TNA: Can Jeff Hardy Actually Help Impact Be More Successful in the Near Future?

After watching a pretty decent Impact program last night, I have come to the conclusion that maybe the return of Jeff Hardy next week to TNA could become a catalyst that the company needs to help springboard into a whole new angle in its storylines.

And with the help of the misguided and maybe misunderstood Hardy, we could see a better evolved war that is being waged between Sting, Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle and Ric Flair.

This will take some planning (as if corporate has not been working on this since Hardy announced he was coming back to TNA without the permission of TNA officials for Hardy to make that announcement), but here is a scenario that can work if it is played out right and Hardy can keep himself clean.

That is a big if.

Hardy becomes the wild card in all this because of his past, his present and his future employment. According to reports, he did not complete the rehab stint TNA wanted him to, but because they needed more of a push, Hardy was allowed to return sooner than expected. However, he was not told he could announce the return, which may have drawn the ire from his bosses.

But, with that said, this is what could work.

The buzz of Hardy’s return started this week on Impact, with small vignettes about his struggles being displayed and various wrestlers begging questions. And although his brother Matt is not a member of the company for his recent indiscretions, Hardy needs to come back strong.

It would appear that Hogan, Angle and Immortal are over the Hardy situation, and that leaves the door open for reconciliation with the fans, and most notably, Sting.

When Sting faced Angle last night and was ambushed following the loss, Mr. Anderson came to the ring with the prized "black bat." The idea that Hardy could speak his mind next week, as reported by Mike Tenay and Taz, also leaves the door open for Hardy to turn face and join the Sting/Anderson union in the fight against Immortal.

A little far-fetched, but not as much as you would think.

Hardy’s biggest intangible is that he is able to change character and keep a solid fanbase. He will be loved more for coming back strong, healthy and as a face rather than a heel. Joining Sting, who is perceived as the Insane Icon but also the conscience of the company, means that Hardy means business.

And it also means more ratings for TNA.

Yes, it’s a little off kilter (but when am I not?), but it can work, it should work and it will work…if the creative team allows it to happen.