by: Shane Howard

It's the biggest night in wrestling in a LONG time. All three of the top wrestling promotions are on television on the same night. Ring of Honor, TNA, and WWE will be battling it out for viewers at some point tonight between 8 and 11 p.m. (HTR is looking for someone to recap ROH shows. If you are interested, let us know.)

While the guys over at Titan Towers are promoting the return of Bret "Hitman" Hart, TNA begins the Hulk Hogan Era tonight. It's a three-hour special episode of iMPACT! and we are being led to believe that there will be loads of surprises.

Tonight, in my opinion, is a bigger night for TNA than for the WWE. TNA is the one with something to prove here. Do they deliver? Let's get on with the show.

I love the fact that Spike had a countdown on the lower right-hand side of the screen to countdown until Hogan and iMPACT! begins.

Once the countdown ends, we see a video that shows TNA's beginnings and how tonight is a new beginning with all the Hogan stuff. The show is titled, "Time for a Change." We'll see about that. Seems like there was some stuff changed around in the Impact Zone as the announce table is further back, a la WCW Nitro.

Taz and Mike Tenay run down tonight's card. Lots of gimmick matches it seems. The announcers talk about TNA's newest broadcast colleague, Bubba The Love Sponge. Bubba is asking fans outside of the Impact Zone what they expect tonight. What are the chances they air someone who speaks positive of WWE? Wait! Did that guy have the TNA logo tattooed on his arm? For shame!

Match #1: X-Division Steel Asylum Match: Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Homicide, Kiyoshi, Consequences Creed, Jay Lethal, Suicide, Amazing Red

The announcers quickly mention that Mick Foley was barred from entering the arena earlier today. The team of Lethal Consequences are working together on Sabin early on. Kiyoshi and Lethal are battling it out on the side of the cage. Shelley is up at the top all alone, edging to the opening. Lethal runs up to stop him. Suicide Solution to Amazing Red. Sabin gives Lethal a sick kick to the head. Red hits Homicide with a tornado DDT. Red and Suicide up on the top turnbuckle. Suicide pushes Red unto Sabin and then Red hurricanranas Sabin. Homicide has an extendable baton and lays out everyone in the ring. The match is ruled a no contest and the fans chant "This is Bullsh*t" as Homicide tries to escape the cage. He drops to the mat and several men start beating him down.

Music hits and Jeff Hardy makes his way down the aisle and to ringside. Homicide attacks Hardy before Hardy turns the tables. Homicide tries to escape but gets hit with a chair shot on the entrance ramp. A Twist of Fate follows. The Enigma then climbs up the Steel Asylum structure and sits on it as we go to break.

Winner: No Contest

Opinion: I agree with the fans. That was BS. Why couldn't they have a winner? Why does TNA always have to have the overbooked finish? The crowd was into the match. You don't do all of that just to introduce Jeff Hardy. I'm sorry. Fail! Rating: Zero stars

Backstage after the break we see Jeff Hardy greet Shannon Moore.

There is a motorcade for Hogan's arrival to the Impact Zone.

Backstage Segment #1

Christy Hemme is with Kevin Nash. Hemme is smoking hot. Nash is happy to have Hulk here. Nash says that with Hogan with TNA, they are on their way to being No. 1 and he's going to be making more money. Before leaving he says he just got done talking with Hulk. A) He's on his way and B) he's not alone.

Match #2: ODB vs. Tara© (Knockouts Championship match)

ODB attacks Tara before the bell rings to get the upper hand. After ODB runs into Tara's boots, Tara hits a running clothesline. Tara connects with some slaps, kicks, and then an enziguri. ODB is locked into the Tarantula move. Tara follows up with a legdrop over the top rope. ODB gets the chance to go for the TKO but Tara escapes and goes for the Widow's Peak. ODB gets out of that and ODB rolls her up. The camera angle goes kooky and ODB gets the three count using a handful of tights.

ODB is celebrating before Tara gets her up for the Widow's Peak. Poison, the tarantula, is then placed on the fallen ODB.

Winner: ODB via pinfall, new Knockouts Champion

Opinion: Lame! Again! Come on, TNA. Is Tara going to have a credible title run or what? ODB uses the tights, fine, that's a heel tactic. My question is why did we get a wacky camera angle at the time of the pinfall? We saw much better Knockout matches last week on iMPACT! Rating: * (because we at least got a finish in this contest)

We go backstage and a limo arrives. Ric Flair exits the back and greets folks as he walks to a locked door before we go to break.

Video airs of Hemme outside with fans earlier in the show. She rushes over to an arriving Foley and asks why he's here. Foley got the memo about not being allowed in the arena. He's got a video memo for Dixie Carter and Co.

In-Ring Segment

Bobby Lashley and Kristal come down. Kristal talks negative about wrestling fans while praising MMA and its fans. The crowd doesn't take kindly to this. She goes on to say that Bobby is asking for his immediate release from TNA tonight. She then drops the mic and signals for them to leave. Guess we know who wears the pants in that relationship.

Backstage Segment #2

Velvet Sky leads us into a room where the other members of The Beautiful People are sitting at a poker table. They proceed to play poker and Lacey continues to play stupid. I use the term 'play' loosely. She loses and takes off her jacket because they don't have anything to bet with. Throughout the night we should get updates of their strip poker game.

Another video showing the Hogan motorcade.

Backstage Segment #3

Backstage, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman are attempting to enter the building. They are being stopped so Hall grabs one of the security men's necks before other men come in to stop them.

Back from break, the motorcade seems to have stopped. The white limo door opens and someone exits a black limo and gets into the white limo. We return to inside the Impact Zone to see Hall and Waltman exit through the crowd, crashing the party. How Outsiders of you, TNA.

In-Ring Segment #2

Finally, after about the eight commercial break, Hulk is introduced with a variation of the old NWO theme. He's back and he's in black. The crowd is loud. Brooke Hogan is there in the audience. Hogan talks about his meeting with the talent earlier in the day. He reiterates what Nash said about TNA being on the way to the top. Hall and Waltman are once again stopped by security before Hogan tells security to allow them into the ring.

"Hey yo" from Hall. Classic. Hall and Waltman want to recreate what we saw in the 90s but Hogan says it's not going to happen this time. Hogan thinks it's time to grow up and do the right thing for the business. Hope you practice what you preach, Hulk. Hall says things are changing and they will change with Hogan or without him.

Nash then makes his way down the ramp and to the ring. NWO reunion. Nash says Hulk has a role to play tonight so let him play it. Hogan says it isn't a role. He's here to change the company for the better. Nash wants to know when did Hulk turn so corporate. Eric Bischoff is next to enter the ring, sans dye job.

