Hulk Hogan Speaks On TNA, Going Against WWE, The Role of Writers, More
Posted by Ashish on 12.12.2009
Hulk speaks on a variety of topics!
SLAM! has an interview up with Hulk Hogan. Highlights are below.
On January 4th: " Jan. 4, we're going head to head with WWE. We've got to pick a fight. I don't know what's going to happen that night. If we get bodyslammed by WWE, we'll get back and go at them again."
On the role of writers: "What we have now is the writers telling the wrestlers what to say and do. I'm coming in to push the writers aside. Sure, they still have to make it flow and block time. If the wrestlers need a writer to tell them what to do, they can pack their bags and go north to WWE.. Writers don't have a feel and instinct for the business. They've never been in the ring. If I can't make it work, I'll pack my bags and leave."
On bringing characters to life: "I want to make the characters come alive. Characters like Andre the Giant and Rowdy Roddy Piper were larger than life. That's what I want. TNA is doing a lot of things right. They have a lot of great talent. But there are a lot of major WWE stars burning my phone up, asking if they can work for TNA when their contracts are up."
On him wrestling: "Right now there are no plans to put the yellow boots on, but sometimes the fans will box you in ... they could start yelling Hogan vs. Sting ... and then maybe we have to do something about it. Contractually it's not part of the plan, but it's still there. When I start Hulking up, the places are on fire."
On wrestlers that made a difference: "Gorgeous George was the bearer of excellence. Andre the Giant is there, too. The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin, for a shorter time they made an impression."
Posted By: Guest#1914 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 03:25 PM
I do not understand how people say that TNA has 'nothing to lose' come January 4th. I beg to differ. They have everything to lose - possible new Monday timeslot, their pride, ego, morale, and quite possibly Hogan.
If the rating comes in low, or way lower than expectations, it will deflate the entire company. Hogan might just look at the situation and say, "Screw it, WrestleMania is coming up again, let me call Vince".
I think there is alot riding on this night for TNA, so whether people want to admit it or not, TNA certainly does have a lot to lose.
Posted By: Think about it (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Still stand by Russo being gone by February. Conspiracy theorists would say that he has been booking TNA horrible as of late on purpose, but that's just how he is normally.
Posted By: WATRYY (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 03:43 PM
TNA loves to sign guys who wont wrestle. Maybe they should get Bruno Sammartino next!
Posted By: Guest#7045 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 03:53 PM
This is probably the most believable interview Hogan has done in a long time.
Posted By: Guest#0682 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Already backtracking off his statements a bit...kind of like hateman.
Posted By: MasterShake (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Being a TNA fan the only thing that annoys me is the fact all they seemed to be focused with is defeated the E.Why not focus putting on a quality product.All their doing is mentioning the E giving them even more publicity they already have.I've been positive up until now but I'm still optimistic on what TNA will do come Jan 4th.I hope they pull through and not rely on past stars or ex WWEs do to something big.
Posted By: The Gold Standard (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 04:41 PM
a little jealous of the Rock and Stone Cold isn't he....saying that they made an impression for a shorter time is like saying that he is a technical wrestler!!! the Rock and SCSA made WWE the powerhouse it is today, NOT Hogan.....
Posted By: wtf? (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 04:45 PM
TNA loves to sign guys who wont wrestle. Maybe they should get Bruno Sammartino next!
Posted By: Guest#7045 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 03:53 PM
TNA just signed randy couture as a way to cross promote both the ufc and tna. the terms of the deal are randy NEVER has to wrestle. tazz and tenay mention his name as much as possible. it is optional for randy to acknowledge his affiliation with tna in public.
Posted By: jd (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 04:48 PM
One would think at this point Dixie would be just a little on edge about the shit coming out of his mouth.....
Posted By: Zipper (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Sorry Ric Flair...you did not make a difference in the eyes of Hulk
Posted By: Guest#1044 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Good interview, though I have to say, I somehow doubt there are a bunch of 'major' WWE guys calling Hogan right now. Maybe he means former guys.
Posted By: Deathpool (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 05:02 PM
big surprise...hogan is already changing from statements he made...and jan. 4th is still less than a month away. now if things don't work out he's gonna leave? pretty big change for a guy a couple weeks ago who said he was going to turn the wrestling business on its head again.the guy gets more delusional by the day. he may not be as wacked as say ultimate warrior...but he could be a distant cousin.
