Hulk Hogan interested in TNA?
Speculation about Hulk Hogan possibly having interest in going to TNA has been making the rounds on wrestling Web sites. In an interview with The Southtown Star, Hogan spoke favorably about the company and said he still wants to wrestle.
Hogan, who also had complimentary things to say about WWE in the interview, said: “[TNA's] like the little engine that could. Everybody thought they wouldn't be around for long, and they've been chugging along for seven years. They gain momentum every week. They seem to be real fresh. When a lot of guys go over to that side of the fence, they seem to get a spring in their step.”
He went on to say: “TNA is lacking that one momentum-shifting move, that one big name that would even the playing field. … [TNA's] lacking the big piece of the puzzle.”
It certainly could be interpreted that Hogan was referring to himself as the missing piece of the puzzle. Keep in mind, however, that this is Hogan, who is one of the all-time great workers – and I’m not talking about his skills in the ring. Everything he says must be taken with a grain of salt.
Jeff Jarrett should know that better than anyone. Hogan had a brief flirtation with TNA in 2003, but he turned out to be a tease. After shooting an angle in which Jarrett smashed a guitar over Hogan’s head during a press conference in Japan, Hogan backed out of doing a match, citing knee problems. And that was that.
Who knows, given Hogan’s financial troubles stemming from his divorce, perhaps he would do business with TNA now. My feeling is that if Hogan was serious about wanting to join TNA, the company would jump at the chance to land “The Hulkster” even though he burned them once before. Based on his name recognition, Hogan would most likely raise TNA’s profile more than Kurt Angle and Mick Foley could ever hope to.
If he did come back, Hogan would have to pick his spots as far as getting in the ring. He’s two months away from his 56th birthday and has had multiple knee and back surgeries and a hip replacement.
In regard to his physical condition, Hogan told The Southtown Star: “I’m trying to not joke or fool myself. I’m trying to get a logical assessment. I’m dying to get in there. … There has to be a talented wrestler willing to slow dance with me.”
Comments
No No No No No No No No No.....if HH goes to TNA I will never watch it again.....he is a fraud and never could wrestle. TNA should be more concerned with finding young talent, booking them correctly (yeah, right) and pushing forward NOT backwards.
Posted by: Sean | July 9, 2009 7:09 AM
Been real busy, haven't posted but still have been reading Kevin.
First and foremost.....
This is a joke right?!? Are you really pulling our leg...or leg drop?
I like TNA. Incredible talent and I believe Hogan is right, they maybe 1 name away from propeling them into a level playing field.
Here is the NEWS FLASH: IT"S NOT YOU HOGAN.
This would be the worst possible move that Dixie Carter and Jeff Jarrett could make. Don't let the lure of a quick spike in ratings and a possible jump in PPV buyrates undermine the 7 years worth of work that you have put in.
You think it's rough now for guys like Joe, Styles, Lethal, and others who seem to just be spinning under the wheels of Foley, Nash, and Sting just imagine Hogan's ego.
You might as well hand him the belt as he walks in the door.
This guy is 55 years old and we are to believe he is to "compete" with younger talent. If he really wants to help TNA...Stay Away. Maybe you should try slow dancing with that 20 something you had an affair with.
Later on Kev.
Posted by: Prime Time Bobby Lee | July 9, 2009 8:06 AM
way to put everyone in place on NST yesterday about Hardy and his recent injury makes me feel bad about whata posted a few weeks back. Anyway i was watching GAB 89' on classics the other day and i still hate the fact that the have to change the entrance music especially for the sting match he had to different announcers do voice over for his entrance to the ring and for the end of the match could WWE atleast have some consistency. as Far as hogan goes i don't think he could help TNA as far as ratings go he is well past his prime and who needs another old timer taking a spot from the young guys. i was wondering why don't you ever run any contest for your loyal fans in B-more for MCW events since your pretty close to the promotion?
RESPONSE FROM KE: The contests were initiated by MCW. I'll look into whether we can do more in the future.
Posted by: frank from dundalk | July 9, 2009 10:20 AM
That would be HUGE if Hogan joined TNA. I'am born in Denmark, just north of Germany, and even though we has had WWE on tv before, the name that most pepole talks about when they talk about wrestling is Hogan. That says something about how big he is
Posted by: Martin | July 9, 2009 10:37 AM
I definitely think Hogan would bring some eyeballs to the screen but what TNA really needs is a Ted Turner. I know Dixie Carter and Panda Energy have invested a fortune in this venture but it's not enough. If you want to compete with Vince you need the full backing of a media powerhouse. If they can ever convince spike's parent company Viacom to invest or purchase a large stake of TNA and promote it over all their platforms (mtv,bet,etc) then they might become real competition to WWE.