Bischoff highlights the fact that the men in the ring revolutionized the industry in the past. He goes on to say that everybody, EVERYBODY, has to earn their position in this company. EVERYBODY! Nash says he hears him loud and clear and they will talk later. Nash, Hall, and Waltman then exit the ring.

Hogan is back on the mic. The game changes now. Everybody has to earn their spot. Bischoff is damn sure that he and Hogan can change the game as they did in the past. We see Dixie in the crowd.

They plan on having the change start right now. They ask for a format from a producer (how DX of you). Bischoff rips up the format and hands So Cal Val a new format. Hogan says if you can't talk or you can't wrestle, pack your bags and head up north. Ouch! That was a bit harsh, Hulk.

Shot of Sting, face paint and all, is shown up in the rafters before the break.

Match #3: Awesome Kong and Hamada vs. Taylor Wilde and Sarita© (TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship match)

In the middle of the match, we cut backstage where the Machine Guns have been laid out by someone. Hall and Waltman, maybe? Wilde and Sarita double team to finally take Kong down with a double dropkick. Wilde dives off the top rope on Hamada while Sarita suicide dives through the ropes on Kong. The tag champs lay the challengers out on the outside before we go to break.

After the break they show the challengers get the upper hand after Kong plays the part of a brick wall to Wilde. Hamada seems to be limping in there. Wilde is playing damsel in distress. After getting a surprise double knees to the face, Wilde gets a tag to Sarita. Wilde hits Hamada with a hurricanrana. Sarita goes for one on Kong but no dice. She then goes to roll up Kong but Kong just sits on her. Wilde runs in and hits a dropkick to break up the count. Outside the ring, Hamada lays Wilde out after tossing her head-first into the ring apron. Kong then signals for Hamada to get up to the top rope. Kong hoists Sarita up on her shoulders and Hamada dropkicks her into a powerbomb from Kong.

Winner: Kong and Hamada via pinfall, new Knockouts Tag Team Champions

Opinion: Best match of the night so far. Things could have been better if Hamada wasn't limping around the ring. Wilde and Sarita didn't just lay down here. Thank you Knockouts because I have been rather bored tonight, until this point. Rating: ***1/2

Backstage Segment #4

Poker game is back in action. The ladies have lost a bit more clothing and in comes Val Venis Mr. Towel Man. Sean Morley wants to add some excitement to the game as he only has a towel on.

Backstage Segment #5

Foley is trying to get in but he's not getting in. The Nasty Boys attempt to get in the same door Foley was at but they are also turned away.

Match #4: Raven and Dr. Stevie w/ Daffney vs. Matt Morgan and Hernandez

The winning team here gets a shot at The British Invasion's tag titles at TNA Genesis. The good doctor tries to take it to Morgan but eats a Carbon Footprint. Just like that, the match is over.

Winner: Matt Morgan and Hernandez via pinfall

Opinion: Really? For a No. 1 contender match that is what you give us. A one-minute match. Come the hell on, TNA! Rating: Zero rating

Backstage Segment #6

Hemme is with D'Angelo Dinero. The Black Pope going to be in action against Desmond Wolfe tonight. Dinero makes fun of Wolfe's name. He wants Wolfe to bring his very best. In comes Orlando Jordan holding a Stacker 5-Hour Power drink. Jordan says Hogan invited him here. Pope tells Jordan to get stepping because he's interrupting the Pope's interview time. Jordan says that Pope reminds Hogan a little of Jordan himself. Ouch.

Match #5: Desmond Wolfe vs. Black Pope D'Angelo Dinero

Wolfe works on Pope's arm as he does with most of his opponents. Flying hammerlock by the Brit. Pope tries to hit a sunset flip but Wolfe doesn't go down and goes back to work on the arm. After avoiding a corner charge, Pope kicks the feet out from Wolfe and hits elevated elbow drop in the corner. Wolfe slams Pope to the mat using Pope's arm for momentum. Tower of London attempt is evaded by Pope. He goes for an uppercut but Wolfe counters and goes for a backslide. Pope flips over and small packages Wolfe.

Winner: D'Angelo Dinero via pinfall

Opinion: Surprise winner here. The match was good yet short. Enjoyed the technical stuff by Wolfe and Pope hung with him in there. Rating: ***

We get a shot of Jeff Jarrett before we go to break. We come back from break and get another backstage shot of Jarrett. Another commercial break.

Another attack backstage, this time on Rhino.

In case you missed it (an hour ago) TNA recaps the in-ring segment featuring Hogan.

One more shot of Jarrett in the back and we go to ANOTHER commercial break.

Backstage Segment #7

AJ Styles is finally shown on the show, nearly two hours into the show. How's that for your champion. Jeremy Borash is with the champ. AJ puts over his match against Kurt Angle at Genesis. Bischoff comes in and says that the match between Styles and Angle won't happen at Genesis. That match is tonight's main event.

In-Ring Segment #3

The "King of the Mountain" Jeff Jarrett comes out. JJ is given a warm reception. He reminds us of how he started TNA and no one gave it a chance. The crowd chants "Thank you, Jeff". Jarrett is putting over all the guys in the back, the signing of Hogan, and tells us that anything can and will happen in TNA.

Hogan comes on the big screen. Hogan says that Jeff did start the company but he also ran it into the ground. Hogan puts over Dixie. The crowd chants "Bullsh*t". Hogan says he is now Dixie Carter's partner. The young guys are going to get their real shot now. All of Jarrett's past accolades mean squat now. JJ has no stroke and he has to prove himself like everybody else.

Backstage Segment #8

The hot Hemme is with Daniels. Daniels is saying how he isn't worried about his spot before Jeremy Borash runs by on the phone. Apparently, Foley is on the other line. JB opens a door and Foley enters the building. Foley has a bone to pick with Hogan and doesn't care who he has to go through.

Backstage Segment #9

Shannon Moore is with Hardy in the locker room. Jeff is painting a portrait. Moore says the big man is ready to see him and they head out leaving the portrait.

Match #6: Abyss vs. Samoa Joe

Abyss was initially to take on Rhino but Bischoff's new format, coupled with Rhino's attack, has changed things. This is the first time for these two going one-on-one. Joe pelts Abyss with rights from the onset. Abyss then eats a step-up enziguri in the corner from Joe. Samoa Joe runs at Abyss but runs into a boot. Joe heads to the outside. Abyss goes after him but Joe hits Abyss. Joe grabs a chair and swings but Abyss moves out of the way. Joe is sent into the ring by Abyss. Joe takes Abyss down and hits a senton back drop. Sting is shown backstage.

