March 8th WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT! Previews (UPDATED)

Monday night marks the beginning of a new era in the pro wrestling industry. For the first time since 2001, World Wrestling Entertainment and Monday Night RAW will have direct competition every week.

With all the news that came out last week, here’s an updated preview for the first night of the NEW Monday Night War:

WWE RAW Preview:

– Magician Criss Angel hosts the show.

– In a tune up match to get him ready for his showdown with Bret Hart at WrestleMania, WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon will face John Cena in a singles match.

– Randy Orton will face Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase in a handicap match.

TNA iMPACT! Preview

– Hulk Hogan & Abyss vs. Ric Flair & AJ Styles is the big match TNA is advertising.

– TNA has been teasing a number of big surprises for iMPACT! It’s been virtually confirmed at this point that Rob Van Dam will be appearing.

More On RVD Signing With TNA & Appearing on Monday’s iMPACT!:
– Hulk Hogan Reveals RVD Has Signed With TNA (Video)
– TNA Upset Hogan Leaked Major Surprise
– RVD Comments On Whether He’s Signed With TNA )

Aside from the TNA debut of Rob Van Dam, it’s also rumored that Jeff Hardy will make an appearance with longtime frined and recently-signed Shannon Moore.

–First Five Minutes: TNA has posted a “viral” video teasing something big will be happening during the first 5 minutes of TNA’s live iMPACT! this Monday night on Spike. The video shows Jeremy Borash in the restroom receiving a phone call from Dixie Carter about the “news.” The news then circulates around the entire company office before, well, we won’t spoil it .. You can see the video here.

– Kevin Nash and Eric Young will confront Scott Hall and Sean Waltman. In his latest “Last Call” video from the weekend, Hall says he and Waltman will be wrestling Nash and Young, but the match hasn’t been confirmed by TNA. (VIDEO)

– Sting has signed a new contract and will be be appearing on iMPACT! Dixie Carter posted a message on Twitter that she spoke to Sting, who told her he “wouldn’t miss Mondays live show for anything” and “Can’t wait to work w/Hulk.”

– TNA will debut a new theme song for iMPACT! During the post-game iMPACT! show on TNA’s website, Jeremy Borash said he’s heard the song and loves it.

– Spike TV has granted TNA an 8-minute overrun for next week’s show, so the show will go head-to-head with RAW for over 2 hours.