411 Roundtable Special: Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff To TNA
Posted by Larry Csonka on 10.30.2009
By now everyone knows the news that Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff have signed with TNA. Do you think that this is a good idea? What do you like about Hogan signing with TNA? Is it possible that Eric Bischoff with all of his connections can grow the TNA brand? The 411 staff checks in with a special roundtable to discuss the huge news!
INTRO:
Welcome back to another edition of the 411 Wrestling Roundtable. This time there is not a PPV, instead we are here to talk about the biggest wrestling story of the year, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff signing with TNA. The news certainly has caused a ton of discussion, and outrage among the wrestling world. Today, some of the 411 staff gets together to discuss four questions about the big deal. Let's meet the staff and discuss the news!
THE STAFF: Larry Csonka: The Boss…
Shawn S. Lealos: TNA PPV Preview Guy…
Len Archibald: Author of Around the World in 24 Frames…
Aaron Hubbard: ROH recapper and writes the 4R's of ROH every week…
Daniel Wilcox: Writes the 4R's of Impact every week…
Scott Rutherford: Been here forever…
Ryan Byers: Everyone's favorite writer…
Mathew Sforcina: Ask 411 guru…
Andy Clark: Former Shimmy writer and all around slacker…
Andy Critchell: Former ECW Extracts… Extracter…
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT HOGAN SIGNING WITH TNA?
Larry Csonka: The one thing that I like about Hogan to TNA has nothing to do with domestic business. Instead, the Hulk Hogan name makes the TNA product a sexier name for the company's international growth. Sting's name was a big thing for the company in getting international TV deals. No offense to Sting, because he did help a lot, but Hulk Hogan is THE name to many people in pro wrestling. Hogan signing with the company could be huge for international TV expansion and tours, and that is the one aspect of TNA business, which is really good, and will only get better with this. That is the one really good thing with the signing of Hogan.
Shawn S. Lealos: His name alone will bring more ratings, more attention and a bigger fan base to TNA. I don't care what you think of Hulk Hogan, the person, but in the business I have never heard anyone get bigger pops from the live crowd than Hulk Hogan. He is big enough to turn the fans against anyone he is opposing (see: The Rock). His name will help TNA grow, initially...
Len Archibald: Ratings, baby! Hogan is STILL the biggest name in wrestling. With him comes instant credibility among "casuals" and potential PPV buyrates. He gives something Vince McMahon has not had in almost 10 years: competition. This may light a fire under McMahon's ass and we may see something of a "War"-like atmosphere where the WWE and TNA will play a game of "anything you can do..." that may attract more than the loyal base.
Aaron Hubbard: Well, at this point in my fandom, there are very, VERY few legitimate surprises. This surprised me. Hogan certainly has more name value than anyone in the industry and if he doesn't boost the ratings and PPV buys, nothing barring The Rock or John Cena will. I also have the smallest, tiniest bit of hope that he will put over guys like Samoa Joe and Matt Morgan. VERY small hope, but it is there.
Daniel Wilcox: If I'm TNA, I'm liking the publicity this will garner, the likely increase in ratings (although it won't be that big), the increased number of pay-per-view buys and generally, the financial benefits of this. As a casual wrestling fan, I'm liking the fact that one of the biggest and most important people in wrestling history will once again be on TV, soaking in the cheers of rabid Hulkamaniacs. I've never been a Hogan fan, but each and every time he's back on TV, arena go crazy, and that's what I like seeing. The atmosphere in the Impact zone when this guy shows up is going to be insane. And irrespective of what people think about him not putting people over, any in TNA not named Sting or Kurt Angle will benefit just by being in the ring with this guy as their profile is raised that much more.
Scott Rutherford: Hogan still has name value and star power and casual wrestling fans will tune in to see what the fuss is about. Hogan will put viewers in front of the TV and this has always been TNA's weak spot. He can also help take some talented performers and give them some credence. If Hogan can stow his ego he can be invaluable backstage and in the locker room. Always a poor in-ring "wrestler" but as a performer his timing of how to lay a match out is almost unmatched. Hogan is a wealth of knowledge and could be used as an effective tool to help add seasoning to a group of raw, young wrestlers who can do pretty moves in the ring but have no clue how to make a match flow. Plus we get the long awaited Russo/Hogan rematch!
Ryan Byers: Hogan and various members of his entourage are very old school in their approach to professional wrestling. If one thing bugs me about TNA, it's the fact that they took virtually everything that worked in old school professional wrestling and threw it out the window. That would be great if their new approach to the sport worked, but, for the most part, it has not. Though they may not have been officially announced as the bookers of the promotion, you can bet that Hogan and Bischoff are going to wield a large amount of power when it comes to the creative direction, and they may the only people who have the ability to get TNA to slow down and readopt some of the practices that have kept professional wrestling alive and kicking for the last two hundred years.
Mathew Sforcina: Well, it gets Eric Bischoff back, tangentially, into Pro Wrestling. And if he's back, then there's a chance that he'll be back on TV. And I love me some Eric on TV. And frankly, Hogan and/or Eric booking is miles ahead of Russo. Hogan's not actually a terrible booker, once you get past him and his best buddies. Hogan understands wrestling, something Russo has never done. Russo understands Russo-estling. Oh, and this is it for TNA. This is the last gasp "Needed Signing" that TNA really has, outside the totally impossible Rock. It's time to put up or shut up. Although I guess they can argue that if they just sign Goldberg they'll be set...
