By Jason Powell

Stop back tonight for my live coverage of the TNA Genesis pay-per-view. Dot Net Members can look forward to an exclusive audio review after the show. Join us on the ad-free version of the website now via Prowrestling.net/amember/signup.php.

***The following predictions are made without inside knowledge to the finishes.

Bobby Roode vs. Jeff Hardy for the TNA Title: I have no problem with Jeff Hardy challenging for the TNA Title despite his past issues. I haven't heard anything negative about Hardy from TNA sources since he returned to the company. Furthermore, TNA has acknowledged his issues, so if he were to screw up tonight, they could simply acknowledge it and deliver a replacement main event (not that I anticipate anything like that).

However, I would question the decision of putting the TNA Title on Hardy at this time. It's great that he seems to be in a better place in his life and I certainly hope that continues, but there's a big difference between having Hardy headline a pay-per-view and making him the face of the company no matter how much confidence management has in him. The company would look horrible if he screwed up again while holding the TNA Title, and the idea of putting the belt on him this soon would not send a good message to the locker room.

Fortunately, I don't expect the company to go down that road. All roads lead to a Roode vs. James Storm showdown match at some point. I suppose they could give Hardy a quick run with the title and give it back to Roode, but I don't see what purpose that would serve, as Roode needs the credibility that comes with a lengthy title reign. Sure, there's a guy working for TNA who believes controversy creates cash, but I don't think Hardy winning the strap briefly would create enough enough controversy with anyone other than the wrestling media to make it worth doing.

Prediction: Roode retains the TNA Title.

Kurt Angle vs. James Storm: I mentioned above that all roads lead to Storm vs. Roode. Still, I suspect a detour in the form of the Roode vs. Hardy, and Storm vs. Angle feuds to continue beyond this pay-per-view. Storm has enough momentum that he can afford to lose in cheap fashion to Angle. I'm not endorsing the idea of a clean finish by any means, and I want to see the company scale back on cheap finishes in general, but I could live with one here as long as Storm looks strong and the idea is to set up a rubber match that Storm wins next month at Against All Odds.

Prediction: Angle wins.

Bully Ray vs. Abyss in a Monster’s Ball match: A Monster's Ball is essentially a hardcore match for those of you who aren't familiar with TNA lingo. Obviously, both guys know a thing or two about working hardcore matches, and I assume they'll use every weapon and shortcut imaginable to deliver an entertaining brawl.

The stipulation is that Abyss has to rejoin Immortal against his will if he loses. Hulk Hogan once stated that Abyss was the John Cena of TNA. I hope he doesn't view Immortal as the Nexus of TNA, because the idea of Abyss being forced to fetch coffee for the Immortal members does nothing for this viewer. You have no idea how loud I would cheer for Bully Ray if the stipulation was that Abyss could never cut another promo with that Suffleupagus voice of his.

Prediction: Abyss wins.

Matt Morgan and Crimson vs. Samoa Joe and Magnus for the TNA Tag Titles: I guess we find out tonight whether TNA has plans for Joe and Magnus or if they were just felt the need to create a makeshift tag team to challenge the makeshift tag team that carries the titles. I don't see Morgan and Crimson keeping the straps long. They are still working against one another on some house show events, and the Motor City Machine Guns will likely be back soon (that guess is based solely on the initial time table for Chris Sabin's return). Thus, Joe and Magnus winning is not inconceivable, but I'm still going with the champs.

Prediction: Matt Morgan and Crimson retain the TNA Tag Titles.

Austin Aries vs. Kid Kash vs. Jesse Sorensen vs. Zema Ion for the X Division Championship: This has the potential to be a show stealing match. It's nice to be able to write that about the X Division Title matches on a regular basis again, as the division went through a stretch where it was opening gimmick match fodder. I enjoy all four of these performers, though Sorensen's character has to evolve beyond being the world's youngest Al Bundy. Aries is great in his role, but they have to give him more mic time and book him as a despicable heel to generate real heat and real interest in his title matches.

Prediction: Austin Aries retains the X Division Title.

Gail Kim vs. Mickie James for the TNA Knockouts Championship: I was curious to see how their last pay-per-view match would go because Mickie seemed unmotivated and Gail needed to show that she could have a strong match with someone other than Awesome Kong. They came through with a good match last time and have followed up with some good encounters on Impact. Thus, I expect another quality outing tonight. This is not the time for a random title change. They haven't established Gail as a strong champion, and Mickie's random title wins and losses haven't meant much. Here's hoping creative recognizes this and books accordingly.

Prediction: Gail Kim retains the TNA Knockouts Championship.

”The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero vs. Devon: Something, something, Devon's sons, something, something, zzzzzzzzzzz. Okay, fine, can the veteran Devon get a good match out of the inconsistent Pope? Will Pope actually try get a heel reaction for a change?

Prediction: The Pope wins with help from Devon's sons.

Gunner vs. Rob Van Dam: The online rumor of the week was that RVD's contract is coming up and WWE has interest in bringing him back into the fold. If TNA officials sense that RVD is WWE bound, then there's absolutely no reason for RVD to go over here. They've been trying to build up Gunner as a killer heel by having him injure his opponents lately. RVD should be next in line for the injury angle if he's leaving, though I'd rather see that happen on television where TNA could get more mileage out of it. Then again, a good video package using clips from the pay-per-view may actually make Gunner look even stronger. Either way, Van Dam should not go over, nor should Gunner's push be about

Prediction: Gunner wins.

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