Since taking over control of the National Wrestling Alliance back in 2012, promoter Bruce Tharpe has worked tooth and nail to try to re-establish the once pinnacle of championships to it's former glory. To date he has been extremely successful in doing so in Japan where he plays the role of an on screen villainous manager leading the NWA. Although he has yet to make as large of an impact in America, the internet has given many fans access to the NWA.

But, he has yet to get the same momentum going in America. In fact his greatest success has been in getting American fans interested in the NWA's past through the website nwaclassics.com. I've often wondered what it would take to finally re-establish the once great NWA in the U.S. The obvious answer is a great event. Unfortunately, the NWA name is not the draw that it once was in the West. In fact it is seen as a dead promotion by most fans in this country. No matter how good your product is, it means nothing if no one sees it and no one in America is going to pay to see an NWA event full of wrestlers that are unknown by the main stream when there is so much content from the glory days available on the internet. What the NWA would need to make such an event successful is something... or someone who can draw fans to said event. That man is Hulk Hogan.

Say what you will about his age, injuries or how Hogan doesn't fit with the NWA's traditional history, but the fact remains that he is still the biggest draw in the sport and his legions of loyal Hulkamaniacs are chomping at the bit to see him back in the ring... something that Hogan continues to say that he wants to do. Featuring Hogan as the main attraction for their first major event in America in nearly 3 decades would be a stroke of genius by the NWA. Using Hogan's star power and return to the ring to draw the fans in, and then showcasing younger wrestlers with fantastic skills and wrestling as only the NWA can bring to get them to stay and keep watching.

The timing couldn't be better. With Hogan currently gone from WWE he is a free agent. And the amount of publicity he has been getting can only help the NWA. Especially because despite the best efforts of his detractors, almost all of the response toward Hogan from the people has been positive. The time to make the move is now.

Now understand, I am not suggesting in any way that Hogan become the new standard bearer for the NWA nor am I suggesting that he become the new face of the company. His job would be to draw as many fans as possible both in attendance and on PPV/network streaming (both nwaclassics.com and NJPW World) to this one event. Although Hulk Hogan would be billed as the main attraction, the true show will be in the rest of the card. Athletically Hogan will surely be upstaged by the younger talent. But that's OK. He's supposed to be. We want him to draw in new viewers to see the NWA and see all of it's new talent. This is an investment to help the NWA make a much needed splash in America. After Hogan wins the title at the end of the night (you have to send them home happy or they won't come back) he can quietly drop the title soon after.

That's a good question. Lately I have been a supporter of Hogan facing only fellow veterans in order to protect his injuries by working a "less is more" style. But in an event of this magnitude Hogan is going to need an opponent who can carry him through the match, take a lot of bumps and make him look really good while also being big enough, colorful enough, charismatic enough, well experienced and known well enough to be seen as a credible opponent for the legendary Hulkster. That's why I choose "Ironman" Rob Conway.  

Conway's status as former NWA World champion (he'll have to win it back of coarse so that he can drop it to Hogan) and his previous exposure in WWE makes him a prime candidate. He is in fantastic shape and has been around long enough that he knows how to work a match that will make his opponent look great while still protecting him to avoid further injuries. His time in the NWA is more than sufficient to give him credibility with the NWA base and his WWE exposure makes him known well enough to the casual fan that a great angle can be built between he and Hogan to serve as a proper main event.   

Off hand, I don't know. That would depend totally on who the NWA wants to push. But in the end it would be irrelevant to Hogan's winning of the title. Again, his job is to draw fans in for that one night so that fans will tune in and see all of the stars and the great action that the NWA has to offer. As a result, everyone on that card will get the Hulk Hogan rub via greater exposure than ever in America.  After the event he can drop the belt either in a match or he can put the title over big time by saying that the NWA World title is still the most important championship in the world and he want's to retire on top. The NWA can then have a huge tournament to put the next champion over. Perhaps Hogan could even participate in a few 6 man tag team matches as champion before dropping the title in order to help the NWA get a TV deal in America. Either way his participation in this event would do wonders for the NWA and could help to re-establish the brand in America.