Andy Clark: This is the biggest signing in TNA history. Since TNA has been in existence they have a history of hyping up big acquisitions. Starting with Raven, to Jeff Hardy, the Outsiders, Christian, Sting, Kurt Angle, to Booker T every new addition has been hailed, either by the fans or by TNA, that this addition is what will put them over the top. While there have been steady increases over the years and even some times of critical success (Angle's initial impact was probably the biggest felt), business has never turned around for an extended period of time. While all those wrestling stars have qualities that make them special, none of them are Hulk Hogan. In the minds of many people, casual and hardcore fans alike (hell even non-fans) Hulk Hogan=pro wrestling. TNA is not going to be rolling in cash anytime soon but bringing in the biggest star in the history of the business certainly makes them much more notable than at any other point in their seven year history.
Andy Critchell: The clear answer here is that it brings instant notoriety and recognition to TNA. Hogan is still the biggest name known to casual wrestling fans and non-fans alike. He brings a household name and even a degree of legitimacy to TNA that hasn't been there before. Sure they've got Angle, sure they have Nash & Sting, but Hogan is a whole other level and everyone knows it. And for whatever it's worth, Hogan to TNA is THE top story on every single wrestling new website on the web so there will be plenty of WWE fans that will now check out TNA if for nothing else than curiosity's sake.
WHAT DON'T YOU LIKE ABOUT HOGAN SIGNING WITH TNA?
Larry Csonka: Two words: Creative Control. Hogan had the juice to get it with WCW, he had enough to get it with WWE, and no offence to TNA, but they aren't WWE or WCW. Hulk Hogan with creative control and the ability to bring in his friends scares me as someone who has recently been excited with the recent TNA product.
Shawn S. Lealos: I do not want him to wrestle and, if he does, only as a special appearance. Everyone is crying about the fact that Hogan will push the younger talent down the card but if he stays out of the ring as a regular competitor, it won't hurt A.J., Joe, Daniels or anyone else. I have read his role might not even be as a wrestler, so I am holding out hope, but I know his ego might want him to climb back into the ring. I have to say I hate the idea of Hulk Hogan coming to TNA. They have finally turned the corner and are building a solid future for the company by pushing their homegrown talent. I think Hulk Hogan will disrupt that. Kurt Angle is the perfect veteran because he will always put over a deserving superstar. Hogan won't. Keep him out of the ring.
Len Archibald: From my Fact or Fiction: I'm gonna tell you the truth: I'm a Hulk Hogan mark. I think he may be the most important figure outside of Vince McMahon to professional wrestling. Also, after Bound For Glory, I obtained a renewed interest and faith in TNA. I watched IMPACT with a sense of glee that I haven't felt in a LONG time. Rhino's passionate promo about "management" holding the veterans back. Angle's admittance that he was wrong about the youngun's of TNA – culminating in his acceptance of AJ as the MAN. Desmond Wolfe's BEATDOWN on Angle. The seeming arrivals of Hernandez, Eric Young and the MCMG's as legitimate threats and players on the up. Hogan coming in will undo ALL of that.
Seriously, look at it this way: Hogan comes in – if he arrives as a heel, he instantly becomes the #1 heel in the company. AJ is the #1 face. They would have to come to a head. Storyline wise, it would be RIGHT for Hogan to win the title and have AJ chase him; but that would destroy everything TNA has done in establishing AJ as the guy TNA has relied on. What if Hogan gets his way (with Russo?) and becomes the TNA Champ? Idealistically, the only man who could possibly take him down would be who? Sting. The guy who just laid down so AJ could take the claim as the best TNA has. Sigh. So many ideas. So many ways to go.
Honestly, the ONLY way Hogan in TNA is going to work is if he comes in with the intention of "making" some stars. He would have to accept being a "mid-card" act, and allow AJ, Angle, Joe, Daniels, Wolfe and the World Elite to take the majority of the spotlight. Sure, give him fanfare and a BIG story upon his arrival, but he would have to be phased into a role that is more akin to what Kevin Nash is doing. But honestly, can YOU see Hogan accepting anything BUT the main event?
Sorry for the rant, but this is hard. Hogan, you got me into pro wrestling, but seriously, dude. Your time has passed. I'm not making any markish declarations that "TNA is the future" or some crazy shit, but pro wrestling needs SOMETHING representative of "a future" and for the time being, TNA was on the path to becoming part of that. His signing has actually set the company back about 4 years.
Aaron Hubbard: I don't care if Hogan is horrible in the ring. What I DO care about is his ego. He'll come in here, the ratings will go up, and Hogan will say it's all because of him (which will be justified, but it kills the morale of the roster). Hogan working for anyone bar Vince McMahon or himself is bad for the company that hires him. The man is a legend and made more money than anyone, but he is a poison that will ultimately kill TNA if he "runs wild".
Daniel Wilcox: The fact that at some point, he will likely be wrestling. The fact that he's going to take a hell of a lot of TV time away from some of the young guys TNA has been working on building up recently. Ha, remember that time last week when everyone was going crazy about how TNA was FINALLY going to push the young guys. It was never going to last, was it?
