A Clash Of Styles: What Will A.J. Do Next?

Styles reflecting on Impact

Written by @Robbie_G_CH
Photos by Impact Wrestling 

At the Turning Point PPV, A.J. Styles lost the number one contenders triple threat match, falling prey to James Storm's 'Last Call Superkick', in usual situations this would be just a small bump in the road as another chance would usually come up in the coming weeks or months, or as Bobby Roode found the next TV taping, but for A.J., thanks to a stipulation in the match, he has to wait until at least Bound For Glory XI for his next shot at the championship, the question now is what will the Phenomenal One do until he can challenge again?

Dwelling On The Past

On Impact A.J. addressed the situation he finds himself in and how it reflects the year he has had referring to the issues he has had with Daniels, Kazarian and Claire Lynch. After being interrupted and berated by the former 'World Tag Team Champions of the World', Daniels and A.J. agreed to face each other for 'one last time', many people will be thinking that this match has been played out, and they would have a fair argument as I have lost count at how many times these two have locked up over the last 18 months, but besides a few tag matches with Kurt Angle, A.J. never got the closuer on the chapter with Daniels regarding the Lynch issues, and in all honesty who wouldn't want to see these two lock up for 'one last time'? 

Road To Redemption?

With Styles being portrayed at a major low point in his career and outcast from the title picture for 11 months the similarities can be drawn with Jeff Hardy's redemption storyline; returning from a major low point, proving himself to his peers, and then going on to win the BFG series and the World Heavyweight Championship; once A.J. has finished his business with Daniels who in this case signify the 'demons of the past' but unlike Hardy who managed to stay around the main event scene, he will need to go a different route to get back to the top. 

There are two possible routes that he could take over the next few months until his likely participation in the BFG series, the first would be to go back to his roots in the X Division whilst the second would be to guarantee TV airtime by competing for the TV Title. Both options would mean dropping down the roster but often in wrestling to gain the top spot you need to work your way up from the bottom. 

Ultimate X

It is no doubt that A.J. is most known for his time in the X Division and what a better place for him to rediscover himself than where he began. Since winning the title RVD has done very little in way of elevating the division besides the odd match and I would be surprised if he reign as champion and his run in TNA lasts much longer. Being a former champion brings a certain credibility and if anybody is to get an entertaining match out of RVD then it would be Styles. 

High Flying is Styles Speciality

Like the Knockouts division (but executed better as to not happen month in month out), the X Division needs a match or tournament to establish the players, A.J could enter this tournament and come up short in the final to allow someone like Joey Ryan to get another shot and further add to Styles' woes whilst giving the rub to newer members of the roster, in the following month he could then become number one contender and defeat RVD, depending on what the situation is with Van Dam's contract (remember last year when Gunner put him out around January) they could have a rematch with the title on the line and a stipulation of the loser leaves TNA.
Over the next few months Styles could defend the title whilst using his experience to elevate the likes of Joey Ryan, Zema Ion, Kenny King and even Jesse Sorensen once he returns from injury, before dropping the title in the lead up to or at  Slammiversary to someone who will be looking for a short cut to the Heavyweight Championship whilst P1 enters the BFG Series looking to headline Bound For Glory. 

The Face of Impact Wrestling

The second option would be to follow in Samoa Joe's footsteps and secure a spot on TV every week and go after the TV Title. Like the X Division this is an area in much need of competition, especially since Magnus, whom has been pushed to match Joe, will likely be off air until the UK shows following his beat down at the hands of Aces & Eights (and his appearances in panto).
A.J. and Joe are no strangers to one another and a feud over TNA's second belt could boost both competitors and the image of the belt, throw a returning Magnus into the mix and the TV title could become hot property over the opening months of 2013.

Bound For Glory

The fact that the stipulation states that Bound for Glory is the the first opportunity to get a shot at the silverware suggests that Styles will be victorious in the BFG series and get his shot at the biggest stage, but this year everybody had James Storm as a dead cert to win and we all saw how that played out.

It is doubtful that TNA would book the same outcome to the same story, it is more likely that Styles will come up short in the finals of the BFG Series; hopefully to Bully Ray who has been the losing finalist in both the tournaments so far; and then go on to become number one contender in the following months, maybe even not until one of the bigger events in 2014.

What ever path Styles takes it will lead back to the top, it may even be for the final time in his career, but it seems safe to say that when that shot does come, A.J. will be the new Heavyweight Champion.  

  

TNA Bound for Glory 2012 Preview & Predictions

Ladies and gentlemen, it's that time of year again. Presenting to you, TNA Wrestling's biggest show of the year, Bound for Glory! It'll be a hard-fought evening as feuds months in the making come to a head. Matches of note include the World Tag Team Champions of the World facing opposition from either side (leaving nowhere to run!), the 'Cowboy' James Storm finally gets his hands on the self-proclaimed 'IT Factor' Bobby Roode, Stings fights off invaders Aces & Eights, not to mention the 'Charismatic Enigma' and winner of the Bound for Glory series, Jeff Hardy, challenging 'The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived' Austin Aries for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship! Canned Heat have our picks made for the big show, so scroll down the page and see if you agree...