Posted by: John Smith | July 9, 2009 11:29 AM
I'm sure watching matches with a 55 year old guy with knee and hip replacements pus coming off major back surgery will be stimulating.
A great addition to the X division.
Posted by: Elevation | July 9, 2009 12:19 PM
That last comment is insightful. I think Hogan may, MAY have one more good match in his career, but it would require the right guy—both in terms of image (big enough to warrant a match with Hogan, yet "off" enough that it would be a fresh angle), and in terms of ability to "slow-dance." And although part of me would like to see TNA get a bump (because it might prod WWE a bit), I don't think the short-list of guys who fit those criteria includes anybody on Jarrett's roster.
Posted by: Stephen | July 9, 2009 12:55 PM
Speaking of TNA,how about a birthday shout-out for "Big Sexy" Kevin Nash who turned 50 today!!
Posted by: Jason Taylor | July 9, 2009 2:24 PM
Come on now everyone...Hulk Hogan as leader as the Main Event Mafia would be huge....team him with Kevin Nash , Steiner & Sting and it would be like the NWO all over again...then they can kick people out like Angle ..start feuds with guys like AJ Styles and Mick Foley..its got a lot of potential ..the WWE had no interest in promoting the NWO and they let it die ..TNA can bring back that "bad guy" feel to their brand and get a lot of mileage out of this..its worth it definitely...and who knows may lead to guys like FOH (friends of Hogan) - GOLDBERG & Bischoff..among others making appearances
Posted by: JP | July 9, 2009 2:51 PM
Many years ago, a certain wrestling company "WCW" suffered because of this man. Now he has set his eyes on TNA. God bless TNA.
Posted by: Kunal | July 9, 2009 3:20 PM
big up the hulkster! it would get tna alot of attention for sure.
Posted by: ultimate_krang | July 9, 2009 3:42 PM
Kevin, not sure if you ever saw this old TNA commercial back on the weekly PPV's that included Hogan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sASoBnEPT4s
Posted by: Big Stevie Cool | July 9, 2009 4:04 PM
TNA Is the next best thing to Backdoor Wrestling that their is,Please bring this phoney back,that way they can really shoot themselves in the foot,and after they OVERPAY this bafoon they will surely go to Chapter 11!
Posted by: Allen Eshleman | July 9, 2009 4:11 PM
I am in agreement with everyone else. Hogan needs to stay retired. If he needs some face time, he can go on Dancing with the Stars or something. Geez, it doesn't take much to get a washed up has been to prostrate themselves for face time.
Posted by: Lee | July 9, 2009 4:19 PM
Hogan could have some on-screen role, but the minute he pulls on the tights is the minute that TNA signs its own death warrant. The guy was never even a decent wrestler, and now he's 55 and has had a hip replacement! TNA needs to focus on pushing their young talent, an area where they actually compete with Vince. The MEM is already bad enough, Hogan would absolutely destroy TNA.
But his charisma and name recognition is undeniable, and he could bring viewers in, even if just temporarily. But if he suits up, it will be a complete joke and desperation move.
Posted by: Michael in Virginia | July 9, 2009 5:27 PM
If, and this is a BIG IF, done properly Hogan could be big for TNA. But Hulk will have to do some jobs, and that's the BIG IF that I speak of. I don't know how willing the Hulkster is to lay down for anyone. Let's face it, I don't care how old he is or what kind of shape he's in, a win over Hulk Hogan is a win over Hulk Hogan! That could be the big win that guy's like Samoa Joe or A.J. Styles are looking for to put them in the elite.
And if we are talking about helping some mid-card guys out I could see entertaining programs with the Motor City Machine Guns or as much as I hate his character right now, Jay Lethal.Having the real life issuses between Savage and Hogan play out through Lethal could be kind of funny.
I just don't want to see Sting/Hogan, Jarrett/Hogan or Nash/Hogan played out all over again.Now Foley/Hogan or Hogan/Abyss in a hardcore match would be great. Imagine the reaction if Hogan went through 10,000 tacks!! TNA fans would [love it]. They hate Hogan!
Again IF done properly it could work. But does Hulk really want to play ball with Russo and vice versa. I think that's the big question.
As far as Hulk's financial woes, is a paycheck from TNA really gonna help. Do they have the money that Linda Hogan needs to live her life style? Cause that's where all of Hulk's money is going.
Posted by: Andre the Midget | July 9, 2009 5:43 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Posted by: Seamus | July 9, 2009 6:27 PM
TNA shud sign legit talent like mr Anderson and leave Hogan out to pasture. He has damaged himself too much to be a flag carrier, and i'm not talkin about injuries.
Posted by: Big Dave | July 9, 2009 7:05 PM
Hogan has passed his prime. I agree to his comments, as TNA need someone carry them over the top, to the bigger stage. I would not like to see him wrestle at 56 with a bang up body, with the same moves for the last 30 years. I think Bret Hart will be a better choice as we all know his relationship with WWE/Vince. Still don't think Bret can wrestle at this tage of his career. At least he is better on the mic and can tick everyone off.
