High Road/Low Road 11.13.09: Batista Heel Turn

Welcome back to the High Road/Low Road!

A brief explanation of the column: Sat takes the High Road (positive view) on angles, gimmicks, and other wrestling related “stuff” while Chad Nevett takes the Low Road (negative view).

Hulk Hogan In TNA:

High Road: 31%
Low Road: 43%
Both Roads: 26%

Chad Nevett: I’m surprised that there’s such a strong divide between the roads, but it’s encouraging to see that most have a ‘wait and see’ approach, which is the most healthy.

Sat: I’ll agree. I was expecting most to have an opinion right away and it is good to see people waiting.

The Batista Heel Turn

High Road:

Batista has been playing the same character since WrestleMania 21 and it was time for a change. He was at the point where he was stale and nobody really cared about him at all. I think this change gives him a fresh look and in return the fans should start to be interested in him again.

Low Road:

If Batista lacked an impact, it was because of injuries and poor booking. When Batista got injured, he was as hot as ever and looked to have a good direction going feuding with Randy Orton and, possibly, Triple H. With the bicep injury, that momentum was killed and poor booking like putting the WWE Championship on him when he was already injured for a token run before being stripped of it didn’t help matters. Then, he came back only to jump to Smackdown, which didn’t need him. The character wasn’t stale, it was just hampered by injury and bad creative calls.

High Road:

While this has not been officially announced, I think that we will see Batista playing the character where he is basically feuding with babyfaces and the heels. I hope the WWE goes in this direction because this is something that I would love to see.

Low Road:

Batista was already in that role before as more an anti-hero character than straight face. He feuded with John Cena last year while both were faces. His characters has already been the sort that isn’t afraid to take on anyone so long as they have the belt or are in his way.

High Road:

This heel turn for Batista gives him an entire new set of matchups that haven’t been done and a set of matches where the dynamic has been changed. Obviously right now, we are seeing Batista versus Rey Mysterio which is something that we have not seen. It will be interesting to see Batista/Undertaker and Batista/Edge (assuming he comes back as a babyface) with Batista as the heel. I think that a new set of matches for Batista was probably the main reason for the heel turn.

Low Road:

You mention new sets of matchups and then rhyme off the Undertaker and Edge as possible opponents? It’s not new if it’s simply the same guys switching the heel/face roles. As for new matchups, Batista/Mysterio is new and interesting, yes, but we also saw this on Smackdown. Nothing stops the WWE from having more face/face or heel/heel matches, especially when they have six hours of TV to fill every week. While face/heel stories should be the main pushes, having pure competition matches between like-minded characters would be a great use of talent that the WWE should take advantage of more.

High Road:

This is just my opinion here, but I think that Batista is not a huge merchandise seller for the WWE. I do think that he is one of those guys that is very big in terms of getting people to come to the house shows and such. But, when he came back from his latest injury, the rumors were that he was not going to be working house shows and this was a smart move because of the fact that he is injury prone. So, since Batista is no longer working house shows, he has basically lost that reason for him remaining a baby face. Therefore, it makes sense to turn him into a heel to get new matchups, which will in turn help the buy rates and ratings.

Low Road:

Since the change isn’t a drastic turn and, in fact, is one that many (if not most) saw coming, it doesn’t have that immediate appeal to draw in new viewers necessarily. Beyond this initial feud with Mysterio, which is boosted by the personal aspect of the story, how much more interesting is Batista in this new role than he was in his old one? While great for a short term program, I don’t think this has automatic appeal over the long term.

High Road:

The one thing that is obvious when you compare Batista as a babyface and as a heel is that he is way better at playing the heel. While it made sense for Batista to be a baby face initially, you eventually saw that he was not very good at playing the baby face. I think his interactions with Rey Mysterio showed that he can be a very good heel.

Low Road:

Batista has been a face for years and maintained a consistent level of popularity during that time as one of the top superstars in the WWE, so saying that he wasn’t good at playing the face is simply wrong. He was more of the cocky anti-hero sort of face and that worked for him. In some ways, a heel turn isn’t a drastic change as evidenced by the fans cheering him when he went for the Batista Bomb on Matt Hardy last week.