Scott Rutherford: The flip side of my first answer. Hogan will put people in front of the TV but TNA has to make sure Hogan doesn't become "the man". His ego is going to be the biggest stumbling block and the single worse thing TNA management can do is to put the title on him or make him a regular part of the main event. Hogan is going to have to get in the ring to make his run worthwhile and while I don't think he has to job to everything that moves, he can't be going over the top guys or doing 50/50 feuds. Does anyone remember Dusty Rhodes run in ECW? That's what I'm talking about.
Ryan Byers: The last time Hogan did something similar to this (i.e. signing with WCW) the entire promotion changed overnight, with the Hulkster grabbing almost complete creative control and bringing his friends in to be the promotion's stars. Though I'm hardly the biggest TNA fan on the planet, I shudder when I think of possibility of Jim Duggan beating AJ Styles in fifteen seconds, similar to what happened when the Hogan-backed Duggan met up with Steve Austin in WCW, who up until that point had been pegged as the can't miss future leader of the company.
Mathew Sforcina: Well, for starters, that it didn't happen 2 weeks ago and thus Cornette might have stuck around, if Russo gets the boot. Not that Cornette and Hogan get on any better but I do think there's some small level of respect there, rather than the gnawing hatred betwix Russo and Jimmy. But it's all the obvious stuff. The cronies. The egocentric booking. The no one above a certain weight/height in the main event. All the old problems. But hey, you never know, Hogan might totally blow his knees out tomorrow and be forced to stick to booking...
Andy Clark: Unlike many I don't really fear Hogan burying the young talent or stinking it up in the ring. My biggest issue with Hogan's arrival is the way they are presenting it. TNA is already hyping Hogan's TNA debut for this Thursday on Impact. With the tapings over and done with that means the first glimpse of Hogan on TNA programming will be in a post-edited backstage segment, or possibly clips of Hogan's press conference. The first time fans see Hulk Hogan on TNA programming should be in the middle of the ring. Most will say it should be on PPV, but I think this would be the perfect time for another live Impact special so that the most number of people will be able to see it and get some buzz going about the product.
Andy Critchell: At the end of the day, Hogan is the poster child for a wrestler that is going past his prime and living off his past in the everlasting search for one more buck. I don't begrudge him for it, but the fact that Hogan is still a huge name seems to lead him to believe that he should be THE focus of the promotion. It's no secret that often times it is the athlete that is the last to know that he can't perform at a high level anymore and it is also no secret that you don't achieve the level of stardom that Hogan has reached without a massive ego. You put those together and you have a recipe for disaster. I'm sure at the beginning Hogan will talk about putting young guys over and "doing what's right for the business" but his personal history tells me that won't happen. But regardless of all that the temptation with Hogan, especially for a company trying to make a name for itself, is to make him the focus of the promotion, which does none of the "homegrown" TNA, stars NO favors. Finally, it seems to me that Hogan has some kind of ax to grind with WWE, or at the very least he wants to make it appear that way what with his press conference at MSG which WWE views as it's home arena and the more TNA mentions/infers WWE, the more people are going to think about changing the channel.
DO YOU THINK ERIC BISCHOFF CAN HELP EXPAND THE TNA PRODUCT?
Larry Csonka: I hope so. I want to provide a resounding yes, but selling wrestling is not always easy. But there have been rumors that VERSUS, G4, CMT and others are interested in working with Bischoff-Hervey productions, and the name Hulk Hogan carries weight. TNA's deal with SpikeTV allows them to shop new shows around to other networks if Spike passes on them, so Bischoff will be trying to get TNA new shows. TNA has had interest in the past in launching new shows for the Knockouts, the X-Division, and the online Spin Cycle show. I have hope, and this COULD be great for TNA.
Shawn S. Lealos: Absolutely. Eric Bischoff single handedly built WCW into a dominant force into professional wrestling, only short years after it almost went under. Yes, he had Ted Turner's money but he knew how to use it at the time. As long as he doesn't have a hand in bringing in the "wrong kind of talent" (and Nash is already there) he should be a good addition to the marketing team. He is one of the best businessmen in wrestling if he doesn't have too big a hand in the booking.
Len Archibald: There is no doubt about that. He STARTED the Monday Night War. He was a television exec that became a wrestling phenom in his own right. If he has the money and backing of his ideas, he can give more mainstream attention to TNA in 1 year than what they've done in five.
Aaron Hubbard: I certainly think so. Eric is a very creative and very tenacious individual who can squeeze dimes out of pennies. He also has no fear and will help promote people. And while he isn't McMahon, perhaps Bischoff can help control the creative team's crazier ideas so people WANT to tune in next week and tell their friends about TNA.
Daniel Wilcox: Oh yeah, definitely. Whatever role Bischoff is given, he will excel at. For my money he is one of the most intelligent minds in wrestling history, more so than Paul Heyman who everyone wants to be given the book in TNA. I was disappointed in hearing Bisch wouldn't have an impact on the day-to-day creative aspect of TNA, but even in terms of promotion the guy has a lot to offer and any input he has will be of tremendous benefit for TNA.
Scott Rutherford: I wouldn't be at all surprised if Bischoff is the actual "prize" signing for TNA and to get him that had to go through Hogan. For all the crap that is laid at his feet, Eric TNA would be epically retarded not to take advantage of the man that nearly crippled Vince.