TNA X Division Championship

Rob Van Dam vs Zema Ion (c)

MC: In this late addition to the card, TNA remembered that they hadn't booked one of their top guys in a match on the biggest show of the year - enter RVD's sudden quest for the X Division Title. It all began on this week's episode of Impact Wrestling, as Zema Ion came out to the ring to cut a promo boasting about all the injuries he's caused and the careers he's potentially ended (not really something to be proud of, guy). As is often the way, the heel is then interrupted by the fan favourite looking to put him in his place. In this instance, Mr Thursday Night himself, Rob Van Dam, has been given his pick of opponents for the big show on Sunday and who better to challenge than a Champion. This will be RVD's third Bound for Glory and he's entering with a score of two wins, no defeats, against two of the biggest names in wrestling - Abyss and Jerry Lynn. With future legends like that under RVD's belt, Zema Ion must be positively quaking in his boots. As random and thrown together as this match is, I think this combination is the best TNA could offer under the circumstances. Despite the lack of build, I'm actually looking forward to it. As for who will walk away the victor, Rob Van Dam is the perfect guy to lead the X Division into the coming year. No offense to Ion, but he's been little more than a placeholder Champion since winning the Title back at Destination X. He's faced a number of challengers since, but no actual feuds have emerged, with the X Division becoming a blatant after-thought. There were entire months worth of Impact Wrestling where the X Division Champion didn't so much as appear. Bearing that in mind, it's time for the Title to be on a talent that can't be ignored and will be featured on a weekly basis. Rob Van Dam's high profile may be just the kick the division needs.

Robbie G: The X Division has been an afterthought since Austin Aries handed over his title going into Destination X and yet again heading into Bound For Glory a title defence is added on the 'go home' show. I'm surprised a one on one match was added as usually multiple talent is involved for a spot-fest but this match should elevate the X Division with the addition of star power in the form of RVD and also it's champion Zema Ion as this is one of the most high profile members of the roster he will be going against. 

RVD had a good showing in the BFG series, was defeated in his challenge for the Television Title and now has his sights set on Ion's X Division Championship mainly as he wasn't booked for the show. Van Dam is one of the more recognisable names for neutrals to cheer which TNA management would be thinking of with BFG taking part outside of their comfort zone in an untested area. 

This match up brings the X Division to a cross roads, Zema Ion has been a solid champion but nothing has stood out about his reign so far, yet a win over RVD on this stage would boost his stock significantly whilst the Division has lacked star power since Austin Aries became Heavyweight Champion and RVD can be a short term fix for that, bringing fresh matches against members of the division and giving some of the younger members of the roster the rub. For the division as a whole RVD needs to win this match but Ion needs to put on a show and make a name for himself. 

Prediction - Rob Van Dam defeats Zema Ion via pinfall to win the TNA X Division Championship.

Joey Ryan vs Al Snow

MC: Months in the making, Joey Ryan finally gets his second chance at an Impact Wrestling contract! Don't you just love the irony of the first Gut Check contestant to be told no, getting more TV time than every other contestant who was told yes, combined. While the likes of Alex Silva and Taelor Hendrix have disappeared into the developmental system, never to return, Joey Ryan has been a frequent presence on Impact Wrestling, showing up every few weeks to remind the deluded judges of their obvious mistake. While the initial target of Ryan's scorn was the Human Suplex Machine, Taz, the former ECW Champion has long since retired from the ring and any such feud would lead absolutely nowhere. Unless we were about to get a terrifying gimmick match with Bruce Pritchard's Brother Love, veteran Al Snow was the obvious choice to step up to the plate to face Joey Ryan. The pair have had a couple of fun interactions leading into BFG, usually with Ryan coming away looking the weak heel. I particularly enjoyed seeing the contract signing...on Al Snow's back! As entertaining as the pairing has been, Al Snow is little more than a stepping stone for Joey Ryan. A decisive victory should lead to a full-time contract on Ryan's part and springboard to bigger and better things. Al Snow meanwhile, can return to his Gut Check duties and woefully misjudge the next generation of professional wrestlers once again.

Robbie G: Gut Check's most impressive contestant has had a long road to get his contract, but that road has been worth it creating a following of 87%er's and doing enough to make the rest of the crowd hate him more whilst being entertaining along the way. It's a surprise that Al Snow is stepping back into the ring to face against Ryan to make this a battle of the mustaches, especially as the judge's could have picked from any guy not on the card, but as long as he leaves 'Head' backstage this should be an entertaining 'match' which should see Joey Ryan as the newest member of the TNA roster and hopefully future X Division Champion.

Prediction - Joey Ryan defeats Al Snow via pinfall to win an Impact Wrestling contract.

TNA Television Championship

Magnus vs Samoa Joe (c)

MC: The long-missing Television Title returns and my what a Champion it's found it's way to! There was a brief moment recently where TNA actually considered quietly retiring the TV Title. The belt hadn't been defended in months, the weekly defence rule had fallen by the wayside and disastrously, contract negotiations with the then-Champion, Devon, failed miserably. Thankfully, with the close of the Bound for Glory series, TNA once again find themselves with airtime to fill and what better way than a weekly title defence  After a hard fought match against Mr Anderson, Samoa Joe found himself the new Television Champion! His one defense so far was against Rob Van Dam, with another contender sure to fall by the wayside this coming Thursday, taking him neatly to Bound for Glory. Quite conveniently, Joe has long-standing issues with his former tag partner, Magnus, who took exception to losing to Joe in the latter stages of the BFG Series. A number of chair shots and scuffles later and here we are. Unfortunately for Magnus, the Television Title is in a wildly precarious position and is in need of a substantial period of rebuilding, a feat Samoa Joe is more than capable of. Putting the TV Title on the young Brit, while bolstering his career, would do no favours for the Championship itself and send it careening back to the likes of Robbie E and Garett Bischoff. If TNA have any common sense, the belt needs to remain on Joe for the foreseeable future.

Robbie G: A few months ago I wouldn't have been excited about a match for the Television Title, seeing Robbie E, Garett Bischoff and Devon fight over the belt month in month out became old quickly and left nobody caring about TNA's second strap, but fast forward a few months with Devon failing to negotiate a new contract and the vacant title being won by Joe the image of TNA's second strap has been boosted considerably.

The match itself would have likely taken place  with or without the belt on the line but adds just a little bit extra to the match and to the credibility of the title as the ex tag team champions take on one another after Magnus turned heel and took his frustrations out on Joe. The two should put on a solid match which could be an outside bet on match of the night, Magnus' stock is rising and at a later date I wouldn't be surprised to see the belt around his waist but just not yet.    

