The Dark Knight of TNA...

In recent weeks, we have noticed a change. A man that was once known as the 'face of TNA', now making his own path. Doesn't follow any rules, does what he wants, when he wants. And I LOVE every single second of it. THIS is the change we've been waiting for. To finally see AJ Styles being used in such a unique way, it makes sense why he was put in such a horror storyline to begin with.

From being accused by Daniels and Kazarian of sleeping with Dixie Carter to impregnating a drug addict. It drove him to the brink of insanity. But he got his revenge and cleared his name. But there was more hishaps to come for Styles, more than he could handle. His loss in the triple threat match between Bobby Roode, James Storm and himself was the end of the line for him. He was finally seeing the big picture. He claimed to have been tired of being ''TNA's corporate janitor'' or something along those lines.

So he decided that from that point on, he was gonna be a lone wolf. Only taking care of himself and nobody else. To the amusement of his detractors Bad Influence of course, who mocked his name for weeks and celebrated his decision to leave Impact Wrestling.

While there was chaos in TNA with Aces & Eights dominating the roster, AJ was nowhere to be found. TNA cameras did however catch him for a moment, and it was clear he was a changed man. The new AJ Styles was so full of anger and bitterness and couldn't care less about anyone. So he took off in his motorcycle. 2 weeks later, it's announced that he will return to Impact Wrestling. And he did, but not the way people expected it. He showed up after Daniels match with James Storm. With Bad Influence beating down 'The Cowboy', AJ came out in a rush with no music, attacked Kazarian and gave Daniels a cold, hard look. But in the blink of an eye, he attacked James Storm as well. People asking themselves, 'what happned to AJ Styles?'

The week after that, he was being interviewed by Mike Tenay about his actions. AJ didn't say a word and the Cowboy came out. Tried to get some explanation over why he did what he did. But there was nothing from AJ. Only a cold look and then he left the ring.

This is what we have got people. Now I don't know if there are people that are unhappy with the direction AJ has taken, but I believe it's a breath of fresh air. From his attire, to his disdained look to his quiet persona, this is a brilliant storyline by TNA management. I hope they keep this up with him, because I can see a bigger picture here. He should be neither face nor heel. Just someone that does things for his own good and doesn't care who he hurts, as long as it satisfies him.

This Thursday, AJ will finally speak out. Personally I would have had him be silent for a bit longer but I can understand why he must do so. TNA have the ball in their court, now is not the time to drop it. With AJ looking the best he's ever been, they simply must generate success...

Lockdown predictions...

It's been a while people. I have taken a long hiatus to deal with some personal issues. But now I'm back and I'll be doing more work within the coming weeks. Now as you all know, Lockdown is this Sunday. I've taken the time to analyze all the matches and from what I've seen, the card is pretty solid. Now that's said, let's run down the card...

Joey Ryan vs. Joseph Park

This is a match that was randomly made. No build up, no nothing. While it seems strange that TNA had such a long time to build this match, it's probably going to be a decent match since Park is in it. I'm not expecting major stuff from this, but I could see Park snap and turn into Abyss once again. My vote goes to Park for the win.

Winner: Joseph Park


Robbie E vs. Robbie T

These two wrestlers have been working as a tag team for over a year, before their eventual split a few weeks ago. Bigger Rob has been given a decent push as a face and I'm glad to see the two of them going their separate ways. I always felt like Rob Terry was given more of a jobber role, instead of being this decent midcarder. Now that it's finalized, we will see these two go head to head in the steel cage. This shouldn't come as a surprise as I believe Terry with his current face push will squash Robbie E and take the victory.

Winner: Robbie T


TNA Knockouts Championship: Velvet Sky (c) vs. Gail Kim

In my opinion, this will be a pretty entertaining match. Gail Kim has been vocal lately about being given a shot for the title and with her credentials, I believe she fits the bill. Not to mention Velvet Sky's push since returning to the company and winning the strap, I believe Sky will continue to win and defend her title successfully.

Winner: Velvet Sky


TNA X-Division Championship: Kenny King (c) vs. Zema Ion vs. Christian York

These three guys right here are likely to tear the house down at Lockdown. All three of them have a reason to win the title. They are all impressive and will wow the crowd. But if we're gonna look their title chances induvidually and why they should hold the belt, Kenny King has the strongest reason. He recently turned into this cocky heel, beat RVD for the title and needs to be pushed that way. I can see him going over Ion with a bit of cheating and keeping title at his grasp.

Winner: Kenny King


TNA Tag Team Championships: Money's Worth (c) vs. Bad Influence vs. Chavo Guerrero & Hernandez

I am definetly enjoy the fanatics of the two heel teams in this match up. After some observation, it's clear that the latter team do not need the strap right now. While I've been entertained by Daniels and Kazarian, the only logical choice in this match are Roode and Aries. They're bent on winning all the titles and in my eyes, they'll continue towards that goal and defend their titles at Lockdown.

Winners: Money's Worth


Steel Cage Match: Kurt Angle vs. Wes Brisco

Teacher vs. Student. That's what we're going to be seeing as Angle has been playing the mentor of the young Wes Brisco before he was eventually betrayed and beaten down by him and a certain Garrett Bischoff. With Angle looking for revenge and the situation looking as intense as it is, I just can't see Brisco coming away with the win. Angle for the victory.

Winner: Kurt Angle


Lethal Lockdown Match: Aces & Eights (Doc, Devon, Knox, Garrett Bischoff and Anderson) vs Team TNA (Sting, Magnus, Samoa Joe, Eric Young and James Storm)

I am personally stoked to see this match. There is alot to be gained from this match up, so we need to see people like Doc really being dominant in the match to make him look good. The group as a whole has looked very weak, which is a disappointment. However, there is no way that is going to happen at Lockdown. I see the Aces & Eights winning the match after some hard work with the President finally being revealed. Who that is, I can't say for sure. If I'm gonna guess, I'm gonna have to go with Joseph Park as the president. I'll give my reasons for that in another column but this is pretty much what I believe is gonna happen.

Winners: Aces & Eights


TNA World Heavyweight Championship: Jeff Hardy (c) vs. Bully Ray

This will be a face vs. face match. Both men have shown great intensity in their promos and both of them deserve to be champions. However, I think it's time for Hardy to let go of the belt. While he has been a great champion, it's time for Bully to take over. While I would like to see Ray as a heel champion, it's still nice to see him as a face winning the belt for the first time. He deserves it for all his contributions.

Winner: Bully Ray


Those are my predictions. I personally am very excited for this PPV as it has been prepared flawlessly without minor mistakes. Who the leader will be for the Aces & Eights will be revealed at Lockdown and I can't wait to see who the puppetmaster has been all this time...Let's enjoy the ride...