Ryan Byers: No. Bischoff has connections in the television industry, there's no doubt about that. He did a fine job of keeping Hogan's reality show on TV for years, his project with Scott Baio was critically acclaimed, and he even got Hogan's Celebrity Wrestling off the ground. However, no matter how connected a person is, there are some things that he just can't get to work. Major television outlets aren't looking to add professional wrestling programming to their lineups right now, which is a hard lesson that WWE learned when their deal with CW came due a few years ago. I wouldn't be surprised if Bischoff manages to get a second TNA TV show on some station other than Spike, but I will be amazed if it's a network bigger than Spike or if anybody other than current TNA fans actually tunes in to watch it.
Mathew Sforcina: Yes. Bischoff knows Wrestling, and he knows business. TNA needs someone like Bischoff to really SELL TNA in the marketplace. They need a Don West in the Boardroom, basically. And Bischoff can do that. And hell, once again, can't be worse than Russo.
Andy Clark: Yes. Is he going to make it the new global face of wrestling? Absolutely not. But any little bit helps and Bischoff has enough contacts in the television world that TNA HAS to grow. Bischoff should probably be able to sell a second TNA show to some wayward network, increasing TNA's overall exposure. I suppose Bischoff's (perceived) WCW reputation may hurt him a bit in selling a wrestling product, but it would almost be too hard not to help in some capacity.
Andy Critchell: Yes, of course. If nothing else Bischoff has a great mind for business and he has been very successful producing several reality shows. Bischoff and his production company should be able to find/create/exploit synergies between TNA and Spike TV that can only raise the profile of TNA and expand the product. Sure a measure of his WCW success can be attributed to "right place, right time," but someone had to have the vision to take advantage of the situation and Bischoff was that someone.
DO YOU WANT TO SEE BISCHOFF ON TNA TV?
Larry Csonka: I like Eric and think that he is a good promo and a good performer, but I really want to move away from the authority figure. I personally want Eric to work behind the scenes and do his magic with Jason Hervey in expanding the TNA product both domestically and internationally. Eric is a good character, but I don't think that he would add that much to the current TV product, and that is why I don't really need him on TV, no offense to the man intended.
Shawn S. Lealos: Sure, why not. He is a great on air character and people love to hate him. Let him come in and manage someone, kind of like what Don West is doing for Red. Bischoff is a fun character.
Len Archibald: Hells to the yes. Bischoff was one of the most polarizing characters in wrestling history. He has a tone and manner of speaking that instantly = A1 Douchebag. If he took a managerial role for any heel, they become an instant player. If he goes behind the announcer's booth, he will be a great antagonist. If he takes up an authoritative role, he will bring hell for the faces. Either way, he'll be entertaining as hell. I STILL wish he never left as RAW GM, as he was the one constant that made the show watchable in its dark days.
Aaron Hubbard: More than I do Hogan. Bischoff plays the sleazy, power hungry coward of an authority figure to absolute perfection. He is very easy to hate and can add a lot to the company in a similar capacity as Jim Cornette served for the last few years.
Daniel Wilcox: More so than Hulk Hogan, if I am honest. I love Bischoff and I don't quite understand why WWE ever took him off of TV. Whether it's as an authority figure or a manager, long term or short term, I just want to see The Bisch back on TV. I'd love to see him managing a guy like Joe, Angle or even Nash. He's a phenomenal talent and I really hope he takes a more active role in TNA, be it on TV or with the book.
Scott Rutherford: Oh hell yeah. If only Eric had formed the MEM or helped create the World elite I may have actually watched…but that has all passed. Eric would be fantastic as the "figurehead" of the show and I would tune in to see Sleazy E back on my screen.
Ryan Byers: No. He is a great television character, but I'm so tired of "authority figures" having such a prominent role on wrestling shows that it's not even funny. We have had enough commissioners, general managers, and owners screwing with wrestlers in storyline, and it's time to give the concept a rest for a couple of decades.
Mathew Sforcina: Yes yes yes yes yes. Eric is one of the very few guys who can pull off the Boss character and make it work, he's in rare company. Get me Bischoff on TV!
Andy Clark: Yes. When motivated Eric Bischoff can be a compelling, well-spoken television character. I wouldn't really want to see him as an authority figure, but as a hype man/manager/agent I think he could do very well. The most important skill in wrestling is to be able to talk people into buying a show and Bischoff (again, when motivated) has the ability to do just that.
Andy Critchell: NO, I don't. And it's not because it would seem like just another TNA retread, it's because I have never realty found him to be that compelling a figure. It's not that he is bad, it's just that he isn't really needed.
So there you have it, that's what the 411 staff thinks about the situation. But what do YOU, the 411 readers think about it? Feel free to share your thoughts on the four questions in the comment section!
Awesome special, but you do know that Hogan is going to have complete creative control and basically do whatever he wants....?
Posted By: WATRY (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 10:56 PM
i trust bischoff with tna more than anybody else....
Posted By: timm (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Hogan has been on many shows and only briefly said the name TNA. He should have said I am coming back bigger than ever, saying to watch every Thursday night, etc. etc. but he didn't.
Posted By: Should have (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 10:58 PM
ratings will go up by theis signing, no matter what anyone says. even a little push, but it will not decrease their tv ratings.
Posted By: johnny boy (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Gut reaction is terrible move to destroy TNA from within.
After thinking about it, all the positives come to mind- name recognition, merchandise, ratings, and etc etc.