Prediction - Samoa Joe defeats Magnus via submission to retain the TNA Television Championship.

TNA Knockouts Championship

Tara vs Miss Tessmacher (c)

MC: What was initially a rather interesting feud between student and teacher, has devolved into what can only be described as a cat fight. Back leading into the previous pay-per-view, No Surrender, there was no true heel in this pairing, merely one wishing to see if they could earn the respect of the other. That was genuinely captivating and I feel they lost something fundamental about the story once Tara turned full-fledged heel and denounced her student. They've since sullied these hardworking women even more with the notion that Tara is only doing all of this at the behest of an unknown Hollywood boyfriend. So where once there was competition, honour and respect, we now have a girl trying to impress a boy. Entering her forties and the latter stages of her wrestling career, I would've hoped Tara would be beyond stories like this. However, even with this ridiculous handicap, it's clear Tara's character has captivated TNA's booking committee (at least narratively speaking), whereas Miss Tessmacher has proven somewhat of a blank slate. As such, I fully expect Tara to sink to underhanded levels to get the big win at BFG and walk away our new Knockouts Champion.

Robbie G: Another match which sees former Tag Team Champions go against one another, but unlike Magnus and Joe I couldn't actually care about this match. The former TNT pairing have locked up multiple times in the past few weeks leaves not a lot to imagination of what we will see at Bound For Glory. A year ago the Knockouts Division was brimming with talent all fighting it out for a shot at the belt but now a depleted roster seems to just be handing the championship from one to another every other month and if Tara dominates Tessmacher like she did at No Surrender I see that cycle continuing.

Prediction - Tara defeats Miss Tessmacher via pinfall to win the TNA Knockouts Championship.

TNA World Tag Team Championships

Styles & Angle vs Daniels & Kazarian (c) vs Guerrero & Hernandez

MC: In what will clearly be the most entertaining wrestling match of the evening, this dark horse of a tag division will collide in an epic three way dance! Ironically, none of the three teams are what would traditionally be thought of as tag teams, but who am I to nitpick such obvious talent. Styles & Angle have been trading the titles back and forth with Daniels & Kazarian for quite a while now, stretching all the way back to Slammiversary. Guerrero and Hernandez are a new wrinkle, not necessarily needed, but I can't believe a Guerrero would be anything other than a benefit to a match, even being Chavo. I've really been enjoying the three teams competing over the last few weeks and will be sad to see the feud end, but something tells me that ending will be more than worthwhile. I'd talk about the story leading into the match, but I'm not sure there is one. This contest is coming down almost exclusively to athleticism. I know Daniels still has heat with Styles from the Clare Lynch debacle, but when doesn't he at this point. This is as close to pure wrestling as we're likely to see and I couldn't be happier.

Robbie G: The tag team division seems to have taken a page from the Ring Of Honor playbook by having successful singles competitors form teams to go for the gold and looking at this match I am not complaining one bit. Daniels and Kazarian have been stealing the show for a while on Impact with excellent promos, skits and matches but some of that credit has to go to the other teams who have been the foil for most of their exploits. The addition of LAX, Mexican America, Chavo and Hernandez has freshened this feud and added an even more unpredictability to this match even if it does remind me a little of Los Guerrero's facing off against Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit and Edge & Rey Mysterio 10 years ago in WWE.

The talent in this match should make it a BFG classic providing Daniels leaves his toolbox at home this year, with all likely to put 110% in and have their chance to shine, picking a winner is more difficult but sadly I can't see Daniels and Kazarian having a celebratory appletini after the match, a win would benefit Guerrero & Hernandez more but Styles & Angle could close the epic feud the former has had with his former Fortune stablemates, although not having the champs pinned for the belt's would allow for a rematch or two before some of Aces and Eights decide they want a bit of TNA gold. 

Prediction - Guerrero & Hernandez defeat Styles & Angle and Daniels & Kazarian via pinfall to win the TNA World Tag Team Championships.

Street Fight

Bobby Roode vs James Storm

(w/King Mo as Special Enforcer)

MC: In a rare display of long-term booking, we finally reach the culmination of Bobby Roode and James Storm's epic feud. This was quite literally a year in the making, beginning with Roode's inability to defeat Kurt Angle in the main event of last year's Bound for Glory. James Storm picked up the World Heavyweight Championship in the weeks following, sending his former Beer Money tag team partner into a spiral of jealousy. One beer bottle smashed over Storm's head later, we had the birth of 'The Selfish Generation' and the self proclaimed 'IT Factor of Professional Wrestling'. The feud appeared to be reaching it's conclusion months ago, back at the Lockdown pay-per-view, but Roode once again fluked a victory and Storm's quest for vengeance continued. Personally, I would've ended it right then and there, but with a Storm victory, winning his World Heavyweight Championship back fair and square. Looking back, that was the pinnacle of their momentum and in a world where a one month feud is considered long-term, six months was damn near legendary. With the pair approaching a year now, interest in their conflict has waned considerably. Where once it was top of the card and for the World Title, it's now an afterthought and the Title has been diverted elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, these two will still put on a hell of a show, but their heat boiled over months ago. Getting it back to that level of intensity will be next to impossible. The one saving grace of the match will be in it's finality. This should be the very last pay-per-view encounter between the two, so enjoy it while you can.

Robbie G: It goes to show the change in mentality of TNA booking that this is another match that brings the events of the previous year to ahead, with the two former Bear Money members facing off for the last time in a Street Fight, even if many did think this would be for the TNA Heavyweight Championship and Main Event of Bound For Glory.

The match between the two should be similar to the last bout these two had at Lockdown, hard hitting with lots of blood but will be hard to match the intensity as both have been apart for a number of months with Storm taking time off before dominating the BFG series and Roode involved in the Championship scene and then taking some time off before returning to derail Storm's chances of main eventing this event. 