High Road:

I was worried that the WWE might decide to go with Team Batista versus Team Mysterio. I was against this idea because it really did not make any sense to go with this idea. First of all, Batista had just turned heel, so it was going to be hard for people to realistically join Batista’s team. The other reason I was against this idea is that it does not make sense to start a feud by having teams compete against each other. I think that while it does cut down on a five on five Survivor Series match, the smart thing to do was to make this a singles match.

Low Road:

With Batista establishing himself, building to a match with just Rey Mysterio is the smarter thing. He decimated Matt Hardy last week, so Mysterio would have a natural ally there. A Survivor Series match would have given the feud a slower build and made you want Batista and Mysterio to face one another in singles competition. Beyond that, it could have allowed Batista to assert him dominance by overpowering numerous opponents, perhaps by having him overcome a five-on-one disadvantage. Putting Batista in the ring with more opponents allows him to come off as more intimidating and threatening in a way that a match with Rey Mysterio doesn’t.

Are you taking the High Road or the Low Road?

High Road
Low Road
Both Roads
OR

Simply write “High Road”, “Low Road”, or “Both Roads” in the comment section.

E-Mails:

These are all of the e-mails that we received this week. We do not respond to the actual e-mail, but the reply to your e-mail will be below.

Mike Vergara Writes:

I’m taking the High road on this one guys. I think Hogan and Bischoff have the capability to take TNA to new heights. I also believe that Hogan is going to change his ways and put the young guys over for once not trying to center a company around him, the past is the past so let it be.

Chad Nevett: I would love to see Hogan change his ways, but nothing points in that direction.

Sat: Both Hogan and Bischoff know that they are going to have the push the newer guys.

Robbie C Writes:

I’m going to say both roads tentatively. While I agree that it’s probably a bit much to think of Hogan dominating the TNA roster, at the same time, am I the only one who doesn’t necessarily think this is going to be the immediate downfall of TNA? Look, just because of what happened to WCW (which I believe would have happened eventually anyway, Hogan or no Hogan) it doesn’t necessarily mean it is going to happen again! Why don’t we all wait and see what Hogan does in the company before we go all off screaming how this is going to be the downfall of TNA and that WWE will be waltzing right in soon thereafter to buy TNA up? Is that too much to ask? I’m sure Hogan has enough good sense (and I really don’t care what most of the IWC thinks about Hogan, btw) not to make the exact same mistakes twice.

Chad Nevett: I don’t think Hogan will lead to the downfall of TNA, I’m simply cautious about the effect he could have. Hogan being Hogan won’t kill TNA, but it could lead to poor product and set them back a bit. And, all positive and negative speculation is just that, speculation, which is why it would be smart for TNA and Hogan to move on this as quickly as possible so the speculation doesn’t get so endless that when Hogan finally debuts, everyone is sick of him and TNA already.

Sat: And if the rumors are true that Hogan is not going to debut until next year, we are going to be speculating for a few more months.

Bob Davis Writes:

Hogan’s addition should only be temporary his presence can only be a short term boost. The whole company needs to rest on its own not just Hogan or Eric. This probably for a short term is a good move, but long term not a very good move at all. That goes for Hogan also he cannot sustain a long presence given his stage in life.

Sat: If this is a short term thing, then you have to question whether it is a move that needs to be made.

Chad Nevett: A short term PR boost with the plan being using Hogan temporarily to get eyes on TNA in the hopes that existing product can capture new fans is a good idea… if TNA has strong enough product to keep people interesting and I’m not sure it does yet. It’s been improving, but it’s got some distance to go.

James Laylock Writes:

I am the walking cliche that is “Long time reader, first time writer”.

This has to be HIGH ROAD.

