Victory Road 2012: Why a Match Between Sting and Jeff Hardy Needs to Happen

March 13, 2011, may forever be a day that every TNA fan remembers for all the wrong reasons.

During the main event of the Victory Road pay-per-view, the Stinger and Jeff Hardy were set to square off in a bout for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

The stage was set and the crowd was anxiously awaiting what had the potential to be an incredible match, but something appeared to be extremely off-kilter after The Icon made his entrance.

Jeff Hardy staggered to the ring, under the obvious influence of a controlled substance, reaching an all-time low in his elaborate wrestling career.

The match ended in a total squash, after Sting planted Hardy with his patented Scorpion Death Drop and pinned him, leaving the Creatures of the Night in the utmost disbelief at what they had witnessed.

Their hero had fallen, and, at the time, it seemed like we might have seen the end of what was an incredible career for the Charismatic Enigma, Jeffrey Nero Hardy.

Nearly one year later, I'm pleased to say this wasn't the case.

Last night, at the Against All Odds pay-per-view, a newly resurrected Jeff Hardy was a participant in a four-way match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

Hardy looked as focused as he'd ever been, and the crowd was behind him with unprecedented passion as he battled three of the hottest wrestlers in Impact Wrestling, James Storm, Bully Ray and world heavyweight champion Bobby Roode.

At one point, Hardy gained an obvious advantage, leading Roode to attempt to use the title belt as a weapon, which special enforcer Sting proceeded to rip from Roode's hands. After an exchange of words, Roode spat in Sting's face, enraging him into such a fury that he ended up trying to bash the champion's head in with his own prized possession.

Roode dodged the blow, causing Sting to drill Hardy right between the eyes, and a conflicted Icon had to make the three count as Roode pinned Hardy, costing the Charismatic Enigma his biggest match since his return.

Not only did Roode best his three competitors, but he managed to one-up the biggest symbol of power on Impact Wrestling television.

For all the Enigma fans out there, however, I simply say be patient. This is all part of a bigger plan for Hardy. With a reason for tensions to skyrocket between Sting and Hardy, the Resurrected One has a chance at something bigger than a world title.

At Victory Road 2012, hopefully Hardy will be given a chance to fully redeem himself for the actions that nearly destroyed his career last year. A year ago, Hardy was in what many would say were the absolute darkest days of his career.

With a match against Sting at the upcoming Victory Road, the wrestling world will be able to witness the incredible transformation Hardy has made, as he attempts to do the inconceivable and beat his personal demons in a return to the very stage on which so many saw him fail.

This time, however, it will be a completely different Creature we will be watching. Instead of staggering aimlessly and enduring the epitome of failure, Hardy will rise victorious, regardless of the outcome of the match.

TNA may never have another chance to write such a great story for their fans. The reason why is simple:

There will never be another Jeff Hardy.

Thanks for reading!

Eddie Smedley is a writer for Bleacher Report and an independent Sports Entertainment/Professional Wrestling Journalist. Follow me on Twitter @EddieSmedleyRTW and check out the RealTalk Podcast Network Sundays at 5 P.M. Central Time. Until Next Time!!! :)