The addition of King Mo to the fray baffles me slightly as he doesn't add anything to the match itself and judging by his actions on Impact (04/10) he will favour 'The Cowboy' which will detract a little of the glory from winning the bout and ending the feud. I imagine in the fallout of this match Roode will offer King Mo his first match on the back of this whilst Storm will go back into the hunt for the title.

Prediction - James Storm defeats Bobby Roode via pinfall.

Aces & Eights vs Sting & Bully Ray

MC: In yet another TNA attempt at an invasion storyline, the Impact Zone has been besieged for months by a mysterious biker gang called Aces & Eights. The one key difference being in this case, we don't have a single clue who these guys are meant to be. Not to mention, the fear that when they are finally revealed, they won't be anyone we know or care about. Infact, if the reveal of this group ISN'T a resounding failure, I will literally stand up and applaud them. There are numerous rumours that the leader is Eric Bischoff or Jeff Jarrett, but I suspect something far more surprising, sinister and probably not make a lick of sense. My bet is the one, the only, the Monster, Abyss. Aces & Eights are meant to have been keeping Abyss' brother, Joseph Park, captive for almost a month by the time Bound for Glory rolls around and as we all know, Joseph Park IS Abyss. However, the placement of Bully Ray in this match does make for a curious alternative. For the longest time, Ray was the main suspect in the Aces & Eights mystery, so much so, he became TOO obvious. As we saw on last week's Impact Wrestling, Aces & Eights took out Sting's initial choice of tag team partner, Mr Anderson. Conveniently making the way for someone they'd prefer in the match, Bully Ray. All in all, expect several swerves, reveals, screwjobs and hopefully we'll finally get to the bottom of this mystery. This has dragged on far too long and the audience needs a genuine face for Aces & Eights going forward.

Robbie G: It's hard to say how a match will play out when you only know one team involved but we all know this will be similar to the Sting / Hogan 'match' from last years event where the ending and aftermath will be more important than the match itself, whilst also having similar stipulations.

'Team TNA' have two of the top names in the industry whilst Aces & Eights are likely to be made up of Mike Knox and Drew (Luke Gallows) Hankinson fighting for their chance of allowing the group access to the Imapct Zone, lets face it without the masks and mystery this match would struggle to draw a crowd for a house show. 

The Aces & Eights storyline has been very hit and miss, it was exciting for a short period but without motif or explanation  it has seemed to drag on without really evolving, has thrown suspension of belief to the next level with the Impact Zone seemingly being accessible to anybody walking by, Joseph Park being kidnapped for a few weeks without the police becoming involved and if Joey Ryan needed to sign a contract to compete on the show then who drew up the contract for this match and why would it get signed?

Bully Ray has benefited multiple times from the actions of Aces & Eights even so getting himself in this match but these actions seem far too obvious that he would be apart of the gang, especially as everybody made a big deal of his 'Do You Know Who I Am' catchphrase but if MC is correct and Abyss is involved then it would suggest rather than an Immortal reunion, Bully is there to take a beating in revenge for making Abyss disappear and then forcing 'Joseph Park' into the ring.

Expect a roller coaster of a ride and to see Aces & Eights come out on top, it won't get the reaction Hogan's face turn but as long as he doesn't turn heel and this turns out to be more than just an Immortal reunited case then the pay off should hopefully be worth it, even if it is just to refresh the landscape of Impact.    

Prediction - Aces & Eights defeat Sting & Bully Ray via pinfall to gain access to the Impact Zone.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship

Jeff Hardy vs Austin Aries (c)

MC: I have to admit, I am genuinely surprised that TNA booked this match. At every turn, another eventuality seemed far more likely. Back at Destination X, I never would've guessed Austin Aries would defeat Bobby Roode and become the World Heavyweight Champion. Equally so, I never would've guessed he'd retain the Title against Roode again at Hardcore Justice. Not to slight Aries ability, but a year's worth of TNA booking pointed towards Bobby Roode vs James Storm headlining the biggest show of the year.

Similarly, the Bound for Glory series seemed almost entirely geared towards putting James Storm over and giving him that second chance at revenge on Bobby Roode. So imagine my shock when not only does James Storm NOT win the BFG series, but he goes out in the Semi-Final. All logic then pointed towards Bully Ray, the man who defeated Storm, taking the top spot. After all, Aries has been playing a Face Champion for the past three months, it'd make sense to put him up against the biggest heel on the roster. Lo and behold, that didn't happen either! While Jeff Hardy is arguably TNA's most popular wrestler, I defy anyone to predict he'd find himself in the main event of Bound for Glory challenging for the World Heavyweight Title.

I have a sneaking suspicion that recent contract negotiations with Jeff Hardy have played a huge factor in booking this main event. Amid rumours of Hardy not re-signing with TNA when his contract expires and god forbid, returning to WWE, I wouldn't be surprised if a high profile title win and subsequent reign at the top was used as a bargaining tool. Hell, even if Hardy did fail to re-sign, TNA have him until February guaranteed and may feel the need to get as much out of him as possible before that time, ergo, a last minute push towards the title.

Still, I have to hand it to the current Champion, Austin Aries, for working with Hardy's inherent lack of mic skills and crafting a story worth watching. Acknowledging that he was never going to be able to compete against Hardy's legion of fans (aka sheep), Aries has wisely flipped the dynamic of the match and instead of Hardy chasing for Aries' title, it's become about Aries chasing Hardy's fame and notoriety. With it being a fool's errand to try and out-face Hardy, Aries has reacquainted himself with quite a few of his old heel techniques and you can positively feel the resentment emanating from the Champ. Playing into his previous feud with Bobby Roode calling his title reign a fluke, this grudge against Hardy being more popular for no reason makes perfect sense for Aries' character.