Posted By: the one (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 05:12 PM
I wonder which major WWE stars want to go to TNA...
Posted By: Phil (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 05:12 PM
I do not understand how people say that TNA has 'nothing to lose' come January 4th. I beg to differ. They have everything to lose - possible new Monday timeslot, their pride, ego, morale, and quite possibly Hogan.
If the rating comes in low, or way lower than expectations, it will deflate the entire company. Hogan might just look at the situation and say, "Screw it, WrestleMania is coming up again, let me call Vince".
I think there is alot riding on this night for TNA, so whether people want to admit it or not, TNA certainly does have a lot to lose.
Posted By: Think about it (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 03:41 PM
But they really don't have anything to lose. They have a 1.0 on Thursdays and that hasn't gone away practically since they started there. If the Monday experiment fails, it fails. They go back to Thursday to their 1.0's then.
From a business sense, TNA can't just sit there and get stagnant. They have to do something to try and take it to the next level. I really get a sense from them that they expected the ratings to go even higher this year than the record 1.3's they got, but it stalled.
Now, if you're talking about Hogan, they have a lot to lose. If they let him come in and dictate everything and make big changes and it doesn't work, they could end up worse off than they were with Russo. That wouldn't be good.
As for the Monday move. It's just one night. If it fails, so be it. They get 1.0's on Thursdays, and it's likely Spike would not have signed a new deal with them that goes for three years if they weren't happy with that.
Posted By: Guy Incognito (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 05:16 PM
"What we have now is the writers telling the wrestlers what to say and do. I'm coming in to push the writers aside. Sure, they still have to make it flow and block time. If the wrestlers need a writer to tell them what to do, they can pack their bags and go north to WWE.. Writers don't have a feel and instinct for the business. They've never been in the ring. If I can't make it work, I'll pack my bags and leave."
Well, this is good news at least.
Posted By: Chief Sleeping Leg (Registered) on December 12, 2009 at 05:37 PM
The only thing I agree with him on is the thing about writers. Other then that, he's gone crazy.
Posted By: Mechalon (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 05:55 PM
"But there are a lot of major WWE stars burning my phone up, asking if they can work for TNA when their contracts are up."
LMAO whatever Hogan. :P
Posted By: ThatGuyWithTheCommonSense (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:12 PM
Just so you know, John Cena has been debatng on jumping ship to TNA... you heard it here first
Posted By: Registered Voter 36642 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:13 PM
"I do not understand how people say that TNA has 'nothing to lose' come January 4th. I beg to differ. They have everything to lose - possible new Monday timeslot, their pride, ego, morale, and quite possibly Hogan.
If the rating comes in low, or way lower than expectations, it will deflate the entire company. Hogan might just look at the situation and say, "Screw it, WrestleMania is coming up again, let me call Vince".
I think there is alot riding on this night for TNA, so whether people want to admit it or not, TNA certainly does have a lot to lose."
So you're the type of person that doesn't like to try things because you're scared your pride would get hurt?
Posted By: Guest#2783 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:17 PM
"I wonder which major WWE stars want to go to TNA..."
I can think up quite a list.
1. Chavo Guerrero
2. Evan Bourn (He's become a raw jobber)
3. Mike Knox
4. Funaki
5. golddust
6. Rey Mysterio
7. Carlito
8. Primo
9. Chris Masters
10. Chuck Polumbo
Posted By: chewb (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:17 PM
People fail to realize that Hogan now knows what it takes to destroy a company. I see no reason why Hogan wouldn't have learned from his mistakes in WCW, which will work well in TNA's favour.
Posted By: Joel Yeomans (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:19 PM
I honestly agree with what Hogan says about the writers. Wrestlers, I think "get" the business better then writers do.
I have no idea what will happen but I'm not about to bash it until I see it.
Which I will be by the way, as a WRESTLING fan, not just a WWE fan I will be tuned into TNA on January 4th and hopefully a lot of people do.
Hogan could be good or bad for TNA...but he's a draw. Sure word from the WWE is that they're not worried...bull. Hogan brings $$$, do I think he's the best in the world hell no, but I'd like to see what he can do.