Side slam by Abyss to Joe. Abyss charges at Joe, who's in the corner, and Joe connects with an elbow and then a kick. Another step-up enziguri by Joe. He goes to the middle rope, jumps off but Abyss grabs him and hits a chokeslam. Two. Joe's back on the outside. Abyss wants to go after Joe but the ref stops him. Abyss shoves the ref out of the way and Joe connects with a chair shot while the ref's vision is obstructed. Joe gets back in the ring and locks in the rear-naked choke.

Winner: Samoa Joe via submission

Opinion: It was a good back-and-forth match. Joe's victory is fine here considering he just came off the world title briefcase victory at Final Resolution. Rating: **1/2

Backstage Segment #10

Bischoff is with a producer and tells him to re-work a segment. Kristal then comes in and demands a meeting with Hulk due to Bobby wanting out of TNA. Easy E tells her to grab a number and stand in line. She exclaims that Bobby will not be happy.

Another attack, this time to Beer Money, Inc. Bubba the Love Sponge has an idea of who is behind it all.

Backstage Segment #11

Another attempt by the Nasty Boys to get in the building. Bubba distracts the man blocking the way so the Boys can sneak past.

JB is with Angle. Angle says that Styles cannot beat him. He's great but he's not the greatest wrestler in the world. It's time for Kurt to reclaim his title. It's real, it's damn real.

As Hardy and Moore head to their car, Moore is excited as they got what they came for. They are holding manila envelopes. Contracts? Three screaming girls run up and ask Jeff for his autograph. He hands over the painting he did and kisses one on the cheek. OMG, I <3 Jeff, and other things those girls must of said when they were done with that segment.

Backstage Segment #12

The Nasty Boys head to Team 3D's locker room. TNA staff brings them donuts to apologize for the hard time. The Boys shove the donuts in their face and then begin to deface the locker room.

Main Event: Kurt Angle vs. AJ Styles© (TNA World Heavyweight Championship match)

The match starts and AJ has Angle down in a rest hold. As Angle attempts to come back, he runs at AJ who hits a standing dropkick. Angle heads to the outside. AJ dives over the top rope, knocking Angle down. The masked man comes in and attacks AJ. The bell rings. Kurt takes out the attacker. Angle helps AJ to his feet and we get back to the action. The two battle for position before Angle hits Styles with a powerbomb into the turnbuckle. Commercial.

Angle is on the offensive when we come back from break. We see Angle slam AJ and then we go back to commercial. WHAT!?

Back from break. AJ is able to get Angle up and flip him off his shoulder into a neckbreaker. Styles goes for his springboard forearm but Angle catches him and hits a belly-to-belly suplex. Angle Slam is evaded by Styles. Angle hits a slingshot before his trademark Germans (three). Styles with a Pele out of nowhere but Angle avoids and locks in the Ankle Lock.

AJ gets out and hits the Pele this time for a two count. Styles runs at Angle, who avoids the contact, Styles goes slamming into the turnbuckle, Angle hits Angle Slam. Two. AJ gets crazy height with his springboard forearm smash. Styles to the top rope but Angle pops up and hits a top-rope belly-to-belly throw. Angle now goes up top and goes for the Frog Splash. AJ moves. Styles Clash gets AJ a two count.

Both men are on the top before Kurt punches AJ off. Frog Splash gets Angle a two count. Angle Slam attempt is countered into a DDT by AJ. Crowd chants "Who needs Bret". AJ is placed into the Ankle Lock again but he escapes when Angle is atttempting to go for a leg lock. German suplex with a release by Angle.

Angle throws AJ into the ropes and AJ hits a moonsault into an inverted DDT. TWO! AJ is up on the top rope and Angle gets up there and hits a top-rope Angle Slam. Another Ankle Lock before AJ is able to force Angle into the ropes. Enziguri by AJ is followed by another Styles Clash. ANother two count. AJ goes for a third Styles Clash, Angle rolls through and locks in the Ankle Lock, this time locking the legs. Flair comes out to the top of the ramp.

AJ is his feet and hits a suplex of his own before connecting with his springboard 450-splash. Two count. Before we go to another commercial we learn that Spike is giving TNA overrun time, if needed.

Flair is still looking on when we return. Angle is trying to make AJ stumit however he can. AJ rolls through a move and hits another Styles Clash. Styles gets another springboard 450-splash. This time the ref counts three.

Winner: AJ Styles via pinfall, retains title

Opinion: Awesome match. What keeps it from being flawless was the interruption by the attacker, Flair's appearance atop the ramp, and the commercials. Still, outstanding. Rating: ****1/2

Post-match

After the match, Kurt holds AJ's hand up. Hogan comes out and calls the two men the best. AJ has just raised the bar. This is the beginning of the greatest rise in prof... someone whispers in Hogan's ear and Hogan runs off to the back.

In the back, Foley barges into the poker room. He is demanding to know Hogan's location. Morley tells him where to find Hogan. Foley enters his office and finds Bischoff sitting in his chair. Bischoff tells Foley he has no power and the only choice he has is to get in line with everyone else. Foley says he will never work for Bischoff. Hall and Waltman come in and beat down Foley. Hogan enters the room, shouts "Hey", takes off his glasses, and the show ends with a close up of the "man of the hour".

Overall

Three hours. TNA, you had three hours to wow us. Did you? Not me. I'm sorry, I was expecting more. The return of so many washed-up has-beens and some never-was doesn't entice me. I guess you're trying to bring in some of the fans from the WCW heyday. Who knows?

The night started well with the Steel Asylum match. There was no point of it except to hype the crowd up. The end result was a failure. You had the crowd in your hands and you crapped on it with a no contest. Why not have Hardy be a surprise entrant in the match instead of the route you chose?

Why do you keep crapping on the Motor City Machine Guns? Hell, you were a bit WWE-ish here with your lack of regard to the tag team division. A No. 1 contender match ends in less than a minute? Really?

So I guess all the storylines prior to today goes out the window? If this is the case, how will that work when your pay-per-view is in two weeks?

As the supposed alternative I thought you would be a bit different from the WWE with your three hours. Unfortunately, there was still a whole lot of talking and backstage segments.

Granted, there were some bright spots. I enjoyed the Knockouts Tag Team Championship match, the Pope/Wolfe encounter, and the main event. My question is: can you live on only counting on Styles, Angle, Wolfe, Kong, and Hamada to give great matches?