Then my initial thoughts come back of him only being in it for himself, and eventually (not right away of course), it will backfire for TNA.
Posted By: JIM (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Bischoff will help more behind the scene s with advertising and better house show strategies, or overseas trips. I'd be surprised if he became an on-air personality. I do forsee him being a 'consultant', giving creative tips here and there.
Posted By: Eric (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 11:12 PM
"I think he may be the most important figure outside of Vince McMahon"
Len, now would be the time to pull your lips off of McMahon's ass....Vince McMahon is NOT the most important figure in wrestling history(or wrestling now for that matter), if anything he is the WORST thing that ever happened to pro wrestling. The Matches became second rate because McMahon cared more about the storylines and characters than the matches and the in-ring talent(and dont try and argue that, otherwise Khali would be back in India and Brian Kendrick would still be on my t.v. every monday night)
My only question to you, len, after that comment is are you on McMahon's payroll?
Posted By: JWestmoreland (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 11:24 PM
OH DEAR GOD! Hogan, Nash, Bischoff, and (once he needs a job) Hall!
No!
Why?
Oh for the love of god!
Posted By: The Dutch (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 11:25 PM
I hate to be all doom and gloom but seriously? Hoagie is not worth the baggage. Yes it's a "smark" thing, but Hogan has ALWAYS been out for number 1. Just look at his ENTIRE WCW run! He brought in a bunch of old guys (Brutus, Macho, the nasty boys) and frankly with half of the core NWO group in TNA and now their ringleader back, I can only see more of the "SAME OLD SHIT".
Posted By: Smithy Blythe (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 11:34 PM
No! I have a nightmare this phrase will soon be uttered. "Winner and new TNA Legends Champion Brian Knobbs!!
Posted By: Brawler (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 11:50 PM
wow. byers sure can cram a whole lot of TNA bashing into a few short paragraphs.
Posted By: Guest#8507 (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Hogan's Positives:
- He will attract attention. This will hopefully generate more revenue and allow TNA do move out of the Impact Zone.
- He will make TNA more attractive to wrestlers, friends of his or not. If TNA can afford Hogan, there's a good chance they'll put up big money if another WWE guy hits the open market.
Hogan's Negatives:
- For Hogan to be the face of the company, he'll need to be TNA World Champion and carry the belt everywhere.
- Hogan will usher in a more sports-oriented culture to TNA -- more promos, skits, and celebs. In turn, matches will probably get shorter due to time constraints.
- The quest to "find the next Hulk Hogan" probably means the upper card will be skewed toward heavyweights and bodybuilder types.
Eric's Impact:
- He will help expand programming. Eventually, he'll be a consultant for TNA and then take over booking.
Eric on TV?
- I don't want to see it, but TNA needs to use him due to his background. No one can trash-talk WWE like this guy. He can point out the boring shows, silly ppv gimmicks, etc.
Posted By: Guest#8486 (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 12:07 AM
JWestmoreland couldn't DISAGREE more... for all of Vince's flaws and there are many of them... he IS the most important figure in wrestling history... it was his vision and marketing skills that allowed wrestling to become what it is today and he is the core guy behind some of the most exciting and important moments in wrestling history.
At times he can seem like the 'worst' guy for wrestling but in the grand scheme of things over long-term wrestling history there isn't anyone even close to his personal influence.
If there was ever a 'God' of this business.. love him or hate him Vince McMahon is it.
Posted By: Andrew Barbarash (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Yeah, to many casual fans Hogan is a big name, but are they actually going to tune in just because he is back? How much did he pump up ratings and PPV buys during his last run? And that was with the McMahon hype machine behind it.
Anybody who goes around the wrestling sites knows that TNA exists. This may get some to watch.
But ultimately, will TNA take advantage of that small window of opportunity to keep them? They aren't going to stay around just for Hogan. Too many entertainment options. Too much leathery wrinkled skin killing childhood memories of watching Hulkamania running wild. Too many entertainment options available now. When WCW got him, ratings went up some, but the only difference in entertainment choices compared to the '80s was that you could rent more movies, there were more places to rent from, and growing CD collections.
Then there is the question of politics.
There is a possible upside, but then the odds are against it being fully realized. The downside is more probable.
Posted By: Guest#3239 (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 12:51 AM
My main concern with Hogan:
Let's ignore him coming in and "taking over" and being a royal pain in the butt. Let's ignore his potential to destroy TNA through politicking.
Ignore all of that, and assume he's going to come in to do his job and whatever TNA tells him, and Hogan has truly learned his lesson and become a good guy.
That leaves one question:
How the hell do they book him?
They can't book him to lose, or his acquisition won't make much sense.
They can't book him to win, or the future of TNA is, at best, put on hold another few years.
They're already having issues booking with the simple acquisition of Wolfe. AJ doesn't have a real program right now. So how in the hell do they bring Hogan in without disrupting stuff EVEN MORE?
I just don't see it working without they screwing up a lot of the booking they've already put in place. Even if Hogan is willing to job to friggin' Shark Boy, it just DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.
Bad idea all around. I want to believe this will work, but I can't see how.
Do I think that TNA will be out of business in 2 years? Probably not. But I don't look forward to the next 2 years, unless they REALLY surprise me.
