First off, I absolutely LOVE that we're getting to see this match. Samoa Joe and Austin Aries are two of my favorite performers in TNA and I'm elated that they get to go out there, putting on an absolute show for the fans. Joe has always -- and always will -- work amazingly for a guy his size, not to mention that he works brilliantly with other X-Division performers. This match tugs at Joe's roots in TNA, it will give us the Joe that provided us with some of the best matches and moments in TNA's history. Furthermore, Aries is a brilliant worker who will be able to keep up with Joe -- maintaining whatever pace/type of match they choose to make this. With two such great performers, it's going to be very tough to mess up this match. As of right now, it's my early pick for Match of the Night -- and it could very well be a Match of the Year contender, depending on the time they're given and how hard they choose to go out there.
As for my prediction, I'll have to go with Austin Aries. Sure, Samoa Joe hasn't been as impressive as he once was, but his name still means a hell of a lot in TNA. Samoa Joe is a name that makes anybody's resume more impressive, so why not give Austin Aries the chance to pick up a big win here? It won't hurt Joe to lose here and it would only further cement Austin Aries as one of the pillars of TNA for the foreseeable future. I feel like it's a no-brainer to put Aries over. Then again, I wouldn't be stunned to see Joe go over, but there's just no need for that. I wouldn't flinch if they just decided to put Joe in the main event, without any build... because he's Samoa freaking Joe -- that's why this loss just wouldn't matter. Joe can take the loss, Aries could always use another win. Who cares, though -- let's just enjoy the match, eh?
