Countdown to TNA Lockdown By DAVE HILLHOUSE -- SLAM! Wrestling

Bully Ray wins TNA title, turns on Hogans at Lockdown

Lockdown truly marks the start of TNA's new pay-per-view strategy, with this being the first PPV since Genesis in January. While that doesn't sound like that long ago, in the current landscape of monthly PPV offerings, it might feel longer than it sounds. So, while extra time has been granted for anticipation to build up, there's also the risk of apathy having set in. Read up on the card that TNA is offering as they hope for the former.

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: STEEL CAGE MATCH
Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy (champion)

This may sound hard to believe, but the son-in-law of the general manager got himself into a championship match while bypassing the tournament requirements. While Hardy will likely have terrifying flashbacks of being in the ring with Triple H again, there's probably a bigger picture here for Bully Ray that doesn't need to involve the world title, so Hardy retains.

LETHAL LOCKDOWN: STEEL CAGE MATCH
Aces & Eights (Devon, Mr. Anderson, D.O.C, Garett and Knox) vs. Team TNA (Sting, Magnus, Samoa Joe, James Storm and Eric Young)

Aces & Eights are facing at the very least the threat of irrelevancy, if they haven't in fact already crossed that threshold. The litmus test might be to imagine the fall-out from either team winning this match; if it's hard to see the long-term influence of either outcome, it speaks to the wheel-spinning of Aces & Eights. Let's put our faith in relevancy and look for A&8s to ride a victory to ... something.

STEEL CAGE MATCH
Wes Brisco vs. Kurt Angle

Young upstart tries to make a name for himself at the expense of the pro who only tried to help him out. It’s interesting because Angle isn’t ready to simply play the part of a vehicle to launch new careers, but nor would he lose much credibility if he took a loss (with the assistance of chicanery or shenanigans of some kind). Brisco sneaks out a win.

TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Daniels & Kazarian vs. Hernandez & Chavo Guerrero vs. Bobby Roode & Austin Aries (champions)

A match ripe with potential, with a number of great workers and showmen, and the ending should see the belts stay with Roode & Aries.

KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Gail Kim vs. Velvet Sky (champion)

No reason to stall the much-hyped return of Sky here, so she keeps the title in a clean manner.

X DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
Zema Ion vs. Christian York vs. Kenny King (champion)

The removal of RVD from this picture gives these three a chance to strut their stuff. Like other title matches on the card, I don’t see a change as either necessary or likely, and the importance of the match will instead hinge on the performance of all involved.

Joey Ryan vs. Joseph Park

An odd couple match-up, to be sure, with next to zero build-up. Ryan’s arrogant antics will eventually bring out the beast in Park, giving the big guy the win.

Robbie E vs. Robbie T

Robbie E poked the wrong bear, and there should be no stopping Robbie T from gaining his measure of revenge for being demeaned and pushed around.