Competition can only be a good thing for the wrestling business.
Posted By: Master Shredder (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Wow some of you are so dumb. You really think Hogan is gonna come crawling back to Vince? Fuck no. Not with what TNA is paying him. Who says TNA is gonna fail anyway? Dixie Carter got money people. Dont be so stupid. Youre talking like TNA is some backyard federation. WWE asskissers beware, if WWE keeps showing all this corny TV-PG kid crap and TNA starts to pick up the 18-35 crowd, then we gotta war fools! Plus you WWE asskissers should be happy if TNA gives WWE competition then WWE is gonna start putting on better stuff then midgets and corny 90's humor skits.
Posted By: guestwwe (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:37 PM
Writers have an interesting role in mainstream wrestling.
On one hand, you don't want to over-script your talent. All this does is make them nervous about not messing up.
On the other hand, some guys need that crutch before they gain confidence. I suppose this is the sort of thing that should happen in the developmental leagues.
As for what wrestlers do, I agree with Hogan. So much of telling a good story in the ring involves reading the crowd. Writers, even wrestling veterans, cannot predict how a match will be received. Guys need to know how to improvise, logically, during the course of a match.
If Hogan can instill some old-school sensibility in TNA's super athletic guys, the product will have a chance to shine.
Posted By: Guest#6622 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:46 PM
TNA has nothing to lose by going against WWE because they have a 3 year contract with Spike. Whether you like TNA or not, you have to admit this is the most exciting wrestling has been in a long time.
Posted By: Guest#9892 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:47 PM
"But there are a lot of major WWE stars burning my phone up, asking if they can work for TNA when their contracts are up."
Hogan your full of shit, you just want to get Vince riled up and start firing asses left and right.
It is funny how you can bash WWE now when you actually have a job, but I didn't hear you complaining when you needed a big ass pay check for a few Raw appearences followed by a 10 minute PPV shit match.
Posted By: Guest#8849 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:47 PM
a little jealous of the Rock and Stone Cold isn't he....saying that they made an impression for a shorter time is like saying that he is a technical wrestler!!! the Rock and SCSA made WWE the powerhouse it is today, NOT Hogan.....
Posted By: wtf? (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 04:45 PM
Ok, I have been watching then WWF now WWE since the early 80's. Anyone that says Hogan is not the wrestler that brought wrestling to what it is today and all the days between are just plain "IDIOTS". Yes, STSA and the Rock made an impact and did turn wrestling in a slightly different direction, but it is still built on the fondation the Hulkster built. Oh, and of corse we all have to give props due to Vince, he can sit right beside the Hulkster when it comes to making wrestling what it is today, how ever he did not have to strap boots on and get in the ring with the Hulkster in the 80's to make it work like he had to the Rock and STSA!!! Hulk was the on camera guy and Vince was the behind the seens guy!!!
Posted By: Dan (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:54 PM
Oh Hogan, I do love crazy old men. But Charlie Haas is not a "major WWE star", sweetie!
Posted By: Michelle (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 07:20 PM
"I wonder which major WWE stars want to go to TNA..."
I can think up quite a list.
1. Chavo Guerrero
2. Evan Bourn (He's become a raw jobber)
3. Mike Knox
4. Funaki
5. golddust
6. Rey Mysterio
7. Carlito
8. Primo
9. Chris Masters
10. Chuck Polumbo
Posted By: chewb (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:17 PM
He said MAJOR.
Posted By: Shane (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 07:23 PM
You better grab a shovel and start piling the dirt on TNA.
Posted By: Dwayne (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 07:55 PM
wel I think Hogan does have a small point. Writers are a liability. Lets take Y2J vs. HBK feud from a little while back. The entire story was worked between Jericho and Michaels with little to zero writers input and then went on to become one of the best feuds in the last few years. Maybe Hogan can teach some of the up and coming TNA guys how that sort of psychology and story telling works.
(A BIG ask I know but....)
Posted By: Chris Phoenix (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 07:57 PM
"He said MAJOR."
