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Cue Phil Ivey’s new theme:

Ok, so that was actually former WCW Main Producer and WWE performer Eric Bischoff’s entrance theme, but it applies.

Phil Ivey has finally resurfaced after several months of self imposed hiding / exile when he entered the APPT Macau Main Event.

Why did he choose now to come back?  Many figure it is because there is now a deal in place for Full Tilt to be purchased.  Others think that he is broke, especially after the revelation that he has quit paying alimony to his wife.

Regardless of his reasons, I wonder what type of Ivey we will see at the tables.  Will we continue to see “The Tiger Woods of Poker” or will we see a the “Post Affair Tiger Woods of Poker.”

Also, will fans accept him as readily as they did in the past or will some hold him responsible for at least some of Full Tilt’s downfall?  So far, reports claim that he hasn’t been bothered by former players regarding Full Tilt.

In all honesty, that is probably the way it should be.  There is no hard evidence to prove that Ivey had any real say in the downfall of the company.  Granted, there have been accusations that he helped to block the sale of the company in the past, but how far do you believe Mike and Scott Matusow?

Give this a few months and if Ivey is playing Iveyesque poker, fans will “overlook” the Full Tilt incident.  Personally, I don’t see Ivey coming back and failing.  His is too focused and too much of a competitor for such.

I’ll make this prediction now.  Ivey takes a bracelet next year, and maybe two.

Now the question becomes, who will win the bidding war to sponsor Ivey?