Posted By: Jimbob Jones (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 01:12 AM
LOL @ JWestmoreland. Saying Vince McMahon is the most important figure in pro wrestling isn't praising him or his methods, it's simply stating a fact. Honestly, can you name any other single person who has changed the game, for better or worse, to the degree he has?
Posted By: HeartBurnKid (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 01:25 AM
"I think he may be the most important figure outside of Vince McMahon"
Len, now would be the time to pull your lips off of McMahon's ass....Vince McMahon is NOT the most important figure in wrestling history(or wrestling now for that matter), if anything he is the WORST thing that ever happened to pro wrestling. The Matches became second rate because McMahon cared more about the storylines and characters than the matches and the in-ring talent(and dont try and argue that, otherwise Khali would be back in India and Brian Kendrick would still be on my t.v. every monday night)
My only question to you, len, after that comment is are you on McMahon's payroll?
Posted By: JWestmoreland (Guest) on October 29, 2009 at 11:24 PM
A look at any dictionary will show that "worst" is entirely compatible with "most important".
The fact is that wrestling was going to go national with or without WWF. WWF won - the viewers go there. If they would have wanted pure wresting, he would have delivered that. They didn't.
He doesn't care about story lines more than he cares about money.
Posted By: Guest#0399 (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 01:25 AM
"just don't see it working without they screwing up a lot of the booking they've already put in place. Even if Hogan is willing to job to friggin' Shark Boy, it just DOESN'T MAKE SENSE."
Actually, what you do, is don't book him to lose to just anyone. You have him win most of his matches so when he *does* lose it's a BIG deal. That's why Flair is a joke - Flair loses to everybody so it's not special.
But, what are some oif the biggets memories of Hogan returning to WWE in the 2000s? LOSING to Rock at WM18, TAPPING OUT to Angle, and getting KNOCKED OUT by Brock Lesnar. Game over. You sell him as a viable threat means when he does get beat it's a big deal. If you make him lose to everyone then he's just a chump and an old fart.
Posted By: Volourn (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 01:41 AM
I think it says something about the announcement that the 411 writers actually participated in a TNA roundtable for once! The roundtable for TNA's biggest ppv of the year got attention from only half this number of writers.
Posted By: JDW (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 02:00 AM
I predict a TNA Impact rating of 0.9
Posted By: Guest#1401 (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 03:19 AM
whatcha gonna do when the orange goblin won't lay down for you?
Posted By: anon (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 03:43 AM
Thank you, Dixie. I'm done.
You know what? I'm done with TNA. I'm done with wrestling.
I've never been a big WWE fan. Even at their best, I couldn't get into the product. Maybe I've always been an "underdog" promotion-watcher. I don't know.
So, when WCW died -- let me rephrase -- when I WATCHED Hogan kill WCW, I stopped watching wrestling for 2 years.
Then TNA came along. I liked the concept. And, when I saw the first weekly PPV, I LOVED the promotion. It was my first exposure to guys like AJ Styles and Low Ki. I watched damn near every weekly PPV.
I've watched it ever since, only taking breaks, oddly enough, when Russo gets the book.
However, he looked to have learned his lesson. Sure, the MEM ended up being a mess, but the first 6 months were exciting programming. So, they got rid of the MEM, and gave us even MORE to be excited about as the "old guard" started to get pushed out.
So, I've defended TNA, and I think that, with the exception of the WWE marks who won't like ANYTHING non-WWE, everyone sees the talent is there, even when the booking isn't.
Anyway, now Hogan is coming in. Do I think he'll be the end of TNA? Do I think we'll be seeing WCW 2.0? Probably not, but there's one problem...
I just don't care any more.
I watched the man destroy everything I enjoyed about WCW. I don't place that on Russo, because it should have never gotten to Russo to begin with.
I blame it on Hogan and Bischoff, and, to a lesser extent, Hall and Nash (the latter of which has redeemed himself admirably in his TNA run).
Now, I'm just tired of hoping for a bright light in TNA that will never come.
I understand that we, as "smart marks" make up a small amount of the ratings each week (but a larger percentage of TNA ratings than WWE), so maybe bringing in Hogan is a good thing. But all I see is the same guy who flushed WCW down the toilet, and I don't see how his run in TNA can be any better, even if he comes in with the best intentions.
Either way, I don't intend to be around to watch it. The up side is, at least I didn't watch TNA for the 15 years I watched WCW/NWA before Hogan sucked the life out of it.
Posted By: Jimbob Jones (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 04:17 AM
It gives TNA a lot of Media Attention, but this is still Hulk Hogan. In the long run I think its a bad thing for TNA.
Posted By: Malte (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 05:03 AM
This scares me....
Tna is just getting its stuff together and then they shoot themselves in the foot. However....
IF Hogan and Bishoff do the right thing and acknowledge that Tna has young talent that is the future of the industry ( just think how big AJ or Joe or Morgan et al right thru to the MCMG or Eric Young would be with a clean win over the Hulkster ) and if Hulks ego is kept under control then Tna has a chance to become the next big thing in the global wrestling community. Hope they do the right thing.
Posted By: Rikidozen (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 06:08 AM
I can't believe I am going to do this, but I am going to use the two words, the internet slang that I have loathed for years, because nothing else sums it up for me. Hogan to TNA? EPIC FAIL.
Dixie just showed how much she doesn't know about wrestling. This is 2010 not 1990. He is a broken down, sad looking, desperate old man.