For fans who haven't kept up with TNA, this might have been a great night. For those who actually watch the product, I was expecting more.

Match Results

Steel Asylum match - no contest

ODB def. Tara

Awesome Kong and Hamada def. Taylor Wilde and Sarita

Matt Morgan and Hernandez def. Dr. Stevie and Raven

D'Angelo Dinero def. Desmond Wolfe

Samoa Joe def. Abyss

AJ Styles def. Kurt Angle

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We are less than 24 hours away which could be, what should be, the biggest night of wrestling of the last ten years. TNA Impact is moving to Monday night for one night only, unless it goes unspeakably well, to go head to head with WWE Raw for two hours. What will this mean for the future of wrestling? For the good or for the bad, tonight's shows will no doubt have a lasting impression on the wrestling world.

Here's a look at what both shows have to offer. Who will have the best night? Only time will tell...but there's always speculation, right?

WWE RAW

Raw has been stale for oh so long with their feeble attempts to gain new viewers and unpaid advertising through guest host. Granted, they were hot at the beginning getting exposure on major networks like ESPN and C-Span, but as of late it has become way too predictable for fans who tune in week and week out. That shall all change tonight as Bret Hart will be returning to Raw for the first time in 12 years. Well, at least we hope.

Although we shouldn't see the "Hitman" struggling to put sentences together like Timberland, I'm not expecting that many surprises either. How many different ways can they go with this angle? Other than the obvious, "I hate you Shawn and Hunter for destroying my life, now that I'm the guest host I can screw you." "I hate you Vince for destroying my life, I want you in a street fight at 'Mania...although it's already been done with 'Taker, Stone Cold, HBK, Hulk Hogan..." "This is the Hart Dynasty, I don't hate them. They're the next best thing since the Best There Is, Was and Ever Will Be."

Don't get me wrong, any of those paths will be way better than anything we got going today. But if I can pen it before it happens, it's not going to be as memorable. I hope creative digs deep for this as it's been over a decade in the making and has been discussed within the company for years. From the Hart Dynasty turning on Bret to Bret joining DX, anything that would make you think twice, as unlikely as it would be, would be nice.

On to tonight's show. As Demetrus said on Hit The Ropes Radio Vince not recognizing TNA's move to Monday nights would be a complete lie. As bad as he wanted to complete the Bret Hart deal in the past, and even though there's a new DVD to push soon, this is proof that he's doing all he can to stomp out the competition.

WWE Raw will be filled with matches the WWE Universe is eager to see, which isn't something we can say on a typical Monday night filled with weak guest host spots and squash match main events. In addition to Bret Hart we will get Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton and JeriShow vs. DX for the tag titles, both of which are PPV quality matches.

It is very apparent WWE wants to do all they can to keep viewers from jumping channels after 9pm and great programing is the only way they'll be successful. Either way, I'm liking TNA Impact on Monday nights already.

TNA Impact

Let's get the pink elephant out of the room right away. There appears to be too many egos for the room, too many chiefs and not enough Indians and any other cliche you'd like to throw in about not enough team players. And yes, we all realize it's not 1997, which has me worried about what I'm about to see come 8pm on Spike TV. What that being said, I'm hoping TNA recognizes the obvious and makes changes accordingly.

TNA Impact can drastically change the face of wrestling with this one show, but they can also get themselves laughed off the wrestling map if done wrong. I think we'll see the first of the two. Say what you want, Hogan's a smart businessman. He knows what he's there for, to draw the casual viewers and the old school fans. Heck, he'll do that far better than any Raw guest host. For those calling fogey, relax. He has to appear on the show, and at some point wrestle. Yes I said he has to wrestle. This isn't football, baseball or even boxing. It's wrestling/sports entertainment, and age really isn't that big of a deal because the story aspect takes over...to a point.

I don't want to see Hogan winning any belts, unless he's carried as one half of a tag team with a young star, but don't call for his retirement just because of his age. Bret Farve, Randy Couture, Shaquille O'Neal and many others have found huge success after they were supposed to be long gone from their respective sports age wise. Folks, when used right, it's just a number. The same goes for his friends that may be arriving soon.

Just don't give me the Nasty Boys, Beefcake, Dennis Rodman or anybody else from your Celebrity Wrestling show and we're good. Old age is only passable if you were at once a superstar in the sport. That's the only exception.

So you've got Scott Hall and Sean Waltman coming in. Not a problem. They're friends in real life, so you don't have to separate them on screen. That would be silly. And don't go out of your way to not be NWO...but don't be NWO. Leave the spray paint and take overs back in 1997 with WCW.

So what's good that'll coming out of all this? I have no idea and I'm loving every second of that point.

I don't know if Dixie Carter will come out aligned with Hogan as the New TNA and proclaiming change. All the while Jeff Jarrett recruits Sting to help retake what he worked so hard to build. I have no clue. And once again, I like that.

Plus we will see the return of Angelina Love this Monday. I was never a big fan of hers until she left, that's when I saw how bad The Beautiful People truly are. Now her appearance alone isn't making anyone jump from Raw to Impact, well maybe a few, but it's all about the details. Every segment will count because as soon as one show has a bad segment, the fans will jump to the other to see if they can get something better.

Who Wins the First Battle on Monday Nights?

Many fans will question TNA's moved to Monday nights if they don't get a better rating than what they do on Thursdays. Not true. They've already been reeping the benefits of their decision with all the talk circulating on their move by internet sites, such as this. Grant it. It may seem all in vain if they don't get something this Monday. But really all that will prove is they aren't ready to go head to head and can't draw viewers away from WWE Raw.

It's much more important that they produce a good show for whoever clicks on Impact. This is indeed a war, and a two-hour battle shouldn't end the fight, it should only give the generals in TNA a better idea how to prepare for the next battle.

Winner: Wrestling fans. Okay, that was kinda sidestepping the real answer, but it's the truth we all know. Competition creates better programing.

TNA by default will win this battle though. Everyone already knows who the WWE is, and all the talk about WWE Raw vs TNA Impact is already taking the smaller promotion to a whole new level as before many didn't even see them in the same realm. When it's all said in done, let's just hope we see a great night of wrestling.

And let's not forget, Vince himself droped Bret Hart for an (even at the time) over-the-hill Hogan. The first time Vince screwed Bret, who had to drop the belt to Yokozuna who dropped the belt to Hogan in 5 seconds.

Join us this Wed for the 1st Annual HTR Ropey Awards. Special Guest include Kirby Mack, TNA's D''Angelo Dinero and for UFC champion Jens Pulver.

