TNA Analysis: Jeff Hardy and His Future with TNA

I'll say it. I'm a fan of Jeff Hardy. I'm not a fan of his choices, but I like what he does/did in the ring. Instead of focusing on the punishments he deserves, I'm going to look to the future. With that said, I'll also go on to state that I believe TNA will keep Jeff on the roster, because I believe Jeff is TNA's biggest acquisition, equal to Kurt Angle in a few ways.

Last night on Impact as Sting came out, displaying the new TNA World Title design and subsequently returning The Immortal Championship to Hogan and Eric, he began a verbal spat with the two leaders of Immortal.

During this, he stated that Jeff Hardy's actions, though his own fault, were influenced by Immortal. Hogan countered that it was Jeff that let Immortal down. Not the other way around, claiming Hardy was replaceable.

This makes me think that upon his return, Jeff will be a face. What does that mean for TNA's future? No doubt that Hardy will always have fans so it's not too hard to believe that the Impact Zone will erupt upon his return. As Hardy is seemingly the man TNA wants as its face (though after last night that may be in question), you have to wonder what they will have planned for his return.

Hardy could easily return as a surprise helper for Sting in his battle with Immortal, though many are clamoring for A.J. Styles or Mr. Anderson to be World Champion in the near future. (Some may also be wanting to see RVD with the belt again, but I don't think I've really heard anybody up for that idea, and I'm hoping that The Pope gets his chance again.) So how do they get into all this?

Would TNA decide to basically ignore its fans and give Hardy the belt if Sting has it? Or even take it from Anderson again? Or perhaps give them that dream match between Hardy and Styles? Either way, I think TNA would put itself in a tight spot. Hardy would probably need to rebuild his credibility for a long time to be trusted with The World Title again, so while it wouldn't be an immediate problem, it is one TNA would eventually have to decide how to approach. Especially after the verbal dressing down Hogan gave him last night.

Along with that, I'm interested to see how people will react to Jeff Hardy when he returns and if he wins the World Title. I'm sure a lot of people will not be happy to see Jeff again. Especially those who ordered/attended Victory Road. The guys in the back probably won't be ecstatic either. Add that to his chances of being Champion, which I believe are moderately high, and a lot of the roster will probably be PO'd. Still, if Hardy was to return as a face, I think a lot of people would be extremely happy. I think merchandise sales would increase and people would probably tune in, if only to see how Jeff is holding up since Victory Road.

On the flip side, most TNA fans will probably be highly upset, especially if Jeff becomes TNA Champion again. The IWC itself will probably have a field day ripping on TNA if this were to happen as well. Eyes will be all on TNA if they do this, and Hardy will have to be watched, lest we ever have a repeat of Victory Road. Then again, I'm under the belief that as long as it's publicity, TNA will want it.

TNA has a lot to do if it wants to ever compete with WWE and while Victory Road was a huge letdown, people will retain hope that TNA can improve. Personally, I'll continue to watch, but only for certain wrestlers. As far as I can see, TNA will not be competition for WWE at any point in the foreseeable future. That can change or be solidified in a lot of ways, and Jeff Hardy will have a big impact on which it is.