I hope what Hogan was referring to is "THE ROCK" as the "big piece of the puzzle". We all know it would be wishful thinking. TNA should look for talent within, rather than hiring a bunch of "Has Been". TNA should look at their creative team, as they are running out of ideas. Their storyline were a bit lame at times. The real "big piece of the puzzle" should be their back stage staff rather than some big name has been wrestler!
Posted by: Adriam | July 9, 2009 7:07 PM
I'm not really a Hogan fan , even more so after some of his recent antics . But I have to admit his name still carries a lot of weight .
About the only way I'd like to see him is wearing a black t-shirt with NWO scrawled across it , standing beside both Hall and Nash ..... I'm daydreaming again Kevin .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | July 9, 2009 7:32 PM
i've never watched tna but if hogan joined i'd watch in a heartbeat. The guy is the best
Posted by: matt | July 9, 2009 7:41 PM
now you know your broke when your desprete enough to go to tna
Posted by: Anonymous | July 9, 2009 9:27 PM
get real to that idiot who said hogan killed wcw.. he took that company from a southern hick wrestling to a mainstream league getting higher ratings than the wwe. The time warner sale and russo helped kill wcw.
Hogan is the biggest name in wrestling and that alone would bring attention to tna.
What tna needs more than hogan is some real announcers. IT's so corny and pathetic listening to that west geek talk. Get real please fire him
Posted by: afaf | July 10, 2009 3:28 AM
Hogan is an obvious MEM fit and would be good for TNA, if he stayed out of the backstage politics.
On a side note...TNA shows have been much better than WWE lately. TNA actually has story arcs, even if they are illogical sometimes.
Posted by: Jerry | July 10, 2009 7:44 AM
I usually defend TNA for bringing in former WWE talent, comparing them to known actors from another hit TV show. But bringing in Hogan for anything more than a 'special guest star' role would be utter desperation. TNA is no longer in such desperate straits that it needs a 'Heather Locklear' to save the show. If they hired Hogan fulltime, it'd be nothing but a Ted McGinley move.
I'm not opposed to bringing the Hulkster in for a special guest referee, enforcer, or manager role to help promote Bound For Glory (in Southern California this year), perhaps in the same way WWE used Mike Tyson. But anything more than that would be a mistake.
Jarrett, Carter, and those in charge of TNA should know that Hulk Hogan would be a great celebrity attraction for every once in a while--but that's it. He's not needed for full-time roster or as an on-air personality. Wrestling fans have moved on from Hogan being an everyday household name that they had to pay attention to.
Posted by: Nate Wesley | July 11, 2009 10:50 AM
We all know that Hogan is not the greatest in-ring performer.....he never was lol. But he is such an attraction, and his name is synonymous with wrestling. TNA would get HUGE promotion in world of media.
The Hulkster would attract a lot of new viewers to atleast sample TNA and hopefully get them to stick around.
As long as he wrestles only a handful of times in a year, I don't see the problem.
Personally, I would love to see a Hogan-Foley feud. Its never happened before...and plus, can you imagine the promo's!!!
Posted by: Davinder (UK) | July 13, 2009 4:28 PM
As much as I dislike Hogans wrestling character and his wrestling abilities his name recognition would be awesome for TNA. The hard core wrestling fan like us that visit sites like these don't care for him but there is a legion of old fans and casual viewers that might give TNA a chance once they hear Hogan is on board. I say give Hogan a limited schedule if it might raise TNAs profile. We need a good alternative company to WWE
Posted by: Jon G.S. | July 14, 2009 9:54 AM
People what are you all talking about.Hulk Hogan is THE MAN WHO PUT WRESTLING ON THE MAP, let's give the man credit. Everything that wrestling is, is because of Hogan. Yes the man is 56, yes the man have had surgeries,BUT HE IS STILL THE MAN. Every organization that signs Hogan in will get profit and raitings will go up.
Posted by: Hulkafan | September 9, 2009 8:26 AM
I've been a wrestling fan my whole life and Im 29. Hogan is the biggest name is wrestling, no one can argue that. Thers both good and bad to this scenario. Seeing Hogan in MEM would be boring, to similar to the NWO. However, hogan helping run the company from a management view point would be great for TNA. I was a hugh WCW fan. Russo helped destroy that company. Hogan or no Hogan russo needs to go. I CAN DO BETTER. Hogans name alone would boost TNA's ratings, not to mention attract other possible names to the game. Sting, Angle are two really big names in wrestling as it is and BOTH have already beat Hogan so your "missing piece of the puzzle" isn't missing, it just hasnt been used the right way.
Posted by: James | September 30, 2009 11:44 PM