I notice the column is “Hogan in TNA”, not “Hogan signing for TNA”. So the publicity his signing will bring in, the shock of The Hulkster turning up in Orlando, all that stuff has to be put to one side. Hulk Hogan as a member of the TNA Roster – whether as a overexposed lime-light hogging main eventer, a bit part occasional wrestler or simply as yet another authority figure – will bring eye balls to TNA. Genuine star quality. So what if he’s spent the last 5 years on rubbish Reality TV show? He’s Hulk Hogan. He’s Mr Wrestling. People around the world know who he is. Kurt Angle is a phenomenal wrestler, and everyone who’s watched wrestling this decade knows who he is, but what about the people who don’t watch wrestling? The same goes for all the big names on the TNA roster. People have heard of Hulk Hogan, and so will hear about TNA. Not just his signing, from the appearances on the talk show circuit, but him being on Spike TV every Thursday at 9pm (I’m in England, so I’m forgive me if that’s wrong, Impact has just moved about a bit over here) is such a good thing for TNA.

TNA has such a talented roster it can pretty much pick any 2 wrestlers backstage and they would be capable of putting on good wrestling matches to entertain the audience brought in by Hogan. And the actual wrestling can entertain, it doesn’t have to be the soap opera side of sports entertainment, for example Bound for Glory was a great, great show, but was seen by how many people? TNA needs a bigger audience, and Hulk Hogan can bring it.

So it has to be HIGH ROAD for me.

Thanks for an always interesting column – I really don’t envy some of the high roads you have had to do – and keep up the good work.

James

PS I’ve just thought, re Hogan on the talk show circuit – Hulk Hogan on The Daily Show would be something special wouldn’t it?

Sat: I’ll agree that Hogan is going to bring eyeballs, but the thing is that he can draw eyeballs away in time. And thanks for reading; we appreciate that.

Chad Nevett: TNA producing their best work is key here, as I’ve said. Capitalizing on Hogan’s star quality is meaningless if there’s nothing else to keep people interested.

Comments:

Below are the comments for last week’s columns and our responses. Every comment will not be included because it makes our lives a lot easier.

JimmyJohns Writes:

LOW ROAD

The negatives outweight the positives here. This is not 1994 anymore. This is 2009/2010, so when Hogan does show up, what is he going to add?

Sat: I think that Hogan can add something, obviously not at the level that he would have in 1994.

Chad Nevett: I do have doubts about how much actual attention Hogan can attract. It will be more than TNA has already, but how much more? We’ll have to see.

Kinda Writes:

low road but barely, i suspect the old timers showing up, and the second i see brutus beefcake my concerns will ring true…sadly.

Sat: If Brutus shows up this is a low road.

Chad Nevett: Agreed, but I do have an odd fondness for the idea of Jay Lethal’s Black Machismo Invitational with ‘legendary’ wrestlers.

dogpound7382 Writes:

Both roads. This is be a good idea on the business end of things, but a bad idea for the nucleus of the roster and the future of TNA.

Sat: I’ll say that this is a fair point.

Chad Nevett: I’m not sure you can separate the two so easily since they’re intertwined ultimately. If it’s good for business, but hurts the roster and future of TNA then it’s really bad for business.

JWestmoreland Writes:

Both Roads

What im really saying is that it is too early to have this column, because its too early to decide if this will be a good thing or a bad thing. From what has happened to this point would have to be High Road, but that could change the moment Hogan actually appears on camera(or just shows up at a taping) plus, who know, he could bail out again like he did a few years back(which I wouldn’t be totally against). Hogan wrestling full-time or even on a regular basis part-time would probably be a bad idea, but a one-time match against someone like Kurt Angle would probably make Hogan look better than he has looked in the ring in 15 years though, and would cause some descent buyrates(I would think). But I really believe this could go either way, and while I fully expect you to get alot of “Low Road” comments, those people can’t really have a good idea of how this will pan out.

Sat: If I had to guess what would have to happen, I would say it is going to be a low road, but I am optimistic that it can be a high road.

Chad Nevett: I love Angle, but he’s on the downward side of his career, so I doubt if even he could make Hogan look good in the ring. Like I said last week, I’m not sure TNA has anyone with the particular skill set to make Hogan look good in the ring since I can only think of two or three guys total that could do it, and I’m not convinced they could actually pull it off.

HBK’s Smile Writes:

Low Road. Hogan’s name could cause a few people to tune in for a while, but for what? Either you have a 56 year-old bury young talent or you have young talent beat up an old man.