​In addition, This would not have to be a one and done deal with the NWA. While he could never be a full time performer again, he could become a regular special attraction. Going back to the formula of only facing legends and working easy matches, the NWA could become a nice place for Hogan to end his career. There are even several defunct titles from the NWA's past that could be resurrected just for Hogan to win. Since they are not being used anyways it wouldn't matter how frequently or infrequently he defends them (I will write further blogs about these). It would all be about show which is something that Hogan does better than anyone else. Perhaps Hogan and Mr. Tharpe could even work on a deal that will allow Hogan to sell NWA merchandise (particularly a DVD of Hogan's matches) from the Hogan's Beach Shop store. 

I have long wanted to see Hulk Hogan win the coveted "10 pounds of gold". He has had opportunities in 1979, 1982, 2003 and even 2009 but it never "officially" came to pass. Seeing the greatest wrestler of all time with the famed Domed Globe belt around his waist would be a dream come true for myself and Hulkamaniacs all over the world. And it could still happen, if the right people are reading this blog. Hey, Mr. Tharpe?

Created on  April 18, 1989 the All Japan Triple Crown originally consisted of three separate championships. The Pacific Wrestling Federation (PWF) World Heavyweight Championship, the NWA United National Championship and the NWA International Heavyweight Championship. Upon Unification the titles became jointly recognized as a single championship known as the Triple Crown and the most prestigious in All Japan Pro Wrestling. 

​The thought of returning to Japan to wrestle would have to be both thrilling and exhilarating for Hogan who spent many years touring the land of the rising sun where he experienced a great deal of success. Whenever he would return for another tour, the Japanese fans would great him with chants of , "ICHIBAN!" (number one) as the Hulkster thrilled the fans with the same charisma that made him so famous back in his native home. But for years there was a secret unknown to the majority of American wrestling fans. Whenever touring the orient Hogan would demonstrate wrestling skills and abilities that the Americans never knew that he possessed. Strictly a powerhouse brawler in America, in Japan he showed that he possessed a much deeper repertoire than anyone ever imagined. 

He quickly became one of the most popular foreign wrestlers in all of Japan surpassed only by the likes of Stan Hansen and others who made Japan their home as opposed to just touring. He twice teamed with Japanese legend Antonio Inoki to win the annual MSG Tag Team tournament and even defeated Inoki by KO a tournament final to become the first ever International Wrestling Grand Prix World Champion. Hogan made quite a career during his time in Japan and likely could have done a lot more had Vince McMahon not ended relations with New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1985. 

For years tape trading was the only way to watch the Hulkster's very different style of wrestling in Japan. Fortunately for us, the internet has made the world a lot smaller and YouTube has given us almost instantaneous access to any match (or film) that we want to see. As a result a whole generation of Hulkamaniacs got to discover the Hulkster all over again and learn that there was indeed more to him than we thought. Hogan recently returned to Japan with WWE to announce the acquisition of Japanese talent KENTA. Although Hogan was not there to compete and in fact hadn't wrestled in japan for over 10 years, the press was waiting for his arrival and followed him everywhere he went showing that he is still as popular as ever. So the thought of returning to Japan must be intriguing.

HOWEVER he must also remember that wrestling in Japan is not like wrestling in America. The action is much more brutal and the athletics are much more physically demanding. With his serious of back surgeries, hip replacements and knee replacements one must question if a return to Japan is even a possibility. As Hogan has said when it comes to wrestling in America, getting back into the ring would be a risk but it would be a calculated risk. He has said many times that he would need the right opponent, the right venue and the right payday. Could all of those circumstances actually be found in Japan? Maybe so.