Fingers crossed, this will be match of the night and a true classic for the TNA archives. I outright challenge Jeff Hardy to expand his moveset for the night. The biggest pay-per-view of the year, the audience deserves a show. Equally, I challenge TNA to let the wrestling speak for itself. In past Bound for Glory main events, the conclusion has been overshadowed by controversy and twists. However, this match will do all the work for them, they just need to sit back and let it happen.

Robbie G: It brings me much joy to see A Double in the Main Event at Bound For Glory, it goes to show that hard work and determination can make anything happen. Little over a year ago Aries was competing for a contract, then he was rebuilding the X Division and now he is walking into TNA's biggest event of the year as World Heavyweight Champion. Unfortunately that joy diminishes slightly with Jeff Hardy being his opponent for the evening, not only because back in June I predicted Samoa Joe would win the BFG series, but for me Hardy has never captured the magic he had when in the Hardy Boyz as a singles competitor and his matches generally involve him hitting the same moves over and over.

The booking leading into this match has also taken off the specialness of the Champion vs. The BFG Series winner as both have been involved with each other in one way or another since No Surrender although Bully Ray has been at the centre of all activity and its unclear if or how he will interject himself into this match. 

Aries has taken the role of heel and underdog for the match, although it can be debated if he ever actually turned face and has played the underdog the entire time since his entering the heavyweight division and my heart says the TGMTEL will retain his title but with Hardy playing the fan favourite my head says he will come out victorious to create a 'BFG moment' and give the BFG series it's first direct winner. 

Prediction - Jeff Hardy defeats Austin Aries via pinfall to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

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The Future of the TNA Television Title - Is there one?

As many of Devon's Twitter followers may have noticed today, the veteran has parted ways with TNA after his contract negotiations failed to reach an agreement, leaving his Television Championship up for grabs. While I thought his title reign was misplaced and hurt the division more often than not, I'm glad he had this run at "the top" as a singles star. He deserves our respect and I applaud his hard work. However, the big question is - what comes next?

The Television Title has long been neglected by TNA. They occasionally make noise about it being defended weekly on Impact Wrestling and even stick to their guns for a couple of months at a time. But due to whatever reason, they miss a week. That leads to missing another week. And another. Until we haven't seen our Television Champion for just as many weeks as he was defending it. There was a quiet mention of the weekly defense being suspended during the Bound for Glory series, but this put the division right back where it was at the start of the year - showing up solely on pay-per-view against an unannounced opponent. This makes the Championship a chore, not a sought-after accomplishment.

With the news of Devon failing to re-sign and return to defend his title, I suggest a short period of reflection for TNA. The easy way out would be for them to hot-shot a match tonight on Impact Wrestling, making people aware of the situation and putting the title belt onto another indistinguishable midcarder. However, I would implore them to wait a few weeks and think about their next move. As far as the average viewer is concerned, the Television Title is off-air at the moment for a reason. As long as the Bound for Glory series is running, this is a moot situation. Take the two weeks before No Surrender to formulate an honest to god plan for the division and that first show back after the pay-per-view we can begin in earnest.

As for who could possibly take up the mantle of Television Champion, the task is daunting to say the least. Anyone selected for the challenge must be worth putting on television each and every week, guaranteed. Another Devon or Robbie E and the Championship may as well not come back. We'll be right back to where we are now, with the title MIA and treated like dirt when it finally reappears.Whoever steps up has to anchor the division and show the viewers it's worth a damn.

My first candidate would be our current World Heavyweight Champion, Austin Aries. After the events of last week's Impact Wrestling, I have no doubt in my mind that TNA are in the process of stripping Aries of the World Title. It's the exact same play they used back in 2010, when they needed to take the belt off Rob Van Dam. But instead of an outright loss, they came up with some bull about Abyss butchering him with a nailed board. TNA clearly value Austin Aries to a similar degree, but he doesn't fit into their plans for the big pay-per-view coming up, enter Aces & Eight's brutal attack leaving A Double with a "broken arm". Obviously, this angle would require Aries to spend a little while off the air to sell the severity. However, when he returns, I could seriously see the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived holding down the Television Championship for months on end, giving the division the respect it deserves. Aries got where he is today by letting his skill in the ring speak for itself, so what better showcase than guaranteeing him a high profile title match on each and every Impact Wrestling. He became the star of the show doing much the same thing for the X Division, why not the Television Championship.

My second candidate would be, ironically enough, Devon's former tag team partner, Bully Ray. Assuming that Ray hasn't left TNA in the same contract dispute that cost us our current Television Champion, the Bully from Hell's Kitchen would be an obvious choice. For well over a year now, Ray has been producing the best work of his career. It's not a particularly high-brow act, but he's become the quintessential heel of the wrestling business and his effort deserves a reward. Whether he's working with Austin Aries, AJ Styles, Bobby Roode or Abyss, there's little the man can't do. In working as stiff as he does, he seems to bring the best out of every opponent, as they're immediately forced to raise their game and bring the intensity to match. Now imagine that each and every week, as he reigns over an entire division, all to himself. It'd add a whole new air of self-rightiousness to a man that opens every promo with "Do you know who I am?". If the Television Title is suitable for the lesser Dudley, it sure as hell couldn't hurt on the superior.

These are two shining examples of just how easily the division could be turned around under the right man, and it doesn't end there. I could come up with equally plausible reasoning behind Kurt Angle, Ken Anderson, Jeff Hardy, etc. Even if TNA were determined to keep it lower down the proverbial ladder, shock the wrestling world by bringing in Joey Ryan. Have him get the Title on a technicality, all the agents backstage wanting to get rid of him and yet the 87% prevailing in the end. It's that easy. So why aren't TNA making more of this Championship?

TNA Hardcore Justice 2012 PPV Predictions

In a matter of hours, TNA's best and brightest will go to war at the pay-per-view special, Hardcore Justice. While not quite the celebration of all things hardcore, as previous years were, the tradition is still alive and well. This year taking the form of three brutal Bound for Glory series matches involving all twelve of the title contenders. Who will walk out of the Impact Zone with those precious points. More importantly, who will walk out, at all...