Written by DJ Rallo    

Though I know this will be the topic that pretty much everyone will be discussing over the next week or so, I will be running down my thoughts of this past year in regards to the most recognizable pro wrestling organization in the world, World Wrestling Entertainment. I will run down some of my personal thoughts on my outlook of the company, my favorite and least favorite moments of the year, and some of my favorite feuds and matches. Like I said, we will see this type of article almost on every site imaginable, but why not share my two cents?

Today I will be discussing my thoughts on every single WWE pay per view this past year as it really was a solid outing this past year for the WWE. Though build up was a major issue throughout the year, we never were all that disappointed when it came down to the show itself. Maybe some shows surpassed others, but each show delivered in it's own way. Without further ado, I will be running down each show and my thoughts on them each.


This year the WWE had debuted several new gimmick shows that go as followed...

One Night Stand --> Extreme Rules

The Great American Bash --> The Bash

No Mercy --> Breaking Point

Unforgiven --> Hell In a Cell

Cyber Sunday --> Bragging Rights

Armageddon --> Tables, Ladders, and Chairs

On top of that we still witnessed Backlash, WrestleMania 25, Royal Rumble, Judgment Day, Summerslam, Survivor Series, and No Way Out (to be renamed, Elimination Chamber in 2010). Now which were worth the money and which where the flukes? To be honest, I feel as though there was not one poorly done pay per view this year, but that doesn't necessarily mean they were all that special. Anyways I will run down each show and decide which was worth your buck. Also I will add in my outcome for my monthly predictions in parentheses.

Royal Rumble 2009 (4 for 5): All in all it was a decent showing. Nothing spectacular and a very predictable outcome for the Royal Rumble match. Match of the night was Jack Swagger vs Matt Hardy for the ECW Championship as none of the main event matches were all that impressive. JBL vs John Cena was a solid bout, but it falls due to the interference of Shawn Michaels in the match. Show Rating: ***1/2

No Way Out (2 for 5): We saw a pure showcase of solid wrestling to open the show in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber minus Vladimir Kozlov. Later after that match where Triple H reigned as the new WWE Champion, Edge wouldn't be without gold for long as he snuck into the Raw Elimination Chamber and captured the World Heavyweight Championship at the expense of Kofi Kingston. There were also two solid hardcore bouts featuring Randy Orton vs Shane McMahon and JBL vs Shawn Michaels. This was a solid outing by WWE and the two Elimination Chambers were solid.                                                      Show Rating: ****

WrestleMania 25 (3 for 9): WWE's flagship pay per view was probably the biggest disappointment in the WWE the entire year. So much potential was in the card, but there were so many issues as the show aired live from Houston. Yours truly was in attendance that night as we saw the mockery of women's wrestling in the 25 Diva battle royal as well as a disappointing Extreme Rules match between the Hardy brothers and a sad excuse for a main event between Triple H and Randy Orton. It wasn't that these two matches weren't good, but they should have been far better. John Cena also put on a show with his super human strength by lifting both Big Show and Edge on his shoulders and CM Punk won Money In the Bank for the second straight year. The match that saved the show from being a total dud was the bout between Shawn Michaels and Undertaker which was arguably the greatest match in wrestling history and without a doubt the Match of the Year. Still it wasn't enough to save the entire card, but it was decent...but disappointing for a flagship pay per view.                                                                           Show Rating: ***1/2

Backlash (4 for 6): Well it is WrestleMania's aftermath and it was a little disappointing, but it was overall a solid show. Edge, Randy Orton, and the returning Christian all won world championship gold (and silver) as the three would take the responsibility for leading their respective brands for the following year. Although we got a pretty poor six man tag match main event, we did see Edge defeat John Cena for the World Heavyweight Championship in a Last Man Standing Match with help from Big Show. Jack Swagger and Christian put on a solid showing as did the Hardys in an I Quit Match. Overall it was decent, nothing special or all that memorable besides that sick spot where Big Show chokeslammed Cena into the spotlight.                                                     Show Rating: ***

Judgment Day (4 for 7): I must say for a throw away show that Judgment Day usually is, we got a much better show than expected. Some solid bouts featuring John Cena overcoming odds by defeating Big Show (shockah), Shelton Benjamin took John Morrison to the limit, and a great match between Edge and Jeff Hardy made this show to become great...but that is not all. The true match of the night was without a doubt Rey Mysterio vs Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Championship. Excellent match and an overall very solid wrestling show.                                                                                                                        Show Rating: ****1/2

Extreme Rules (4 for 8): Replacing ECW One Night Stand is Extreme Rules; different rules, same concept. The show overall was a hit and miss as there were some great matches and then some that burnt my eyes to a crisp. Santina Marella vs Vickie Guerrero in the Hog Pen Match wins my award for Worst Match of the Year and Big Show vs John Cena in a submission match was nothing more than showing how strong Cena is. On the other hand we got another great bout from Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio, a phenomenal ladder match between Jeff Hardy and Edge only to end with CM Punk cashing in Money in the Bank, and we also witnessed a shock when Batista captured the WWE Championship in a cage match against longtime rival, Randy Orton. The show without a doubt had it's flaws, but there were also some great moments from this show as well.                                           Show Rating: ****

The Bash (4 for 8): Another one of those shows that was a hit and miss for me. On one hand we have some bad matches in Dolph Ziggler vs The Great Khali as well as John Cena vs The Miz, which turned out to be no more than a glorified squash match. Then again we see the runner of for match of the year in Rey Mysterio vs Chris Jericho in the finale match of their trilogy of pay per view bouts as well as a very well done ECW Championship Scramble Match. The shock factor also played a roll when Chris Jericho and Edge captured the Unified Tag Team Championships leading us to believe we would see tag team wrestling re-revolutionized. Decent show put together overall and I guess it was solid for what usually is a throw away show.                    Show Rating: ***

Night of Champions (3 for 8): Not necessarily the best show in the world, but it was pretty solid overall. As customary to the show's gimmick, all the championships in the WWE were defended and the highlight of the night was without a doubt the triple threat match for the WWE Championship between Randy Orton, John Cena, and Triple H where Orton reigned victorious. Also on the show we saw a very solid six man United States Championship match alongside seeing Jeff Hardy defeat CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship, which left the WWE fans befuddled due to rumors of his departure. That my friends is an example of Vince McMahon pulling the swerve.
Show Rating: ***1/2