Trust me if anyone of those people I mentioned on that list switched sides it'd be major, not in the omg! (Kurt Angle, Bobby lashly) type of way but if you consider every person I mentioned roles these days are jobber get your ass whipped roles. Take Tara for example in the E she was just a stepping stone for the new tits and ass coming into the E. She goes to Tna and get's a persona that is quite delightful. I know Chuck Polumbo isn't in the E, but if he were to join tna it would be major, Mike Knox would give them another bonafide monster, and Rey Mysterio would and you can disagree with me here but he would light the show up with AJ, daniels and the likes. Carlito and Primo as a tag team would be good, Carlito I think would shine if he didn't have to read scripted pg bullshit. golddust had a stint already but it was way more than his E tenure is today. I'm sure there are quite alot of wrestlers in the wwe that would love to jump ship, because of wwe creative's pg mentality also with the edition of not being able to compete unless you wanna be fed to a guy who they think has more potential. Basically what it comes down to is, They don't get the time of day to shine. Sheamus I dont know must have sucked on some nuts to get where he is today because his skin pigmentation didn't get him there. Major, as in I get a title shot if I jump ship? NO ofcourse not but if TNA were to take all of wwe's Jobbers then wwe would consider this major.
Posted By: Chewb (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 08:02 PM
can't help but wonder though.... Why didn't TNA try to take on Smackdown first? Surely that is an easier target with a better chance of reaching it?
Posted By: Chris Phoenix (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 08:03 PM
I could be talked in to crossing the line jan 4th....
Posted By: Paul Roma (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 08:34 PM
do not understand how people say that TNA has 'nothing to lose' come January 4th. I beg to differ. They have everything to lose - possible new Monday timeslot, their pride, ego, morale, and quite possibly Hogan.
If the rating comes in low, or way lower than expectations, it will deflate the entire company. Hogan might just look at the situation and say, "Screw it, WrestleMania is coming up again, let me call Vince".
I think there is alot riding on this night for TNA, so whether people want to admit it or not, TNA certainly does have a lot to lose.
Posted By: Think about it (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 03:41
I don't agree at all they don't have the monday night slot otherwise and they at least will have an idea of where they stand and if they get pummeled I doubt it'll hurt their pride too much because they weren't expected to do that well. They're taking a crack it and I applaud them for it unlike most on these boards.
Posted By: Guest#2077 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 08:43 PM
"If I can't make it work, I'll pack my bags and leave."
Yeah after you have destroyed another company? Drop dead Hogan. You are pathetic.
Posted By: The Coach (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 08:44 PM
All those guys mentioned 1 Chuck Palumbo is not in WWE. 2 Goldust is happy where he is he is motivated and in shape and understands his role. He is in the company with his brother and father. He was fat lazy and unmotivated in TNA. Chavo Guerrero gets paid better money than he would make in TNA and that is all that matters but it has been a couple months since he last lost to Hornswoggle incase you dont remember.
Posted By: Radtke (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 08:45 PM
"Writers have an interesting role in mainstream wrestling.
On one hand, you don't want to over-script your talent. All this does is make them nervous about not messing up.
On the other hand, some guys need that crutch before they gain confidence. I suppose this is the sort of thing that should happen in the developmental leagues.
As for what wrestlers do, I agree with Hogan. So much of telling a good story in the ring involves reading the crowd. Writers, even wrestling veterans, cannot predict how a match will be received. Guys need to know how to improvise, logically, during the course of a match.
If Hogan can instill some old-school sensibility in TNA's super athletic guys, the product will have a chance to shine.
Posted By: Guest#6622 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:46 PM"
Bret Hart used to say that they gave the wrestlers points to hit on and then wing it from there. Now wrestlers read the scripts verbatim and become nothing but PPV hype machines. If he talks about doing away with that, then I'm all for it.
Posted By: Karatgold24 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 08:49 PM
Wow some of you are so dumb. You really think Hogan is gonna come crawling back to Vince? Fuck no. Not with what TNA is paying him. Who says TNA is gonna fail anyway? Dixie Carter got money people. Dont be so stupid. Youre talking like TNA is some backyard federation. WWE asskissers beware, if WWE keeps showing all this corny TV-PG kid crap and TNA starts to pick up the 18-35 crowd, then we gotta war fools! Plus you WWE asskissers should be happy if TNA gives WWE competition then WWE is gonna start putting on better stuff then midgets and corny 90's humor skits.
