By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Rob Van Dam made his TNA debut on Monday night's live episode of TNA Impact after months of speculation on whether RVD would remain loyal to WWE, test the waters in TNA, or stay home as a "free agent."

RVD made it clear in numerous interviews over the past three months that he had no interest working with "younger stars" who weren't stars in the previous era.

Apparently being able to immediately work with the likes of Sting and being in the same picture as Hulk Hogan was a major selling point to convince RVD to leave the comfort of California and travel across the country every other week for Impact.

"The high regard they (fans) hold me in when they call me a legend I think had a lot to do with proving myself against top guys like that," RVD said in January. "I’m not sure if wrestling the young guys is going to get the same satisfaction."

On TV, RVD's debut was set up by TNA president Dixie Carter booking newly-heel Sting in a match against an unknown opponent. RVD then popped into the ring and quickly scored a pinfall in his first-ever TNA action.

Sting then beat down RVD with a trademark baseball bat to officially begin a program. TNA did not announce a match for the Destination X PPV, as it would be logical to hold off a singles match until the Lockdown PPV in April.

RVD joining TNA "closed the door" on a potential WWE run - part-time or full-time - in the near future. WWE kept RVD's blog active on WWE's fan website despite RVD's last WWE TV appearance being more than one year ago at the Royal Rumble in January 2009 where he could regularly promote his weekly radio show on Blogtalkradio.com.

"I'm gauging the value on that (WWE) door right now and I'm not sure that it's as important to keep it open if going through it just means returning to a full-time schedule because that sounds completely crazy to me right now," RVD said in early February.

It remains to be seen what long-term plans TNA has for RVD beyond an immediate program with Sting.

In the short-term, TNA wanted to make a splash on tonight's Impact utilizing RVD as a "big name in a happening place," similar to TNA debuting/bringing back Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Eric Bischoff, Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, Jeff Hardy, and Shannon Moore on January 4.

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READ MORE - Monday's Impact
-- Jeff Hardy returns to TNA with a cloud over his head
-- KELLER'S TNA Impact TV Report
-- New Knockouts tag champions
-- News & Notes on big TNA happenings
-- Updated Destination X PPV line-up

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