Summerslam (4 for 9 ): The Biggest Party of the Summer was a very well done show and though it had it's flaws in the ECW Championship match and The Great Khali vs Kane, the rest of the card was very solid. D Generation-X respawned into the WWE Universe with the greatest entrance I have seen in quite some time and the dead rose again at the end of the night as Undertaker sent a message to the new World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk. The wrestling was solid as all the matches with the exception of the two mentioned above and the match of the night was CM Punk vs Jeff Hardy in a ladder match, but DX vs Legacy was also phenomenal. Overall a very fun show and a huge improvement from the dud that was Summerslam 2008.
Show Rating: ****1/2

Breaking Point (No predictions): I apologize once again about my preview of Breaking Point, but for some reason or another I skipped out on the event itself. I was able to see most of it afterwards, but to be honest it wasn't all that good of a show. Undertaker vs CM Punk was an enormous disappointment as was the I Quit Match between Randy Orton and John Cena if you ask me. The only reason I'll remember this event is for the inagural Submissions Count Anywhere Match between DX and Legacy. This is another match that could have easily been the Match of the Year if not for Michaels and Undertaker putting on what could be the greatest match of all time. The concept of the show was decent, but the show itself didn't do it for me. I also did not apprecitate the screwjob finish in the World Heavyweight Championship match as it was no more as poking a stick at Bret Hart and the fans in Montrael that night.
Show Rating: **1/2

Hell in a Cell (No predictions): Once more, I apologize for no predictions on this show, but I did have a chance to watch it from start to end and it was not all that great of a show either. Once again, the Smackdown main event was another enormous disappointment and the WWE Championship match between Randy Orton and John Cena did not do it for me. The rest of the card was solid, but could have been a lot better. I honestly think the best match that night was DX vs Legacy in a Hell in a Cell match as they have been tearing the house down over the past few months. Nothing special as this show seemed to be more of a throwaway and I think three Hell in a Cell matches on one card with no blood hurts the show and the gimmick overall.         Show Rating: ***

Bragging Rights (1 for 5): A third consecutive month with a new pay per view concept and I enjoyed the show, mostly becaused WWE finally rid itself of Cyber Sunday which is notoriously the worst event of the year. I would have liked the show more if it was another time in the year due to the Survivor Series show following it, so the team rivalries kind of got stale for me. The match quality was very solid, but it was more of a fun event that anything else. Team Smackdown prevailed over Team Raw in an enjoyable tag team match and the fatal four way match between Batista, Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, and Undertaker was well done...but my favorite part of the match was afterwards when Batista finally turned heel in a devestating fashion. Also featured on the card was Miz vs John Morrison in a battle of the former bffs, but the match of the night was the 60 minute Iron Man Match between John Cena and Randy Orton. Some liked this, some didn't, but I found it a solid way to end their feud once and for all. Pretty solid show overall.                                                                                                                                                 Show Rating: ***1/2

Survivor Series (3 for 6): I must say that Survivor Series was very well done. With the exception of Batista vs Rey Mysterio every match delivered. Undertaker vs Big Show vs Chris Jericho was very fun as was Team Kingston vs Team Orton, but match of the night and another match worthy of match of the year canidacy is John Cena vs Triple H vs Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship. Michaels shocked the world with his superkick to DX squadmate, Triple H to begin the match. Following this act all three men went at it and gave us a main event to send the fans home happy. The ending sequence with John Cena hitting two consecutive Attitude Adjustments on Michaels and the Game ended the night as Cena walked out of Survivor Series a World Champion for the second consecutive year. Great show.                                                                                                      Show Rating: ****1/2   

Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (4 for 7): TLC ended the year of 2009 in dramatic fashion as we were shocked, enjoyed, and befuddled all at the same time. It was not necessarily a good show, but it wasn't all that bad. The biggest disappointment of the night had to be Shelton Benjamin vs Christian in a ladder match, but they delivered nonetheless. Undertaker vs Batista in a Chairs match was an absolute mess. Also the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus won the WWE Championship against John Cena, which left the entire WWE Universe in utter shock. He won the strap in quite the fluke, which leaves us to wonder how he can lead the WWE in 2010. Match of the night in my opinion was Kofi Kingston vs Randy Orton followed by DX vs Jeri-Show in a TLC match to end the night. Overall a decent show, but it didn't live up to expectations.                                                                                          Show Rating: **1/2

40-83 Overall Score. No Hell in a Cell or Breaking Point matches included.

Hey, the score isn't all that bad, huh? I guess predicting outcomes for predetermined WWE matches isn't all that bad.

Back to business, the WWE really took a step down this year in terms of the quality of their programming, but the pay per view quality was great and a gigantic improvement from last year. Next year WWE needs to continue doing what they are doing and try to build the shows on Raw, Smackdown, and ECW a lot more. I'm already concerned with the Royal Rumble build up at the moment since they used these last three weeks as throw aways. Overall this has been a good year in terms of pay per view quality and the show of the year in my eyes is a tie between Summerslam, Survivor Series, and Judgment Day. If I must choose I think that Summerslam gets the nod from me due to the TLC between CM Punk and Jeff Hardy as well as D Generation X vs Legacy.

Dud of the year is without a doubt WWE Breaking Point merely because it was a major disappointment overall. So much potential and one phenomenal match between DX and Legacy can not save the entire card. Hell in a Cell puts up a good argument as to why it could be the worst, but I think that Breaking Point gets the title here because the disappointment of the show was immense in my opinion. You have CM Punk vs Undertaker in a submission match, John Cena vs Randy Orton in an I Quit Match, Christian vs William Regal, and Kofi Kingston vs Miz, yet they couldn't pull off a better show. DX vs Legacy delivered, but that was about it.

The following are some random awards I made for the shows and to end the article are my top five pay per view matches of the year and the five worst as well. Hope you enjoyed my review and hopefully I can put up some end of the year thoughts before 2010.

2009 PPV Awards

Show of the Year: Summerslam

Dud of the Year: Breaking Point

Disappointment of the Year: WrestleMania 25

Exceeded Expectations: Judgment Day

Best New Gimmick Concept: Breaking Point (Great idea, didn't live up)

Worst Gimmick Concept: Hell in a Cell

Scrap It in 2010: Hell in a Cell

Top 5 Pay Per View Matches of the Year

1. Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25

2. D-Generation X vs Legacy at Breaking Point

3. John Cena vs Triple H vs Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series

4. Rey Mysterio vs Chris Jericho at The Bash

5. Edge vs Jeff Hardy at Extreme Rules

Runner Ups: CM Punk vs Jeff Hardy at Summerslam, DX vs Legacy at Summerslam, 2009 Money In the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania 25

Worst 5 Pay Per View Matches of the Year

1. Santina Marella vs Vickie Guerrero at Extreme Rules (Hog Pen Match)

2. 25 Diva Battle Royal at WrestleMania 25

3. Batista vs Undertaker at TLC (Chairs Match)

4. Christian vs William Regal at Summerslam

5. The Great Khali vs Kane at Extreme Rules (Singapore Cane Match)

Well this ends another year of professional wrestling and also ends year one of my writing career. It's been one hell of a ride since last January when it all began. I have to thank all those who read my articles and supported me as well as the HTR crew for giving me a chance to write for the site. Couldn't have done it without Shane and co, but once again I thank all those who have stood by me and supported me. Thanks, have a happy and safe new year, and lets all hope for a better year for World Wrestling Entertainment in 2010.