Posted By: guestwwe (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:37 PM
Hogan has gone back to Vince before. Since WCW was on its way down, Hogan has needed Vince more than Vince has needed Hogan. Not that it was always understood, but looking at ratings and income it certainly is true.
Vince can pay a lot more than Dixie. Not only can, but generally does. Read Prag's column some time, WWE is sitting on a couple hundred million in cash. Vince can over pay all the big indy and TNA guys and still be sitting pretty.
On the other hand, Dixie is probably paying Hogan more than what Vince would pay at this moment. Which only makes sense, right now Hogan is worth more to TNA than to WWE.
If, however, Hogan does become a real game changer and his contract is up, Vince may make a huge offer and Hogan will listen.
Posted By: Guest#5722 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 09:10 PM
I do not understand how people say that TNA has 'nothing to lose' come January 4th. I beg to differ. They have everything to lose - possible new Monday timeslot, their pride, ego, morale, and quite possibly Hogan.
If the rating comes in low, or way lower than expectations, it will deflate the entire company. Hogan might just look at the situation and say, "Screw it, WrestleMania is coming up again, let me call Vince".
I think there is alot riding on this night for TNA, so whether people want to admit it or not, TNA certainly does have a lot to lose.
Posted By: Think about it (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 03:41 PM
The Monday time slot is only a some time thing. This experiment is kind of like taking a swing at the big kid on the playground then running.
If they don't do well it is back to square one. As long as they don't get absolutely crushed, I don't see why morale would be down. There has never been any evidence that they had the star power and recognition to go toe to toe. Keeping a 1.0 on Monday would be a major victory. Anybody in the industry who feels otherwise is delusional.
As for their ego - they pick themselves up and try again. Its like the hot girl in the room - if she isn't interested I lose some ego, but at least I tried. And I have a beer and tomorrow is another day. If I succeed, I have the hot girl.
Dixie is right - time to swing for the fences. They will certainly not grow fast if they don't try something.
Daddy and mommy won't just pump money in forever either.
So what if Hogan might leave? If he doesn't succeed what is the use in having him and paying for him? He was only brought in to help the company grow. If he can't do that, he is a failure.
Posted By: Guest#8783 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 09:18 PM
My condolences to TNA
Posted By: Guest#5036 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 09:31 PM
All those guys mentioned 1 Chuck Palumbo is not in WWE. 2 Goldust is happy where he is he is motivated and in shape and understands his role. He is in the company with his brother and father. He was fat lazy and unmotivated in TNA. Chavo Guerrero gets paid better money than he would make in TNA and that is all that matters but it has been a couple months since he last lost to Hornswoggle incase you dont remember.
Posted By: Radtke (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Hey....don't mean to rain on your parade,but i think he was saying hogan is a dumbass,and that's what he calls "Major wwe stars"
He's probably getting all these calls from ex/under-card talent,and he's hyping it up so it entices people to TNA (which it won't)
Seriously,TNA was starting to actually go back to being the GREAT promotion it used to be in 05' and now that hogans back he's gonna fuck everything up
Posted By: Guest#8220 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Well, i stand up next to a mountain
And i chop it down with the edge of my hand
Posted By: WWE is that mountain,BROTHER!! (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 09:47 PM
"All those guys mentioned 1 Chuck Palumbo is not in WWE. 2 Goldust is happy where he is he is motivated and in shape and understands his role. He is in the company with his brother and father. He was fat lazy and unmotivated in TNA. Chavo Guerrero gets paid better money than he would make in TNA and that is all that matters but it has been a couple months since he last lost to Hornswoggle incase you dont remember."
While I agree with you on Goldust, not taking into consideration that his younger brother is shining or atleast on the verge. Chuck Palumbo being a free agent, probably not wanting to wrestle because of his bike business would be an incredible pick up for tna.
The only reason ONLY reason Chavo makes more money in the E, is because they dont wanna lose him to tna. Losing to a hobbit, week in and week out would fuck up your legacy no matter how you look at it. I could actually see Chavo as X division Champion and honestly Tna World heavyweight champion if they pushed him, if he showed the charisma.
There's alot of talent in the back of wwe that are probably just waiting for there contracts to expire and at the moment will head to Tna. One person I think tna should pick up is Vampiro, most people probably wont remember him but he had great chemistry with Sting and Raven back in there wcw days I really miss him.
