hernandez are my pick.
Winners and NEW Tag Team Champions: Chavo and Hernandez
Zach: I said this on The DirtSheets Podcast and I still believe it now; Kaz and Daniels are the only team with momentum behind them. Angle and AJ won’t last at all and Chavo and Hernandez have been far too much in the background to seem like a threat. Kaz and Daniels are to be the next heralded tag team in TNA; mark my words. The World Tag Team Champions of the World are very talented together, they are funny and entertaining, and they are much more of a team than the other two challengers. This match could steal the show if executed correctly, and I have all the faith in the world that it will be. Kaz and Daniels will retain and they will take one more step towards solidifying themselves as one of the great tag teams in TNA ala Beer Money and MCMG.
Winner and STILL World Tag Team Champions of the World: Kaz and Daniels
Jacob: I really want Kaz and Daniels to retain. They've done a fantastic job as tag champs. The odds are stacked against them, but I'm favoring the team that's worked the best together.
Winners: Kaz and Daniels
Pick to win: Kaz and Daniels 4-3
TNA World Title Match
Austin Aries (Champion) vs. Jeff Hardy
Chris: There’s something that bothers me about this match. Is it Austin Aries? Nah I like him. In fact, I think he’s the second best wrestler in the US besides Daniel Bryan. (Punk’s number 3 for me). Is it the build for the match? Meh, it’s not the best, but its decent enough I suppose. Hmm what ever could it be?? Oh I know, its JEFF NERO HARDY IN THE MAIN EVENT OF THEIR BIGGEST SHOW.
What is TNA doing? This is the same guy who caused their blackest day in the company. The same guy who spat in the face of all those so called creatures of his the same guy who screwed up 6 months of booking and ruined whatever plans they had for Immortal. The same guy who showed a total lack of respect for Sting, the boys in the back (including his own brother), and the company with that behavior. What’s wrong was that he didn’t really get punished for it. He was off TV for a couple of months (still getting a paycheck), didn’t get any professional help, and now is getting a title push. Way to go TNA!
With that rant said, I hope to God, Aries retains. Even without the history of Jeff Hardy, I don’t see the need in putting the belt on Jeff. This isn’t a must win situation for Jeff like it was for Roode last year. Jeff is already a made man, he doesn’t need the rub here. Aries is having a good run with the belt, and looks like he’s freshly turned heel, so it would be a mistake to end it so soon.
Now going off on what I said earlier, I fully predict this match will be the one where Aces and Eights reveal themselves. It just makes sense to me, this match is going to close the show and you want the group to make a lasting impression. So you have to end the show with them. Now what’s this have to do with the Aries/Hardy outcome, you ask? I’m calling it now, Austin Aries is the leader of the Aces and Eights and they help him retain the belt. In a way, it’d kind of be karma for Jeff as it’d be similar to when Immortal formed to help win at BFG 2010. The best thing about it is that it would get a lot of people talking and make you want to watch Impact for the answers.
Winner: Austin Aries
Paul: Ugh. I mentioned my feelings about this match some in my Superstar Highlight article this week. I think Aries has been great as the champion but I think a heel turn is something that is going to stick for Aries while Hardy, who is definitely the top face in TNA right now and has a lot of storyline potential with perennial Ace's and 8's leader, Bully Ray, with Aries hounding him to get the belt back as well. I think this should be a pretty decent match still though so at least there is that.
Winner and NEW TNA World Heavyweight Champion: Jeff Hardy
Sean: Austin Aries has kinda done a mini heel turn here and it is probably for the better because doing the face vs. face thing with Jeff Hardy involved just is not going to work out in your favor. I am really worried about Jeff Hardy getting the belt in TNA doing a desperate attempt to keep Jeff on the roster. To me, I think that would be stupid because it’s not like Jeff Hardy is in “Dolph Ziggler´s” position where he is an upper midcard guy that needs that final push by winning the World Title. Jeff Hardy has already been a multiple time World Champ, his place in any company will always be at the top of the list. He does not need the title to help him decide where he wants to go. Austin Aries on the other hand does need to continue his title run in order to establish himself as a major player in TNA. Doing a hot shot for Jeff for a few months will only hurt Aries in my opinion. That´s why I believe TNA also knows hears what I am saying and they will keep the belt on Aries, causing Jeff to fall just short of his “comeback.”
Winner and STILL TNA World Champion: Austin Aries
Gary: Aries has decided that he no longer needs the love of the fans and has made it clear he wants what Jeff Hardy has. This leaves us knowing that both men want something the other has; Jeff wants the title and Aries wants Jeff's world renowned adoration. This will be a great match and I think it maybe the second best of the night. Both of these guys can wow the audience and they will give us the match we've all been hoping for. High flying moves, crazy offense, and even some wow moments will make up this match. Look for Hardy to get close to winning the TNA title, but Aries will pull off the upset and leave Hardy still wanting. (Side Note: Hardy's future with TNA maybe in the balance and, if he doesn't win, he may be fighting for another company’s title in the near future. Just a possibility, not fact.)
Winner: Austin Aries
David: Why am I not excited about this match? Oh yeah, Bully Ray isn’t a part of it. I have to say that I haven’t really been digging the Austin Aries title reign and I definitely don’t want to see Jeffery Nero Hardy holding another world title. Seriously, do you remember that awful Jeff Hardy face belt? Do we really want to see more of his “creativity”? It just seems too obvious to me though, Jeff Hardy is going to win here. Hardy is the fan favorite and no matter how hard Aries tries, he won’t get as over. But really, isn’t that the point? Hardy has something Aries wants, and that’s crowd reaction. So in the grand scheme of things, it seems that Austin Aries is set for a heel turn here. Heel Aries is so much better than face Aries anyways. It looks like Bobby Roode got in his head after all. Jeff “Made out with a ninja turtle” Hardy will be the new champ.
Winner and NEW TNA World Champion: Jeff Hardy
Zach: Barf. Is there really anything else to say? Look, I know this match will be good. It certainly stands to be the best match of the night, without question. But the outcome is obvious, and more importantly, not ideal in the slightest. Jeff Hardy will win here. TNA is very high on him, and Aries seems to have taken a backseat in recent weeks. It’s no secret that I am not a Jeff Hardy fan. Seeing him on my TV holding the World Title at the end of the night will nearly send me into fits and make me want my money back. But such is the plight of a wrestling fan like myself. If there is any positive to come out of this, it is that Austin Aries could turn heel, which would be a great boon to his character right now. The audiences aren’t cheering him as heavily as Hardy, so turning him heel is a natural choice. But at the end of the night, I’m sure that I will be looking into the painted eyelids of Jeff Hardy as he celebrates with the title. Yuck.
Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Jeffrey Nero Hardy Abstraction
Jacob: I'm going to pull a swerve card and say the title doesn't change hands in the match. A run in by the Aces & Eights, DQ shenanigans, or whatever it takes, I just don't see TNA handing the belt back to Hardy. It just doesn't add up. With that in mind, I say Jeff Hardy "wins" by DQ. Aries retains.
Winner: Jeff Hardy (by DQ)
Pick to win: Jeff Hardy 4-3
DirtSheets.com Staff Guessing Rank
Chris: 13/15, 86.6%
Paul: 12/15, 80%
Sean: 10/15, 66.6%
Gary: 10/15, 66.6%
David: 9/15, 60%
Zach: 9/15, 60%
Jacob: 7/15, 46.6%