I guess you could enhance a monster heel’s rep by beating up Hogan like Brock Lesnar did in 02, but Hogan’s not going to come in just to do that. It’s doubtful that he can wrestle an entertaining match at his age and condition, even with the best opponent. Really, this is not the way to attract viewers. If anything, a few new viewers will turn up, see this spectacle, and be turned off of TNA permanently.

Sat: If Hogan starts beating everybody in sight, then this will be a low road.

Chad Nevett: “Either you have a 56-year old bury young talent or you have young talent beat up an old man.” I couldn’t agree more. The only way that works is if Hogan feuds with a heel who will get heat by playing the bully, except that requires Hogan to play the old man who can’t hack it anymore and who thinks that’s likely?

KanyonKreist Writes:

The bottom line is, TNA needs – DESPERATELY needs – to find its own voice at some point. And they keep blowing it by chasing after (and subsequently felating) every “big name” that gives them a second glance. Remember “We are wrestling”? Yeah…..

If they hadn’t already solidified their role as just a shelter for disgruntled WWE employees (*deep breath* Jeff Hardy, Rhino, Nash, Christian, Angle, Booker, Lashley, Victoria, etc), then signing Hogan certainly accomplished that. To most people (IWC-speak for “me”) Impact! has been “RAW V1.1” ever since they established their 2-hour slot on Thursdays, and if they were going to “revolutionize” anything, they probably would have at least started down that path by now. Nope, they’re still trying to “break through to the next level” without even having the product in place to hold whatever audience they attract. In short, they’re putting the buggy before the horse. Or the horse before the buggy. However that goes.

As for “locker room morale”, well, he’s already been telling everyone that his press conference last week was “by far the most attention that TNA has ever gotten.” And he talks as if everything in TNA’s history has simply been a prologue to Hogan’s arrival.

In the short term, Hogan is sure to bump the ratings. Yes, he will provide that. However, when I think long-term, I see Hogan as the anchor that pulls the TNA ship down with him as his career continues to sink.

Low road.

Sat: I’ll agree that TNA needs to finds it own voice. They keep changing what they want to be over and over. They were leaning towards pushing the young guns and that might be abandoned with Hogan coming in.

Chad Nevett: TNA needs its own voice and what it’s doing currently (ignoring the Hogan announcement) is great. Each week, Impact is better and more distinct, pushing the young talent and creating some real excitement. It’s not there yet, but, if they continue on this path, in six months or a year, Impact could be essential viewing. But, the Hogan thing could derail that, as could any number of factors.

Dweeg Writes:

I watch wrestling for entertainment and entertainment for wrestling to me is nostalgia. I rate matches on storytelling. Hogan V Sting wouldnt be an athletic masterpeice but the storytelling in that would make me rather watch them two go at it rather than two 3ft spotmonkeys who I have never heard of and were not around in my youth jump on their heads for 30 mins.

Sat: Your comment reminded me of something that I wanted to say about Bound for Glory and that is the fact that TNA is having some matches that are way to risky and I see somebody getting seriously injured if changes are not made.

Chad Nevett: I’m a bigger fan of solid wrestling matches that tell good stories than I am of high risk matches centered around hitting a handful of high spots, so I can see your point. But, I just don’t think Hogan or Sting have it in them to pull off a great match together. If they could, fantastic, who wouldn’t want that? I just have my doubts.

Spankyhamm Writes:

Low Road.

Really – I should pick both roads because I would like to take a wait and see attitude. Will he bring in his cronies, will he put over younger wrestlers, will he wrestle himself, will he win the title? He has a chance to do the right thing for the company and for the wrestlers already in place.

But really – when in the past 10-15 years has Hulk Hogan done anything other than try to promote himself at the expense of others? He sacrificed WCW to satisfied his ego. He sacrificed his family to remain in the TV spotlight. He sacrificed his marriage because of his ego.

And now – I just fear that he is going to sacrifice TNA in order to hawk his new book or new TV show.

Sat: I would agree, but then I start thinking that with all the things that has happened in Hogan’s life, he is bound to have changed somewhat.

Chad Nevett: Hogan has talked a lot lately about having changed and even about wanting to make TNA better by his involvement and I hope that’s true. But, again, I have my doubts.

