Listen Up: Who Should Win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship Tournament?

While wondering how I would respond if my wife tasered me for losing a football bet...

Alright everyone, gather around as we prepare for what should be a monumental evening in Dixieland. No, I'm not talking about the return of Adam "Pacman" Jones (wonder if they will actually let him hit someone this time), but it's the beginning of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship tournament. This was conducted by TNA President Dixie Carter after the "other" champion AJ Styles decided to take his talents to Mexico (and beyond...) along with the TNA World Heavyweight Title. 

There are eight participants in this event, and although we just finished having the Bound for Glory series conclude two months ago, you can never have enough brackets. (Sorry, you can tell I'm pumped for the start of college basketball season). That being stated, let's take a look at who should win based on their selected matchups:

1) Jeff Hardy/Chris Sabin: It's great to see that TNA decided to spotlight their X-Division champion in this tournament as opposed to, you know, having him defend his title and rebuild the division. Ahem, despite the recent (and much needed) change in Sabin's personality, which has resulted in better matches, I don't think we will have to wait long for him to go back to defending the title. Hardy should and will win this Full Metal Mayhem match. Hardy has been pretty much invisible since the BFG series, and in a time in which TNA needs a boost, there is no one better to promote than your number 1 merchandise seller. Hardy wins this match to move on to the next round.

2) Robert Roode/James Storm: This match should continue to enhance one of TNA's legendary rivalries. Although TNA screwed the pooch back in 2012 at Lockdown when Storm should've walked out of the cage with the title, they have a chance to amend that mistake and give him the nod here. I don't see that happening. Roode has been one of TNA's biggest players in the past two years, and his recent work against Kurt Angle has only increased his profile. Roode should get the nod here and face Hardy.

3) Kurt Angle/Austin Aries: This is one of those matches you would cancel a date for, as these are two of the best technicians in the ring. Aries, much like Hardy, has somewhat floundered as of late (another reason to bring back the TV title) and needs the win. Angle, who has always put over young talent in the past, will continue to play up the injury angle in my opinion and lose to Aries.

4) Magnus/Samoa Joe: Does the Main Event Mafia still exist? Whether it does or not, this is a main event caliber match and should be something reserved for PPV. Magnus is on a roll and since his impending heel turn is on the way I expect him to get the victory over Joe, who can remain over despite the loss.

OK, now on to the second round:

1) Jeff Hardy/Robert Roode: This has the potential to be another great rivalry, and while Roode has shown a meanness we haven't seen since he had the title, I believe it will be best for Hardy to win here and face this guy in the finals...

2) Magnus/Aries: ...Magnus, who has shown his own mean streak lately. Aries is tremendous and is at a point where he can elevate anyone in the ring, but this is a time for TNA to continue pressing towards the future and having the Brit get the win.

The finals would pit Magnus against Hardy. I know there have been cries from the Internet Wrestling Community to have Magnus become TNA's version of "The Corporate Champ." However, I think it would be fitting to have Hardy win, and here's why:

Magnus needs to have a successful heel turn if they are going to make him a future World Champion. One thing TNA has been known for is letting the heels have lengthy runs with the belt, and Magnus is simply not there at this time. The right move would be to put the belt on Hardy, have him and Styles have a unification match at Genesis and then have the winner of that bout take on Magnus at Lockdown. By that time he will be seen as a top-level threat.