One thing most fans agree on is that if Hogan is going to wrestle again he would be better off facing fellow legends who know how to work a "less is more" type of style that will rely less on athletics and more on theatrics in order to protect Hogan's injuries. Furthermore he would be better of facing someone who speaks fluent English so that there is no chance of miscommunication during the bout. Some Americans reading this are already shaking their heads asking, "who would pay to see two old guys face each other?" Fortunately Japan is a country that respects it's legends even more than Americans do. Wrestlers regularly go to Japan to compete well into their 70s at the pleasure of the Japanese fans. So age will not be a problem. We just need the right opponent... Enter Big Van Vader!

As a former All Japan Triple Crown Champion himself who spent years dominating the Japanese scene Vader still has a huge presence in Japan that far exceeds anything he ever did in America. To American fans he is that guy who was turned into a joke by Vince McMahon but, to the Japanese he is still a monster with an unforgettable legacy. That alone makes him a great opponent for Hogan. But add to the fact that he is American trained and spent years wrestling the American style and you realize that Vader is the man with the look, the reputation and the knowledge to protect Hogan in the ring. Big Van Vader would most likely be the perfect opponent for Hogan in Japan. 

​As far as how Hogan would go about winning the championship... long story short; Vader - the evil monster who terrorizes Japan - wins the title and loses it to Hogan the hero. The fun is coming up with scenarios to build up to it. I for one would not just blatantly have Hogan get a title shot and win the match. I would have him advertised for only a single appearance. A six man tag with Hogan on one side and Vader on the other. This will allow Hogan to spend most of the time on the apron on be well protected. In the end Hogan manages to pin Vader for the win. This leads Vader to become irate and demands that Hogan face him one on one. The problem is that Hogan has prior arrangements and won't be in Japan for the next event but announces when he will return and promises to face Vader one on one on that evening. So the match is set.

Meanwhile, as the fans await the return of Hogan, Vader - amped up on the chance to get back at Hogan -  continues his rampage over the opposition and actually manages to regain the Triple Crown in the process. As a result, his match with Hogan becomes a title match.

Having one of the longest and most stories feuds in history, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair have battled all over the world. All over the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, England but never in Japan. Both are well known in the East and have had some of their biggest matches ever while over there. Surely Japan should get to see at least ONE encounter between the two greatest superstars of all time. Flair is another legend who has a well known and larger than life persona yet knows how to work a "less is more style" that would be perfect for Hogan so that he can be protected while still showcasing that ever present charisma that has made him so popular for so many years.Not to mention that these two know each other like the back of their hands. The chance of injury here is comparably slim.

The question is why would Flair happen to appear in Japan? The surprise factor is always good but it would probably be better if he worked a match earlier in the card (perhaps tagging with son David) and came back out after Hogan's match and attacked him. But because this is Japan Hogan shouldn't just walk over Flair. If Hogan is capable of having two matches with Flair then I think that it would be better if he first dropped the belt the Flair (to increase Flair's World title record by one and make it take longer for John Cena to reach it) and then win it back in a rematch (Hogan would need to win it back to keep their title victories over each other even). Flair could even hold the belt for a while, while Hogan took time to recover from the last matches. 

In the end only Hogan knows how many matches that he is capable of, but Japan has the right kind of crowd, the right venue (The Tokyo Dome), the right title and they pay very well. I would love it if Hogan could pull this off. Maybe even throw in a couple of six man tags while champion just to stretch out his reign a bit and fans can have the glory of seeing him come down to the ring as champion again. 


TNTMF,

"The Boss" of Pro Wrestling

be both fun and financially beneficial for him. I'm talking about touring the Independent Wrestling scene, recording his matches and then releasing them on a DVD available exclusively through his store, Hogan's Beach Shop. 

            Despite his age (61 as of this writing), and numerous surgeries to correct the multiple injuries acquired over his 30 year in ring carrier Hogan feels that he is in good enough shape and has enough gas left in the tank to pull off at least one more big match in WWE. Fortunately for Hogan  he's one of those elite wrestlers who's fame and popularity is so immense (far greater than anyone else's) that he doesn't have to be able to perform well in order for his matches to be successful. Fans will come to see him and cheer wildly just because it is Hulk Hogan.   