The Gold Standard Writes:

Low Road. Really can’t see too many positives from him signing. If he wrestles who will he put over? and also TNA wrestlers are at or most are a faster pace of wrestling than the WWE. Imagine Hogan vs. AJ haha. I hate to jump the gun cause I rather wait and see what comes of this. Besides the only feud I could see is him feuding with the World Elite since hes a Real American.

Sat: A feud with World Elite would be nice, but the result for that would be obvious. And we have seen Hogan versus Evil Foreigners multiple times before, so it would be nothing new.

Chad Nevett: That is interesting, albeit unoriginal. Maybe if Hogan was a manger/figurehead of a faction that comes together to fight the World Elite. It’s still Americans versus Evil Foreigners, but would play to his strengths well and would allow him to shine a spotlight on the younger guys.

Wulf1976 Writes:

I think this is a LOW ROAD…if he wrestles. He has proven to be a really good draw in the past, but those days are long gone

However I do think he could be a huge benefit to the company if he were converted to a manager. We are talking about a guy who has done it all in wrestling, except being the guiding force behind some young talent(s). He could use his HUGE charisma to really push a single wrestler or even a stable. It could even be worked into a program where he REFUSES to wrestle because he knows he is done in that aspect and is there to “create the next big star”

Wrestlers in that past have come back as managers and really excelled in that role. I really see no reason why Hogan couldn’t be in that same role

So, I guess I am going both roads…Low Road as a wrestler. High Road if he switches it up and does something different

Sat: It would be nice to see Hogan as a manager and he would give instant credibility to the guy he is managing. But, is this something that Hogan is willing to do.

Chad Nevett: I love managers and retired wrestlers as managers is always a good way to utilize guys who are known quantities, can work the mic, and lend credibility. If Hogan were up to acting as a manager, it could work out great.

The Great Captain Smooth Writes:

Both roads. Low, because he will take much of the limelight away from many of the younger stars, has a history of politics, and he is well past his prime. High, because he has the ability to connect with fans on an emotional level, the guy will pop a crowd, bring new media attention to TNA, and many casual fans might be curious to see where this will go. If handled well, it could be a big win for the company.

Sat: The one thing that I have been thinking about is the Orlando fanbase could easily start booing him because they do some weird things.

Chad Nevett: I hadn’t considered the Orlando audience’s reaction as playing a role in how Hogan’s debut works out. I could see them booing Hogan since that’s the most hardcore of TNA fans and they may not be too happy with any attention being taken away from TNA’s guys in favor of Hogan.

JLAJRC Writes:

Both Roads. It all depends on what they do. If it helps to bring in ratings while showcasing who is on their roster (think of WCW when while the NWO brought in the ratings, they also had their cruiserweights division), this could be the boost they need.

However, if it simply becomes the Hulk Hogan show (which eventually did happen in WCW), then it isn’t gonna help TNA at all.

Sat: Judging from last week’s episode, it might start becoming the Hulk Hogan Show.

Chad Nevett: I have no interest in the Hulk Hogan Show and I don’t think many others do, which, hopefully Dixie Carter and the rest of the TNA management knows.

Can’t Believe It Writes:

I can’t believe I’m saying this but after weighing things out, I have to say High Road.

– On the business side, Hogan brings name recognition. Investors don’t care about in-ring workrate; they want to make money off familiar names. The more money that’s put in — the longer TNA should survive.

– Hogan has said in interviews he wants to find the “next” Hulk Hogan. This tells me he knows fans want something new and he may have learned from the fall of WCW. Who fits the Hogan-mold? Morgan, Lashley, Hernandez, and the guy from the British Invasion.

– With musclemen presumably monopolizing the heavyweight scene, guys like Styles and Joe may be forced back into the X-division. I honestly don’t mind, since we would be treated to spectacular matches again.

Yes, it’s the fall of TNA Wrestling and the rise of TNA Sports Entertainment but it just might work out.

Sat: The thing is though Hogan says all kinds of stuff in interviews, so who knows if he is serious.