Written by Jessy Morris

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has been the top MMA organization in the world for several years now. They have some of the greatest fighters on the face of this earth. In recent years, with the growing popularity of the sport, other organizations have rose to the top of the MMA mountain.

Companies like DREAM and Strikeforce have been putting on some very good events and are building up a pretty good roster. With rival companies comes dream fights that all MMA fans want to see. What would happen if the best fighters of two different companies fought in the octagon?

Listed here are the five dream fights most MMA fans would love to see. There is only one fight for each division from lightweight to heavyweight so let's get started.

Lightweight: BJ Penn (UFC) vs Shinya Aoki (DREAM)

BJ "The Prodigy" Penn is a well known MMA fighter. He is the current UFC lightweight champion and pound for pound one of the best fighters in the world. With his awesome flexibility, great boxing skills, never ending experience and phenomenal ground game, it's no wonder BJ Penn stands tall on top of the UFC lightweight mountain. His recent domination of Diego Sanchez at UFC 107 has put him on a level of his own.

Shinya Aoki may not have the same recognition as BJ, most MMA fans may not even know who he is. To the hardcore MMA fans, Aoki is one of the most talented lightweight fighters in the world. He is the current DREAM lightweight champion and is currently ranked as the second best lightweight in the world by sherdog.com. Shynia Aoki has defeated the best of the best at lightweight like Caol Uno, Joachim Hansen, Eddie Alvarez and Gesias Calvancante.

There has been talk of both guys fighting each other in the past. I truly believe both guys would want to fight each other if it would be possible. I don't think there is any doubt these two men are the best of the best at lightweight in the world. Both men have awesome ground games, but BJ would have an advantage on the feet. We could possibly see this fight in the future. I doubt Aoki comes to the UFC, but BJ has been more then happy to fight in different organizations in the past.

Who knows, when BJ is finished in the UFC or feels he has no more challenge, he may make that trip to Japan to find out who the best lightweight fighter in the world is.

Welterweight: Georges St-Pierre (UFC) vs Nick Diaz (Strikeforce)

Alot of fans have been talking about Georges St-Pierre fighting Jake Shields as a dream fight and I have to agree. As a matter of fact, I am confident St-Pierre and Shields will meet inside the UFC octagon one day.

With that said, I truly believe Nick Diaz would match up much better with St-Pierre then Shields. I doubt Jake has what it takes to beat Georges, but Diaz could give him some tough times for sure.

Georges St-Pierre has evolved as not only the best welterweight fighter in the world, but pound for pound one of the greatest. His dominating wins over the likes of Matt Hughes, Matt Serra, Josh Koscheck, Jon Fitch, BJ Penn and Thiago Alves have cemented him as truly one of the top fighters.

Nick Diaz has also elevated his game to new heights since leaving the UFC. Now fighting at both welterweight and middleweight, Diaz has cemented his spot as one of the top draws in the Strikeforce organization. Diaz has a very well-rounded game at still the young age of 26.

This dream fight could of had happened already considering both men were on the UFC roster back in 2005 and 2006. Unfortunately, their paths never crossed. Diaz's superior striking skills would give him a better chance at beating GSP then his training partner Jake Shields. With that said, GSP's awesome takedowns have won him countless fights. I doubt we ever see this fight happen, but if it would, GSP would probably win a decision over Nick Diaz.

Middleweight: Anderson Silva (UFC) vs Cung Le (Strikeforce)

Anderson "The Spider" Silva rose to fame after the brutal destruction of former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin. Since then, Silva has been considered the best pound for pound fighter by many and has been undefeated for five years (counting out the DQ loss). His solid chin, great submissions and picture perfect strikes have made him one of the most feared men in MMA.

Cung Le made his MMA debut back in 2006 with Strikeforce and for three years, looked unstoppable. He began his career with a six fight win streak before losing his first fight only one week ago. It will be interesting to see how he rebounds from the loss, but no matter what, he is one of the most talented and feared strikers in MMA.

Had Le not lost to Scott Smith at Strikeforce: Evolution, this fight would have even more people buzzing. Arguably two of the greatest strikers in the sport, Silva and Le have a list of knockouts and wins. Silva is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while Cung Le is only a blue belt. This fight would take place on the feet for sure with Silva getting the win by KO. Anderson has a better chin and more accuracy then Le.

This will probably never happen, both fighters are getting older and I doubt Silva is interested in fighting Cung Le. Still, they would probably tear the roof down.

Light-Heavyweight: Lyoto Machida (UFC) vs Gegard Mousasi (Strikeforce)

The UFC light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida has rose up the ranks in the UFC and made it look easy. He dominated some of the top fighters to claim the belt and is still currently undefeated. He showed signs of weakness for the first time against "Shogun" Rua but still escaped with the win. Does Rua have what it takes to beat Machida, or was it simply a bad night for "The Dragon"?

The 24 years old Gegard Mousasi has well rounded skills and has looked impressive in past fights against Mark Hunt and "Babalu" but also showed signs of weakness in his last fight against Sokoudjou before winning. Mousasi is making his way to the top and slowly cementing his status as one of the most talented fighters in the MMA light-heavyweight division.

This is a tough fight to call, had Mauricio Rua not looked so good against Machida, I would of picked Machida to beat Mousasi. If Rua was able to take the fight to Machida like that, Mousasi could also do his own share of damage. I think Machida is in the UFC to stay, as for Mousasi, he,s still young, who knows where he could end up.

If Gegard can make it to the UFC, this would be an inevitable fight.

Heavyweight: Brock Lesnar (UFC) vs Fedor Emelianenko (Strikeforce)

This uis the heavyweight fight everybody wants to see, the top UFC heavyweight against the top heavyweight period.

Brock Lensar's rise in MMA was quick and brutal, kind of like a slap to the face. He went from WWE superstar, to football to MMA. He captured the UFC heavyweight championship after only four MMA fights. Lesnar is truly a freak athlete. It's hard to find anybody who can match size and power with him.