Posted By: Chewb (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Anyone that thinks TNA will suddenly have a growth spurt and be serious competition to WWE is delusional. Sure, people will tune in on the 4th and what about that? what about a month later? A year later? It'll die out. Hogan's new hobby won't be an attraction for more than a few weeks at best.
Posted By: Guest#9515 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Obviously, by "Major" star, he was talking about me.
Posted By: Brian Major (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Andre the Giant did more for the business than Hogan.
Posted By: Guest#9238 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Wait...Monday night, 8:00 till 11:00, Hogan,Eric Bischoff, Sting, and Kevin Nash?!? OMG!!!!
Posted By: Guest#4577 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Idiots... TNA's Monday show is, IMO, is primarly to see how much of their fan base is a hard CORE TAN fanbase and how much of it is cross over WWE fan base. If they can score a .8 to a 1.0 then they know that they have their own fan base that isn't part of the WWE fan base. It helps them to better pin point where they should advertise too...
Posted By: Industry (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 11:29 PM
hey, i dunno about you guys but i'm sick to fucking DEATH of the 'E being the only game on Monday nights - i'm watching TNA on Jan 4th!
Posted By: The16th6toothson (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Hogan you won't just get powerslamed, WWE will taunt you for 5 minutes than deliver a legdrop.
Posted By: The Dutch (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 11:36 PM
It's to the point now where I just wish Jan. 4 would hurry up and get over with so everyone shuts the hell up about it. The back and forth from people who act like they have the red Commissioner Gordon phone to Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon give me a headache.
Posted By: Steve307 (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 11:50 PM
But there are a lot of major WWE stars burning my phone up, asking if they can work for TNA when their contracts are up."
Ok lets look at these major superstars... HHH and HBK more than likely they have about 3 more singles run in them, maybe 5 for HHH and maybe 6 more world title reigns. Taker will more than likely retire in the WWE. Cena is going nowhere since he is basically on top of the WWE. Maybe Chavo wants to leave since he is being treated like a P.O.S. Legacy is still growing, Orton has a long way to go before he gets burned out. Edge might want to leave due to injuries and the schedule. MVP has already been there, Henry might want a "major championship". I really cant think of any major superstar wanting to leave.
Posted By: rez_perez (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 12:02 AM
I wonder which major WWE stars want to go to TNA..."
I can think up quite a list.
1. Chavo Guerrero
2. Evan Bourn (He's become a raw jobber)
3. Mike Knox
4. Funaki
5. golddust
6. Rey Mysterio
7. Carlito
8. Primo
9. Chris Masters
10. Chuck Polumbo
Posted By: chewb (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 06:17 PM
1. yes
2. has a long way to go before considering it.
3. not a major superstar
4.not a major superstar and would more than likely go back to japan
5. returned from TNA about 3 yrs ago. he failed as black reign
6.Maybe
7. YES!!!
8. Maybe
9. Just came back not too long ago and while he was away he would have called them.
10. No longer with the company.
Posted By: rez_perez (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 12:09 AM
Hogan is absolutly right. TNA has been around for 10 years, and yes TNA is slowly building a 1.0 rating but damn it, they have to start trying to compete with WWE. This won't be a perminant time slot for them but its not hurting them to do the monday slot every once in a while to try too. There's no harm so long as Panda Energy and Spike TV are backing them.
If this is truly Hogan's vision, I fully support it
Posted By: xLx (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 12:27 AM
"1. yes
2. has a long way to go before considering it.
3. not a major superstar
4.not a major superstar and would more than likely go back to japan
5. returned from TNA about 3 yrs ago. he failed as black reign
6.Maybe
7. YES!!!
8. Maybe
9. Just came back not too long ago and while he was away he would have called them.
10. No longer with the company."
Mike Knox would give them a monster that they could really use. He's jobbing to kane on smackdown for heaven sake. Evan Bourne could you imagine him with the Motor city machine guns... my god that would be sweet. Rey could come in with Hernandez as the super mex, and little mex. All kidding aside there are alot of superstars in the wwe that probably hate the company. Shelton Benjamin should go to Tna. I for one support tna's little plan here, as I really miss monday night wars.