Chad Nevett: Hogan has been inconsistent in interviews and public appearances. You’ll read about him wanting to find the next Hulk Hogan and wanting to showcase the young talent one day and, then, about how he’s going to be running the show the next. We probably could have did last week’s column simply using his own quotes and fill up both sides of the argument without too many problems.

(The Real) Industry Writes:

HIGH ROAD

No one is bigger than Hulk Hogan. You got Steve Austin tied up with Vince, Dwayne Johnson married to his acting career, and Goldberg not giving a shit about wrestling. Who else in this industry is as big of a name as Hulk Hogan?

Two words: No one.

Sat: I’ll agree with that. On a global scale, nobody is bigger than Hogan.

Chad Nevett: Name recognition doesn’t necessarily equal ratings, though.

Dave^G Writes:

I’m gonna buy Low Road on this – especially the way it was handled on this weeks Impact.

There was so much I was interested in coming out of BFG, but since the first Impact after it ( which was really good ) the booking has wondered increasingly off track & the failure to actually put up the advertised Hogan has me caring ever less about it ( same for plenty of others if the return to 1.1 ratings is any indication ).

Basically there is so much in TNA I was interested in seeing that seems now derailed because Dixie ( who really needs to stay the hell away from TV ) has delusions of grandure & seems unwilling to wait and build on what they have there in Florida and is instead intent on building a grand castle on the foundations of a town house.

Hopefully, when TNA doesn’t suddenly rocket to beating Smackdown in the ratings and the Hogan Load has been well and truly blown, management may realise this and 12 or 18 months down the line we’ll be back to where we were 3 weeks ago with an interesting alternative product rather than the mystical rose-tinted past they keep trying to drag us back to – because above Hogan, who the hell else is there?

Sat: I was thinking the same thing about Dixie Carter. I think she is trying to get big too quick and it could backfire. The other thing that I found interesting was when she said something to effect of not questioning her decisions. I think if she actually believes this, then she is in for one hell of a ride.

Chad Nevett: I’ve been concerned about Carter’s involvement only because she went from not having an on-camera role at all to showing up a lot on Impact. I think she’s looking at Vince McMahon as a role model a bit too much, failing to see that Vince’s success is based in part of his uncanny ability to succeed where others would fail.

Fatt Hardy Writes:

I’m taking High Road on the sole basis and idea of people being innocent until proven guilty. There’s a lot of things that people are worried is going to happen with Hogan in TNA, which is completely understandable. But some are condemning Hogan for things he hasn’t even done yet (bringing in his friends, wrestling main events, etc).

If these things begin to happen, and there’s a High Road/Low Road “Hogan Progress Report Edition”, i’d vote Low Road in a heartbeat. But in an edition based purely on speculation of what MAY happen, i don’t see how it’s possible for anyone to vote Low Road.

I’m only looking at things that have already taken place. TNA mentions in the media, Twitter trends, the high Impact rating of this past week. Those are very positive things. To the Low Roaders: give things time to flesh out.

Sat: I’ll agree that if Hogan starts up on his old tricks, then this is a low road.

Chad Nevett: I think there’s plenty of proof regarding Hogan’s ‘guilt’ based on his past actions and years of behaving the same way, but I do agree in giving it a chance before making up your mind.

Tony Danza Writes:

high road

while hogan is a known control freak, his name is HUGE and he will bring in more viewers for a few weeks, and if they like the product tna just made alot more fans. also, if tna can exclusively keep his matches on ppv that is sure to be a buyrate boost. even if the hogan deal sours, tna core’s fanbase will keep it at or about its 1.1ish rating so theres really nothing to lose and the world to gain

Sat: I think Hogan can have a huge impact with TNA, but again he needs to keep away from his old tricks.

Chad Nevett: How much his name will translate into ratings/viewers is still up in the air and is not a guarantee by any means.

Guest#6347 Writes:

Hogan to get over always had a strong supporting cast, whether it be Andre at Wrestlemania III, Randy Savage, The Warrior, or even Piper. There was always a dream match in waiting during those days. However since we’re in the days of every marquee match being show on TV programming and a PPV every month, well, it’s just too much to rely on those circumstances any longer.