TNA X Division Championship

Zema Ion (C) vs Kenny King

The X-Division seems to have floundered in the wake of losing their crown jewel, Austin Aries, to the main event scene. Zema Ion, while being the next obvious choice for champion, still hasn't displayed a natural ability for the role. Infact, he's pretty much been coasting on the fact he broke Jesse Sorensen's neck back in February and that was a horrible accident! Kenny King, on the other hand, I've been rather impressed by. He has a certain charm and charisma that I think could benefit the division hugely. Also, after his very public firing by Ring of Honor after appearing on an episode of Impact Wrestling, his profile is sky high. While I'd prefer for TNA to try King out as X Division Champion, that'll probably have to wait a few months. In my opinion, Ion will keep the title until Jesse Sorensen is ready to come back. Look for the hairspray to come into play.

Prediction - Zema Ion defeats Kenny King via pinfall to retain the X Division Championship.

Chavo Guerrero & Hernandez vs Kid Kash & Gunner

I'm astounded by the hype TNA are putting Chavo's way. You'd genuinely think having him on the roster was a big deal. I know he comes from the prestigious Guerrero wrestling family, but no matter the company, whether it be WCW or WWE, Chavo has been a midcarder through and through. Hell, even in TNA's own Ring Ka King sister promotion, Chavo was merely a Tag Team Champion. Unfortunately, ever since the passing of the late, great Eddie Guerrero, bookers have grown confused and treat Chavo as if he's the second coming, which he is clearly not. Don't get me wrong, Chavo has a lot to offer and will put on awesome matches, but a draw he is not. This match shouldn't be a long affair, it's mostly about feeding Gunner and Kash to the new Guerrero in town. Hernandez is there...just because.

Prediction - Chavo Guerrero & Hernandez defeat Kid Kash & Gunner via pinfall.

TNA Knockouts Championship

Miss Tessmacher (C) vs Madison Rayne

Usually, you can predict a victor through observing either competitor's momentum going into the match, but this one has me stumped. TNA have been putting serious work into making Miss Tessmacher (never call her Brooke, because two Brooke's on the same roster would blow our minds or...you know...we'd deal with it) the new face of the Knockouts division (while the real face, Velvet Sky, gets quietly released). However, Madison Rayne has been the centre of almost every Knockouts segment in the past month. She's been inexplicably partnered with referee, Earl Hebner, resulting in her winning matches where her shoulders were clearly pinned to the mat for the three count. While I prefer Madison as a legitimate champion, this current gimmick of hers with Earl is so counter to logical thought, it hurts my brain. I don't think TNA are quite done with Miss Tessmacher as Knockouts Champion, so she'll get the nod. Earl is sure to get a post-match tongue-lashing for his ineptitude.

Prediction - Miss Tessmacher defeats Madison Rayne via pinfall to retain the Knockouts Championship.

Falls Count Anywhere

Rob Van Dam vs Mr Anderson vs The Pope vs Magnus

The first of three random Bound for Glory series matches. None of the competitors have a grudge against each other and the stipulation doesn't really make much sense either. The easy bet would be Rob Van Dam for the win. He's the highest profile competitor in the match and it'd make perfect sense for him to walk away with the points. Which is exactly why he doesn't need them in the first place. Same goes for Mr Anderson to an extent. Considering this is the least of the three BFG gimmick matches tonight, I say surprise everyone and have Magnus walk away the victor. He's never been truly validated on the Impact Wrestling roster (Ring Ka King Championship reign not withstanding), so maybe it's time to put him over. It'd be a talking point for a match that doesn't have many.

Prediction - Magnus defeats Rob Van Dam, Mr Anderson and The Pope via pinfall.

Tables Match

Jeff Hardy vs James Storm vs Bully Ray vs Robbie E

A big step up from the initial BFG series match, as this one features arguably TNA's biggest star, Jeff Hardy, and the current main feud of Impact Wrestling, James Storm vs Bully Ray. We'll just pretend Robbie E isn't also in the ring, as I'm sure the other competitors will too. This match will very quickly come down to two classes - the feud and the spot monkeys. The majority will focus upon the tremendous work of Storm and Ray, who I'm sure will work stiff as a board and take literal strips off each other. Meanwhile, Jeff and Robbie will be bouncing all over the place taking a series of ridiculous bumps, never really threatening to win the match though. I suspect this feud between Storm and Ray is far from over and the conclusion certainly won't come tonight as they're sharing the ring with two other men. Look for a surprise fluke win from Bully Ray, leaving Storm pissed off and baying for his blood.

Prediction - Bully Ray puts James Storm through a table to win the match.

Ladder Match

Kurt Angle vs AJ Styles vs Christopher Daniels vs Samoa Joe

In what is sure to be the final BFG series match of the night, the four most memorable stars in TNA's ten year history have been thrown together and I fully expect this to be match of the night, if not the year. If you wonder why, consider that Styles, Daniels and Joe have had several candidates for this honour in past years and they've just thrown the best wrestler in the world, Kurt Angle, into the mix. When these guys go all-out, we'll be picking our jaws up off the floor for the next week thinking about it. Pretend you know absolutely nothing about Clare Lynch and the "who's your baby's daddy?" dreck, this will come down to pure athleticism. Frankly, any one of these four men could win the match and I would be perfectly happy. Personally, I see Joe picking up the points. He's had an amazing start to this year's BFG series and is often vying for the lead. I don't know whether he'll be topping that leader board come No Surrender, but the fact he's in contention works wonders for re-establishing his credibility. Simply...enjoy.

Prediction - Samoa Joe climbs the ladder and grabs...something...to win the match.