Posted By: Chewb (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 01:13 AM
If Hogan wants to help this company get anywhere, the he will convince them to get rid of that stupid 6-sided ring. it just looks so unprofessional. I really want to watch TNA because I love wrestling so much. But then I turn it on and its that dumb hexagon again. I really can't get past it no matter who's wrestling in it, and I'm sure I'm not alone on that one. Consider this... it's the only thing about the company that hasn't changed, and neither has their 1.0 rating.
Posted By: Jay (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 01:23 AM
I hear what Hogan is saying about the writers, but without the strong territories they may be a necessary evil.
From what I've read wrestlers used to be able to go through a few different territories, learning what works for them, becoming a key part for a while and then moving on. Now it seems if you have a decent look the 'E or TNA just brings you in and the talents learns in their develpment program and are promoted as quickly as possible or let go.
He does hit on a good point that TNA has talent but not many compelling characters (that aren't rip offs of what they did in the 'E, ROH, or WCW). Here's hoping he's not main eventing with Beefcake...
Posted By: Save.Us_Y2J (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 02:24 AM
Hogans been burnin up my phone askin me to come to TNA.
Posted By: Paul Roma (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 06:31 AM
All im thinking about is the fact that both companies are going to up their games that games that night which means at least one night of good wrestling hopefully.
Posted By: Guest#9811 (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 08:33 AM
Amen about the six sided ring brother. Anyway I will watch part of the January 4th iMpact or whatever. For one of the greatest moments in wrestling history when Hulk Hogan first walks into the Impact Zone and sees how small it is and that the ring is six sided the WTF? look on his face will be worth it. I dont believe he has ever watched TNA so I dont think he knows PROOF - AJ Styles is up and coming. HE IS THE WORLD FREAKING CHAMP! Good Luck TNA you are going to need it BROTHER.
Posted By: Radtke (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 08:33 AM
The trouble is with those WWE stars that are burning up his phone is that they are Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Hoooooo!
Posted By: Fenris (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 08:37 AM
actually, Hogan adressed them going back to the traditional style ring. Would be nice the current ring is kind of lame. They also need to stop being a soap opera and start being a wrestling organization by this I mean Wrestling> Lame acting talking shit skits. Use what you have going for you the wrestling skills.
Posted By: chewb (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 09:08 AM
I wonder which major WWE stars want to go to TNA...
Posted By: Phil (Guest) on December 12, 2009 at 05:12 PM
Hacksaw Jim Duggan
The Honkytonk Man
Jimmy Hart
King Kong Bundy
Hillbilly Jim
Superfly Jimmy Snuka
Jacques Rougeau
etc, etc
Posted By: King Haku (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Well thats me convinced
Posted By: Noel Edmonds (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Well let me tell you this and I am on record for this. I will make my Impact Zone debut on the 4th during the 2nd hour with Don West as my cohost. The 3rd Hour will be handled by Mike Tenay and former broadcast colleague Taz (with just one Z again by the way) For the first hour well that is anyones guess but I suppose Tony Schiavone and Larry Zybsko are available. Next thing you know some "wrestling experts" will spout that off as the gospel. Just a hunch. Dont forget to check out my line of sauces as they make great stocking stuffers and orders are coming in. BOOMER SOONER, GOOD OLE JR.
Posted By: Jim Ross (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 10:46 AM
i grow more and more tired of hearin this guy....seriously, hogan, shut thee fuck up
Posted By: bighustle (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 12:50 PM
"I wonder which major WWE stars want to go to TNA..."
I can think up quite a list.
1. Chavo Guerrero
{{Easily I could see this. The WWE tends to misuse him. Although I’m not sure of the impact he’d make on TNA.}}
2. Evan Bourn (He's become a raw jobber)
{{This would be a great gain for TNA, and I could see this happening.}}
3. Mike Knox\
{{Good big man, although I don’t really see that major of an impact either way.}}
4. Funaki
{{Who cares?}}
5. golddust
{{Who cares?}}
6. Rey Mysterio
{{I doubt it given the amount of money he makes on merchandise.}}
7. Carlito
{{I could easily see him going to TNA.}}
8. Primo
{{If his brother jumped, probably so.}}
9. Chris Masters {{Who cares?
10. Chuck Polumbo {{I thought he was released?}}
Posted By: ff (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 01:07 PM
tna should take on wwe superstars , that show is pretty much the only thing it can beat.