Even in WCW Hogan bombed, until Hall and Nash joined him, as they were uber cool, hot off their run in The WWF. Hogan brought the notoriety and Hall and Nash brought the coolness factor, so this regenerated his career. But the problem was that WCW had no backup plans, and ran with The New World Order until everyone was sick of it. At this time Stone Cold, the Rock, and several others from The WWE took off, thus making WCW look old and frail.

Even in Hogan’s quasi WWF/WWE runs since WCW shut down, they haven’t exactly been major plusses or successes. Granted his program with The Rock was a virtual dream match that tore down the house, but this was due to the nostalgia, not to mention The Rock who simply oozed charisma.

I guess the point that I’m trying to make is that by brining Hogan in it doesn’t boost TNA. Rather it’s what they due with him, and how they use his mainstream exposure to help better their product, and build stars. Even though the WWE has been awful for the last three or four years, they’ve always been at least decent at building new stars.

TNA, well they have Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Hogan, Sting, all of whom are well over forty… the last time Hogan saw forty was 1940, XD! Joe was hot, but they kind of killed his heat… Daniels could be, but he seems to play second fiddle to AJ. AJ, seems, well kind of pushed down my throat although I like him, I just don’t buy him as a megastar yet. Desmond Wolf could be interesting, but you’ll need more time to develop his character.

Simply put TNA just needs to create something cool that gets fans involved. If they can do that then they’ll be fine, but just by bringing Hogan in they won’t accomplish their goal of competing with WWE.

Oh, BTW don’t give into Hogan’s every whim or we’ll be rehashing Hogan’s Bootleg Wrestling Band, er…

Sat: What you say makes sense, just bringing in Hogan is not enough, it is what they do with him.

Chad Nevett: Hogan needs quality people to work with and good booking beyond that. I don’t know if that will all come together, sadly.

Billy Jack Writes:

It doesn’t matter if Hogan signed with TNA because he needed or is desperate for money.

It’s like a regular job. When you need money to make, one must jump on the 1st if not the best opportunity. That’s part of life that I know nobody would pass.

Upon Hogan signing. The whole world saw the numbers move forward in TNA just like he made them skyrocket in AWA, WWE (WWF) and WCW.

So anyone who says he would destroy TNA with Eric Bischoff should really think about what they say. All these occasions or aquasitions really will hype and boost TNA because it was only a matter atime. There are rumers that Rob Van Dam may soon be joining the roster of wrestlers in TNA. That only means one thing, there will be growth within TNA soon. Ther will be more opportunity for other wrestlers to move to and not just one organization to be in.. Wich will promote competition like Dixie Carter spoke about a few times I have seen her online.

Maybe they may even travel to all or many states in America. No arena is just meant for one Wrestling Organization.

There are just so much negative fans who actually make bad remarks. Remarks should be made, but with tune downed attitude.

Good going TNA.

Sat: I don’t buy that Hogan joined TNA because he needed the money; I think he could have gotten more money in the WWE.

Chad Nevett: Indeed. I think it’s because TNA is the biggest company that exists where he thinks he can do as he pleases. And he probably can.

Brother Writes:

Low Road

Wrestling has evolved from the 80’s, considering speed and technique. You look at a lot of the 80’s best wrestlers. Piper, Steamboat, Hogan, Slaughter, Flair etc. And you look at today’s best athletes (in TNA) Angle, Styles, Creed, Daniels, Sabin, Shelly etc. And you compare those styles and there completely different. If Hogan decides to compete in the ring, it will not only slow the pace of every match down, but he said he is going to “run” TNA, so without a doubt hes going to bury the young talent and maybe a couple old dudes.

Sat: I definitely see Hogan having some slow matches.

Chad Nevett: I’m not sure slowing those guys down won’t be a good thing for them. While wrestling from the ‘80s was slower, I think it was also consistently better at telling stories that got you emotionally invested. If Hogan can teach younger wrestlers one thing, it’s that, because, say what you will, Hogan could work a crowd.

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Your reasons for taking the High Road, Low Road, or Both Roads and suggestions for future High Road/Low Road are welcome at [email protected] or in the comment section. Your reply will be included in next week’s column.