For the first time since 2004 I was able to sit through an entire episode of iMpact last night and now this??? And here is a news flash for those that think he may not climb back in the ring. HA!
TNA has proven one thing time and time again. They want the same names attached to their belt that WWE and WCW had on theirs...no matter how old they are! (ie: Sting, Kurt, Foley, Jarrett)They think that by being able to claim the same lineage makes their belt and company just as strong. They think that 10 years from now when some kid wins the belt it will mean more to be able to run down a who's who of names that held it before. On paper it will read well, but in reality they were all way past their prime. Hell, they'd put that strap on Flair in a second if they could.
They do not need Hogan and for all the talk about how his is an instant ratings success and his overseas drawing power, that was then and this is now.
No one is paying to see Ali or Tyson anymore.
Posted By: The Coach (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Is that a Dante Culpepper shirt that Hogan is wearing on the main page? And even when Dante played for the Dolphins??? Wow.
Posted By: Guest#7840 (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 09:04 AM
Andrew Barbarash: I couldn't disagree more with you.
McMahon's "vision" of a nationally-booked wrestling company destroyed the pro-wrestling business.
Because of him there are fewer jobs for wrestlers, less wrestling on TV and fewer live wrestling events to attend.
Posted By: JeremyL (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 09:14 AM
Hulk Hogan is NOT THE FUTURE.
He is the past.
No wrestling company has a future if he is involved.
End of story.
Posted By: Andy (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 09:18 AM
i think the fact that both Hogan and Bishoff have both worked for Vince recently will help them in the short run. they can do what he did when they were employed, but maybe the way they wanted to instead of vinces way.
lets hope Eric B isnt going to launch a new war directly at WWE straight off the bat. they need to build up TNA first. maybe job all WWE reject talent to the TNA originals? tna needs to be at least Smackdown ratings before it can issue a challenge. otherwise it'll just get laughed at
Posted By: shaydee (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 09:57 AM
If they could just sign Austin or Rock, it would bring back the audience from the 90's that sparked the 2nd revolution the same way Hogan going to WCW sparked the Monday Night Wars.
Hogan alone wont do crap, it didnt help when he was Captain USA or whatever, although I did like that.
They have the nmame, but they need an Austin, Goldberg, or Rock to really make an impact. Then they will need to do something different, like when WCW turned Hogan.
Otherwise, no one will care.
Posted By: HvyMetalMG (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Here's another few questions that maybe the commenters want to chime in on.
Who in TNA should be benefit the most by Hogan and Bischoff coming in?
Who in TNA should be the most nervous with Hogan and Bischoff coming in?
I really thing the answers to both comes down to Hogan's on screen role and if/how Bischoff is involved in developing that role.
Whomever Hogan gets involved against becomes a focal point of the company. And assuming Hogan stays away from the ring - he needs to find a defender - who also becomes a focal point.
Hogan's nemesis needs to be one of the TNA originals - most likely Joe. Unfortunately, I think that Hogan's defender will be someone like Nash, possibly Angle - someone with a history with Hogan.
People getting left out of the mix will include AJ and Daniels - who don't fit the big man disease that Hogan caught from Vince M. Hernandez, Morgan and Wolfe all might be around - but I can't see many within the company that will benefit.
Posted By: BobbyC (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 10:42 AM
If I'm the WWE, I'm THRILLED about this.
Posted By: BJ (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 10:58 AM
1. Elton John
2. Liberace
3. Larry Csonka
Posted By: People Who Are Gay (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 11:04 AM
For 5 days everyone has lost their collective minds over this. Hogan is this - Bischoff is that. TNA is doomed, TNA is WCW, best move TNA has made, worst move TNA has made, and on and on. I'm no better, I have sought every new development as well. Everyone just relax. Lets see what happens at the next round of tapings. Until we see how the Hogan experiment goes - all this chatter means nothing. Once its going - if you want to bash it - hell, bash it. If you think it's awesome, then it's awesome. Till then...TNA is no worse for this move and the publicity can only be helpful.
Posted By: neverforgetcheesypoofs (Registered) on October 30, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I KEEP TELLING FOLKS:
Bischoff took the time in WWE to learn what screwed him up in WCW. The guy is a BRILLANT TV Exec...
He would not have signed up unless he knew what it would take to compete with WWE:
1. A post Vince WWE is weakened because HHH-Stephanie is akin to WCW Bisch-Hogan.
2. Shane's departure... Not good for WWE.
3. Controversy creates cash... TNA has just enough venue to adopt this concept...
This is going to be fun for the wrestling business...
Begun, the Monday night Wars again....
Posted By: tstrike (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 11:20 AM
When did wrestling become communist Russia? By that I mean, why does everyone demand that wrestlers (paid based on their noteriety)need to help others and put others first? I'm being the devil's advocate, ofcourse, as I know in a perfect world, the company and brand are what need to be "put over" more than any one performer but seriously, why does Hulk need to job to Morgan and Joe in order for this to be a "good move"?
Posted By: Darkdan (Registered) on October 30, 2009 at 11:22 AM
I thought Hogan was going to be on Impact this thursday!! TNA Hype thing that never happen!! TNA is good but advertise things that are going to happen!!i think the need i GM or something to make it a better show!! Is that Bischoff's job??
Posted By: Matt (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 12:27 PM
McMahon IS the most important figure in wrestling history. But that doesn't mean he's the greatest. For all his positives, he's had just as many negatives.