The man simply known as Fedor has been called by many the greatest pound for pound fighter in the world and the best fighter never to step foot in the UFC octagon. His awesome striking and grappling skills have made him one of the best while his attitude has made him one of the most popular.

There has been so many talk about a dream fight between these two fighters. Lesnar is currently the top dog in the UFC, but everybody knows, Fedor is the number one ranked heavyweight in the world. We thought the fight might happen when the UFC began making offers to Fedor, but that finally didn't work out.

I really am confident this fight will take place in the future if Brock can continue to dominate in the UFC, if not, this fight is useless. When it does happen (Yes I'm confident) Fedor will most likely show why he is the best heavyweight in the world.

There you have it, five of the most anticipated dream fights in MMA. Now that we took a look at this, what are your opinions?

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It's been a while, but I'm back with another installation of the only rumors you should ever believe.

I constantly have to leave my phone off the hook due to the nonstop ringing from those eager to be in the know. If you don't think my information is the best around then you are as worthless as a David Arquette title reign.

Total Nonstop Action (TNA)

• Unless you've been hiding under a rock you know about the big 3-hour live Impact in January. Word on the street is, after last week's mudwrestling segment between The Beautiful People, TNA President Dixie Carter plans on getting down and dirty with a few Knockouts herself. She was quoted as saying, "You don't hear Vince getting in the mud with any of his wrestlers. That's what separates us from them."
• Writers are now being asked to have the WWE name mentioned once in every segment so the viewers can somehow associate TNA with wrestling and not a place for has-beens.
• Other names being tossed out for Jay Lethal's Black Machismo Invitational include legends such as The Red Rooster, the Yeti, Tugboat, and Phantasio. TNA is throwing out the big bills here if you haven't noticed.
• With the Feast or Fired match coming up at Final Resolution many stars were hoping to get into the match in hopes of securing the briefcase with the pink slip. It's the only way it seems that they will be granted a release before the ship sinks.
• Hulk Hogan stated that TNA would secure a 3.0 rating on their 3-hour live show. I really don't have anything to add to this because it is funny in itself.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)

• Much ire has been thrown at the WWE for putting the WWE Championship on Sheamus. Relax people, WWE did that to secure a deal with Coppertone.
• Bret Hart is back with the WWE. Hell has indeed frozen over and your bacon comes complete with feathers.
• After seeing how upset fans were during the Shelton Benjamin/Christian Ladder match at TLC, WWE management has decided that whenever they stop a match to mend a bleeding superstar, a video of the Backyardigans will play on the TitanTron to distract everyone.
• Carlito is being groomed to lead a stable on Raw with Evan Bourne, Primo, and Chavo Guerrero. They will be Job Squad 2.0.
• Sheamus and Drew McIntyre have caught the eye of Triple H and Shawn Michaels. Good for them. You know who else Trips and Shawn like? The bagel guy down in the lobby. Look for him to be the next United States champion in another month or two.

There will be no jokes at Ring of Honor's expense. They've shown they can put on a good television show the past two weeks. Can the other two companies say that? I think not. Be sure to catch ROH's Final Battle 2009. Check out their website here.

Don't forget to follow HTR on Twitter and add us on Facebook.

TNA is cleaing house, again, in attempt to make room for new talent. Last Thursday, we saw the TNA Knockout division get a boost with the return of Roxxi, but that's only a start of the changes. Sunday night, Sheik Abdul Bashir pulled down the Fired case and it's time for him to exit the six-sided ring for good. (It's been reported that Bashir asked his release and his wish was granted.)

But it looks as quickly as Bashir is leaving, TNA may be looking to bring in new talent. And no, I'm not referring to Hulk Hogan's fogey friends. Jeremy Borash posted on his Twitter page a pic of ROH's Young Bucks, who are today's version of the Hardy Boyz, were wrestling the Motor City Machine Guns. What a match up.

So assuming that TNA are smart enough to snatch up those two hot young stars, here are the top 5 free agents TNA should sign...Fogeys included.

5) Phil Shatter

While TNA typically goes for wrestlers who'd fit the X-Division mold, minus ex-WWE stars, Phil Shatter would be a wonderful breath of fresh air. After years of dominating the Indy Circuit, this big mamoth could test his power against TNA's best. Wondering about his crudentials? APW Chester Heavyweight Champion, NWA Anarchy Heavyweight Championship, NWA Mid-Atlantic Heritage Championship and current NWA National Heavyweight Championship (now for the second time), just to name a few of his championship reigns.

4) The TJ and Kirby Mack - Team MackTion

This brother duo is not another flash in the pan tag team. TJ and Kirby Mack are a fast paced tag team that will have you on your feet from bell to bell. Krazy K and The Encore's arsenal of "did you see that" moves will make for amazing bouts with lightweights like MCMG all the way up to Team 3D. And if you heard them on Hit The Ropes Radio you know just how down to earth they are... and how funny they can be. Hilarious and talented. A dangerous combination.

3) Ken Anderson

Now I'm not the big fan of Ken Anderson. I think he has great charisma on the mic. And his in-ring is probably a little underrated as it's overshadowed by multiple mistakes, so TNA would be the perfect place for him to shine. And yeah, we get it already. You have a great announcing voice. But if you don't hurry up and make an Impact that's about all you'll be able to do.

2) Chris Hero

It's hard to say more than HTR's Samantha Allen stated about Chris Hero in her article Hero is the New Jericho. Chris Hero is a great talent and the article sparked some debate from both Chris Jericho and Chris Hero via Twitter. If TNA can't get their hands on the Lionheart, they can't go wrong with the new Chris in pro wrestling.

1) RVD

Reportedly one of the number one wrestlers on Hulk Hogan's to get list, RVD is a must sign for TNA. Yeah, he's 39 but he still got unbelievable star power. Just take his one and done appearance at the WWE's Royal Rumble last year. The wrestling world was set on fire with questions of his permanent return. But at the time, his wife was just recovering from her fight with cancer, and he had no desire to get back to a full schedule. With TNA, RVD has the flex of a relaxed schedule and he'd be guaranteed a top spot, unlike the WWE which may or may not be the case.

Just think of the wonders RVD could do as X-Division champion. He could hold on to it forever, much like he did with the ECW Television title, and elevate it to a whole new level. His matches with AJ Styles, Daniels, Jay Lethal and Kurt Angle is a match of the night for every card.

Originally posted on www.hittheropes.com by HTR Staff