Posted By: steve main (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 03:53 PM
the one thing people are really forgetting is that vince and co also know how to handle competition now.
this major announcment date could have been saved for the last week of dec or 2 weeks before the 4th.
giving the wwe so much time can only set them up for failure.
i'm sure behind the scenes vince is looking for a killer guest host. tna needs a comeback or guest to smash theirs.
they also need a major signee to show up or someone big to draw viewers.
its obvious the current roster does not.
going up against no one they are struggling.
another thing would be to have a full arena to perform in. no more half empty arena that they only shoot from 3 angles so you cant see how empty it is.
it'll look bush league and coupled with the 6 sided ring, will look lame.
time the commercial breaks. this is very important. the companies have gotten into breaking mid match.
either pay spike or find a sponsor for limited commercial breaks, or book full matches with intros and segments right before the break.
its also new storyline season for the WWE. scout em well and make sure your storylines are either more fresh, or starting big on that day.
oh and 1 last thing, play the show like a debut show. familiar faces yes, but pretend the audience outside the arena doesnt know the characters or gimmicks and storylines. have taz do the hyping and put a muzzle on tenay
Posted By: nycest (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 03:54 PM
""I wonder which major WWE stars want to go to TNA..."
I can think up quite a list.
1. Chavo Guerrero
{{Easily I could see this. The WWE tends to misuse him. Although I’m not sure of the impact he’d make on TNA.}}
2. Evan Bourn (He's become a raw jobber)
{{This would be a great gain for TNA, and I could see this happening.}}
3. Mike Knox\
{{Good big man, although I don’t really see that major of an impact either way.}}
4. Funaki
{{Who cares?}}
5. golddust
{{Who cares?}}
6. Rey Mysterio
{{I doubt it given the amount of money he makes on merchandise.}}
7. Carlito
{{I could easily see him going to TNA.}}
8. Primo
{{If his brother jumped, probably so.}}
9. Chris Masters {{Who cares?
10. Chuck Polumbo {{I thought he was released?}}"
good thought. And you nailed it with Rey, I didn't even take into consideration the merchandise aspect of it.
Funaki and goldust nobody cares for correct but they do play an important role in wwe. How do you create a Monster??? well you feed him with Funaki. I could honestly see Mike Knox making a huge impact in the impact zone he moves well for a big man and looks like a tna bum. Chuck Palumbo isn't wrestling anymore but his persona would make him a contender in tna in no time. Another guy I could think of that might jump ship would be Mark Henry, the man's bee in the E for over a decade and never reached main event status even though he's a hug som bitch. Same goes for Kane.
Posted By: chewb (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 06:06 PM
If Hogan wants to help this company get anywhere, the he will convince them to get rid of that stupid 6-sided ring. it just looks so unprofessional. I really want to watch TNA because I love wrestling so much. But then I turn it on and its that dumb hexagon again. I really can't get past it no matter who's wrestling in it, and I'm sure I'm not alone on that one. Consider this... it's the only thing about the company that hasn't changed, and neither has their 1.0 rating.
Posted By: Jay (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 01:23 AM
AGREED FRIEND!! I think it was their attempt to capitalize on the UFC's growing popularity when they initially did that. However, it is time to go back to an actual 4 sided ring. Also, I do think Mike Knox should be used better and would be a solid monster in TNA if he were to somehow end up there. That or Japan, it worked for Albert.
Posted By: Tbone3771 (Guest) on December 13, 2009 at 07:17 PM
If TNA get Goldberg to come in like Lex Luger did on the first Nitro, that would spark huge interest.
Posted By: Guest#6702 (Guest) on December 14, 2009 at 02:46 AM
Being totally honest, I can see Ken Anderson and Rob Van Dam coming over on January 4th, which'll then open the floodgates for other guys to come in IF that's the way TNA want to do business- which I don't think would be prudent. Better to develop their young talent and add experience and uniqueness to the mix. RVD and Mysterio especially would tick alot of boxes in terms of drawing ratings and attention IMO.
Posted By: Rico Muramasa (Guest) on December 14, 2009 at 01:50 PM