Hogan, on the other hand, is the most popular figure in wrestling history. But if he really wants to help TNA, the first thing they have to do is find a new building to tape the shows. They will always look bush league as long as they are only performing in front of 1,000 people every show.
Posted By: Guest#2203 (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Two weak points TNA has always suffered from were poor promo skills from their homegrown talent and many of their matches put together at pure spotfests. I'm a big TNA fan and even I'll admit it.
When Team 3D, Nash, Booker, Foley, Sting, Angle and even Steiner came in we saw a lot of mic improvement and tighter matches across the board. Hogan is definitely one of the top 10 mic workers ever in the business and knows exactly how to keep the fans interested in a match. This is what TNA definitely needs to be taken seriously as a product by casual fans. Now they just need to snap up Flair fast.
Posted By: RDR (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 01:02 PM
This business is about one thing and one thing only...building stars! TNA and Hogan needs to seriously take a look at their roster and ask which one of these guys has that "it" factor to get the casual fan to watch.
Bottom line, Hulk Hogan will get that casual fan pulled in and whomever beats him will get that push to the moon!
IWC folks need to stop over thinking and wait to see what happens.
Posted By: Orlando (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 01:31 PM
Bischoff could be a good acquisition if TNA were interested in once again becoming a viable alternative promotion. What I hope he can help out with is pointing out some of the competition's strengths/weaknesses and what TNA could do to circumvent those attributes and become unique on some level. Hopefully, TNA is receptive to his ideas instead of going back to formulas used in the past which worked for others but now may not be as relevant for where the business is at today.
Posted By: JMAC (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 03:18 PM
You know when they brought in Hogan - this is their last blast. Everything else has failed. They are doing hardly any buys. If they were doing fine, they wouldn't have to go down this road.
Posted By: Guest#2675 (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Shamus is gonna be this generations Ludvig Borga and Vince better pray another SCSA comes along. Cena has never drawn ratings like the MNW did. This will get attention and Raw is not must see anymore, this wil get new viewers, just like it did for WCW.
Posted By: Ivan (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Vince McMahon is the most important figure in wrestling, that's not debatable (except maybe with Hogan, they both sort of road each other to the promised land).
What I hope happens here is that TNA continues to keep the in-ring product good while capitalizing on any new viewers Hogan brings in. One thing they have got to 100% not do whatsoever is try to go head-to-head against WWE, or even try to compete more with them. That was one of the major reasons for WCW's downfall, concerning themselves more with what was going on with the competition than what was going on with theirs. As long as they're profitable and afloat, then its all good, take slow and small steps to get higher rather than blow your load. So to speak.
Posted By: Deathpool (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Hogan can't put anyone over in the ring. At his age, it would make sense if you still allow Hogan 2 even hang with you in a match. I hope his wrestling philosophy is good & something that can positively the affect TNA product.That's why I like the Bichoff acquisition b/c it's more about his effect out of the ring.Well, good luck TNA. Here goes...!!!
Posted By: hulkamania 3:16 (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 06:36 PM
Very positive!!!Who knows the ring better than Hulk Hogan? Who knows more experience in the business than Hulk Hogan does?
I think TNA is going to explode with more Impact. More television shows for TNA. More talent, new and old wrestles along with commentators coming aboard. There is nothing Dixie Carter could have done different than to make it all work to grow and be the best. It is just the glow she had and the positive words that came out of her speach. Hulk will make it go one notch above the rest.
Many thanks TNA.
Posted By: Billy Jack (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 08:01 PM
"It is just the glow she had and the positive words that came out of her speach. Hulk will make it go one notch above the rest.
Many thanks TNA."
I'm sorry, but positive glow is damn near the gayest thing I've ever read on this site, and I sometimes read the political articles.
Posted By: Deathpool (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Byers is my favorite writer. That man speaks the truth.
Posted By: Guest#8451 (Guest) on October 30, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Why is Byers part of this? He doesn't even watch TNA.
Posted By: poffo316 (Guest) on October 31, 2009 at 05:56 AM
They already got a 1.3 for just announcing his arrival.
If they are smart he wont show his face till Turning Point and make people to see him.
And then do a Live/On-The-Road iMPACT!.
Honestly I can see them passing 2.0 withing 2 months.
Now is the time to go on the road for Impact and all PPV's and do house shows like a motherfucker..
Posted By: MacDollarz. (Guest) on October 31, 2009 at 12:01 PM
the point is moot cuz HE'S HOGAN!!!!! but lets remeber didnt he pull this shit around 2004 and then never did f all except getting hit by jj with a guitar in japan? hogan is always gonna get a response from the fans, love him or hate him. isnt that what its all about. although the prospect of tugboat, brian blair, mr t and jim duggan showing up in tna would REALLY blow. "You got it all wrong brother. These guys rock!!! heh heh
Posted By: pjl (Guest) on November 01, 2009 at 02:28 AM
byers is a negative nancy!
Posted By: Guest#2261 (Guest) on November 02, 2009 at 12:48 PM
with eric and hogan in tna,two words,prepare for the unexpected!!IF only ted turner would join too with the big money,hehe.i have not seen Tna lately,but with this thing going on,man i would not miss it!!AWESOME!!!
Posted By: dan (Guest) on November 10, 2009 at 09:25 PM