TNA World Heavyweight Championship

Austin Aries (C) vs Bobby Roode

A rematch from last month's Destination X pay-per-view. While I'm a huge Austin Aries fan and want to see him carrying that World Heavyweight Championship for years to come, I think it's the end of the line for this particular title reign. Last month's win was more about establishing the credibility of the Destination X title-shot and capitalising on Aries' phenomenal popularity. However, in the month since then, he hasn't been given much of anything to do. For the most part, he's been placed in segments with several larger names and gotten lost in the shuffle. Most tellingly was the week where he was placed in a room with the rest of the X Division for an entire show. It was almost as if TNA were saying "you can't cut it with the big guys, so here, go back where you belong". This isn't any fault on Aries part, it's more to do with TNA not knowing what the hell to do with him. He got this far on popularity and workrate, it was never to do with a story he'd been given. As such, I think the booking committee will look at his short reign as a nod to the smart fans, make the quick switch back to Bobby Roode as Champion and continue on as if the last month never happened.

Prediction - Bobby Roode defeats Austin Aries via pinfall to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion.

TNA Destination X 2012 PPV Predictions

Last Chance Fourway Dance

Dakota Darsow vs Rubix vs Lars Only vs Mason Andrews

In the first match of the night, the four wrestlers who lost their respective qualifiers will be granted one final opportunity to win our hearts and carry on to the tournament later in the evening. I have no prior knowledge of them all before seeing them lose on their Impact Wrestling debuts. I would guess much of the audience at home will be rather in the dark also, so I would hope this fatal fourway to be short and sweet, carried by their high-flying X Division shenanigans. However, I did take a liking to Rubix for his unique look and TNA certainly don't have any masked competitors at the moment, so the niche is always open.

Prediction - Rubix wins via pinfall and progresses to the X Division Tournament

X Division Tournament

Featuring Douglas Williams, Kid Kash, Zema Ion, Flip Cassanonva, Kenny King, Rashad Cameron, Sonjay Dutt and the winner of the Last Chance Fourway Dance

In what will make up the majority of the night's action, eight X Division competitors will compete in a tournament to decide the new X Division Champion. The Title was previously worn for the best part of a year by Austin Aries, but upon being offered a chance at the World Heavyweight Championship, he forfeited his prized belt in exchange. While I don't see history being quite as favorable to this latest crop of talent, there is a lot of potential in this group and we could be in for a spectacular array of matches. With the roster being made up of half established and half newbies, I expect that we'll see one veteran for every rookie, who under the worst circumstance can carry them through to the end of their respective matches. Whoever wins such a singles match will then progress to Ultimate X and compete to become the new champion. As for the eventual victor, your guess is as good as mine. None of the competitors stand out as truly memorable and would struggle to follow in the footsteps of the departing Aries. However, Sonjay Dutt has always been there for TNA when they needed him, now it's time they returned the favour and gave him his first ever X Division Championship! 

Prediction - Sonjay Dutt wins Ultimate X to become the new X Division Champion

Bound for Glory Series

Kurt Angle vs Samoa Joe

Long-time TNA fans will immediately peg this match as a special occasion. Not only will it feature fifteen minutes of quality mat wrestling, but the history between the Olympic Gold Medalist and the Samoan Submission Machine goes back years to Angle's own debut in 2006. At the time, Samoa Joe was the NWA World Heavyweight Champion and in the midst of an impressive undefeated streak. Upon arriving in the Impact Zone, Angle made his intentions clear with a swift headbutt to the Champ's face. What followed was one of the hallmark feuds in TNA's ten year history.

In retrospect, I think the bookers were far too eager to appease their new imported star. By allowing him to be the first to defeat their homegrown monster and strip him of the Heavyweight Title, they put the brakes on Joe's momentum, something he's never entirely gotten back. He beat Angle several times in the next two years, the pair going back and forth, but the damage was already done with that initial loss.

Knowing how much Samoa Joe has struggled to climb back to the top of the proverbial ladder, I'm extremely happy to see him sitting pretty at number two in the Bound for Glory Series so far. Last year, TNA lumbered their formerly unbeatable monster with a ludicrous losing streak, so I was pleased they avoided repeating themselves. Now they've finally decided to start treating Joe with the respect he deserves, I'd hate to see them fall back on old habits and have Angle go over for no other reason than he's a bigger name in the industry. With Kurt winding down his career, this is the perfect time to pay it back to the next generation and start putting guys over. He certainly doesn't need to win the Bound for Glory Series to have a place on Impact Wrestling, but it'd do Samoa Joe the world of good.

Prediction - Samoa Joe defeats Kurt Angle via submission

Last Man Standing

AJ Styles vs Christopher Daniels

This feud has been the backbone of Impact Wrestling since the last Destination X pay-per-view in 2011. First it began with  the pair as friends simply wanting to know who was the better wrestler. His eventual loss led to jealousy for Daniels and he spent the better part of last year trying to find a way to best his former friend. Frankly, the whole angle should've ended back at Bound for Glory, when it escalated to Daniels threatening to kill Styles with a screwdriver. I certainly zoned out around then.

Somewhere along the line, Frankie Kazarian was lured to the darkside by Daniels and the pair proceeded to spend the past six months taunting Styles with evidence of imagined improprieties with TNA President, Dixie Carter. In theory, this climaxed several weeks ago, when it was revealed that they were simply aiding a troubled family friend named Claire with rehab. But did it end there? Oh no. Now we have Daniels making even more accusations that family man Styles is having an illegitimate child by Claire. What Daniels says could be true in the context of a new swerve storyline meant to add an edge to AJ's boyscout image, but we're long past caring.

I once thought I could watch AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels wrestle all day long and I wouldn't get bored. Then it lasted a year. Now I'm at the point where I never want to see these two men in a room together, let alone wrestling each other for twenty minutes. I'm sure the match will be technically sound and even try to teach the upstart X Division kids a thing or two, but the terrible storyline has killed whatever interest I had in either man. The sooner they go their separate ways and focus on fresh material, the happier I'll be. Styles probably won't win this match, but I wish he would.

Prediction - AJ Styles defeats Christopher Daniels after he fails to answer the count

World Heavyweight Championship

Bobby Roode (c) vs Austin Aries

With this being the match the entire pay-per-view has been built around, tremendous pressure lays on the shoulders of "The IT factor of Professional Wrestling" and "The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived". A year ago, the notion of this match would've been viewed as absurd, but here we are and both men have earned the privilege, their ascension through the ranks of TNA second to none.

While this match is most notable for Aries' first ever main event on PPV, it also holds an element of mystery for Bobby Roode, being the first time he's ever been relied upon by TNA as a dependable, bankable World Champion. For the past seven months, Roode has run a gauntlet of icons, whether it be Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam or Sting. He's always been the question mark, relying on other wrestler's star-power to get over with the crowd. Even against long-time Beer Money partner James Storm at Lockdown, you could argue the feud itself had precedence over any draw on Roode's part. Only, this time, he is the big name and all eyes backstage will be watching to see if that trust on TNA's part was well-deserved.

As for the match itself, I haven't seen a bad performance out of either man in months. The wrestling quota will be top notch, with both men putting each other through a physical war and elevating their status in the process. They have a lot to prove and I think we'll get their top game as a result. The only downside is the inevitable screwjob finish. No matter the momentum Austin Aries has coming out of a solid year of success and notoriety, Bobby Roode is unquestionably locked in for the Bound for Glory main event in October and will hold the World Title until that day, guaranteed. As a huge fan of Austin Aries over the past year, I'll be disappointed to see him take the loss and leave Destination X with nothing, but I take solace in the fact that he made it to main event level and if he can do it once, he can do it again.

Prediction - Bobby Roode defeats Austin Aries via foreign object to retain the World Heavyweight Championship


Written by Mark Clements

What If? Aries Wins the Big One

On Impact Austin Aries did what we all expected him to and rightfully so took his spot in the main event at Destination X to take on Bobby Roode for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship but what if 'The Greatest Man To Ever Live' actually bests Bobby Roode? 

Aries with the X Division Championship

As pointed out in 'Long Term Booking' the Bound For Glory main event is likely going to be a Roode vs. Storm to pay off their year long feud starting which started with 'The Cowboy' defeating Kurt Angle the Impact after last years Bound For Glory event, but for the ultimate pay off Roode will have to keep the title until this years event which doesn't bode well for Aries, but if Aries wins at Destination X the Bound For Glory card and series starts to take very different shape.

If Aries did indeed pin or make Roode tap out with the last chancery at Destination X it is likely the main events at Hardcore Justice and No Surrender would be rematches of some sorts, as everyone besides Sting will be tied up with the BFG series. This offers the chance for Roode to gain back his position as top dog in the company but another title switch would weaken the creditability that Roode has given the championship by holding it for so long.

So with A Double heading into the biggest PPV of the year with the main gold around his waist, who would his opponent be? Obviously someone from the BFG series but it opens up the competition although it is relatively safe to say that Robbie E isn't on the list to win the tournament this time round, The Pope seems like an outside bet due to him being out of action for so long and Magnus is still learning the ropes and could be a top TV Champion at the minute with a view of becoming Heavyweight Champion a few years down the line.

This leaves a list of wrestlers who could all put on different but equally as good matches with 'TGMTEL' ranging from Mr Anderson to Kurt Angle to Christopher Daniels. Having had one of the best matches at Sacrifice a rematch with Bully Ray would make for a great main event at BFG, there is previous between the two and Ray has been one of the most consistent performers in TNA for the last year, even elevating Roode to main event status at last years No Surrender event in the BFG series tiebreaker. This match is unlikely to happen though as things are building to Ray facing off against Abyss and would have the biggest pay off being held off until the biggest event of the year. 

James Storm could go ahead and win the series and try and regain the title he lost, he certainly has the lead already amassing over half the points that saw him finish forth last year and being one of the companies biggest faces certainly makes sense, although the feeling that Roode and Storm will face each other at BFG won't go away so even without the championship, a grudge match between the two, maybe in a number one contenders match would add depth to the card and a pay off as such to their feud which could be picked up again any time in the future.

Kurt Angle and A.J Styles would also both provide Aries with strong competition but as they are both Tag Team Champion's at present it wouldn't make much sense booking wise for either to go on and win the series unless TNA were looking at making the tag division more like the Ring of Honor set-up. Christopher Daniels seems more focused with A.J than the title shot on offer so we will likely see the conclusion of their year long feud; if it doesn't peek before and hopefully no screwdrivers will be involved again.

Slammiversary X saw Aries and Joe lock up.

That leaves the trio who have been having multiple matches with each other to become the number one contender of Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam and Mr Anderson, either one has every opportunity to win the BFG series as all three have had multiple chances of becoming champion this year and all have been previous holders of the belt, the other option is the final name in the competition, Samoa Joe.

Joe had an excellent and competitive match with Aries at Slammiversary which could be argued as the best of the night, again providing the BFG main event with a bit of history, although these two locking up again is an exciting enough prospect as it is, both ex ROH World Champions, both previous X Division Champions and one previous TNA World Heavyweight Champion. This would also be a big turnaround for Joe who would be making up for his terrible showing in last years BFG series as he ended on minus points where he looked done with the company and now could be back where he belongs in the main event. 

If Aries did go onto beat Roode for the World Heavyweight Championship, whether it be at Destination X or one of the other events before Bound For Glory it just goes to show that an exciting card can still be made, so here's hoping for Austin Aries vs. Samoa Joe in the main event come October! 

Written by: @Robbie_G_CH
Photos by: Impact Wrestling (http://www.facebook.com/ImpactWrestling)