            One would think that at some point WWE would want to take advantage of the unbelievable aura known as “Hulkamania” - which is still running wild - by putting Hogan back into the ring. One rumor has it that WWE is saving him for WrestleMania 32 where they hope to break their own attendance record. Potential opponents include “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and John Cena although nothing has been confirmed as of yet. In what could potentially be the biggest match of his career attendance wise he could even win the WWE World title one last time, become the oldest World champion of all time in the process and retire on top of the world. That would be something that I would love to see.

            That’s all well and good but, what then? Will that truly be the end for the most famous professional wrestler of all time? In a sport where the word “retirement” has little to no meaning, one must always consider yet another comeback to be a distinct possibility. After all, professional wrestling is the one sport where age is not really a factor as long as you remain in good health. Many wrestlers have continued to compete well into their 50s, 60s, 70s and some even into their 80s. Being the one and only Hulk Hogan, WWE may forever have a place for him or, perhaps they would prefer that he end his WWE career with one last big match at WrestleMania.

“Hogan’s contract ends in January of 2017.”

            Where then would Hulk Hogan go? A return to TNA Impact Wrestling seems highly unlikely (although all things are possible) and he would seem to fit in less with Ring of Honor (but, again you never know). There is however, always the independent scene. Now I know what you are thinking, “The Independent scene is beneath Hogan” and you would be correct. Appearing in front of several hundred (or as often in Hogan's case a few thousand) fans is a far cry from the tens of thousands that he is used to, but there are reasons why this would work as well.

            For starters, as much as I hate to admit it, Hogan's days as a full time competitor are over. While his charisma and popularity can carry him through a few matches now and then, his body can no longer take the pounding of a regular schedule. He can however still work a series of easy matches against fellow veterans who, like him know how to tell a story in the ring and prove that sometimes less is more. Tearing his shirt, cupping his ear, throwing several haymaker punches, a wrist lock or two, a side headlock, shoulder block, turnbuckle slam, a clothesline, a sleeper hold etc. Simple matches which would require little to no bumping on his part. Also making the Indy scene preferable is the fact that so many fellow legends currently working there. After all, Hogan would not want to risk his surgically corrected back and legs wrestling some green youngster who may not be trained properly. But the older stars not only know Hogan's style, but they also know how to tell a great story in the ring without taking unnecessary risks. This is perfect for Hogan. After all, fans attending their local promotions are not looking for a 5 star match, they are just there for a chance to see the big time stars in person.

“But, what will Hogan do for a finisher?”

            Ah, the famous Hulk Hogan legdrop. That's the one thing that will be missing from this tour. After all that is what damaged his back in the first place and while his back may be “fine” right now, it would not be wise for him to go back to taking bumps on his tail bone. He'll need to come up with something else. Not that, that will be a problem. In the past he has used the Axe Bomber clothesline in Japan, Small Package, Power Slam, as well as several other moves to defeat his opponent. And the legdrop is not totally out of the equation either. After Hulking up and delivering the Big Boot, Hogan can tease the legdrop, but when he hits the ropes, someone grabs his leg from the outside. Hogan grabs him and pulls him up to the apron seemingly unaware that his his opponent is about to attack from behind. Hogan steps aside as the two collide and rolls him up for the victory.

            Wait! There's more. Hogan has been saying lately that (since he has the largest arms in the world) he should have used the sleeper hold. Well how about a custom sleeper for Hogan? As his groggy opponent stumbles around the ring, Hogan steps up behind him, does a double bicep pose, rares back and clamps on the sleeper. But not the traditional sleeper hold. In this case, Hogan's fist remain clenched and his biceps remain flexed. More than a sleeper, a “Python Grip”. Something new for Hogan to debut on the tour so that he's not just rehashing his old act.

“Who would he face?”

            There are a number of big name wrestlers that still wrestle or could make a comeback for a special match with Hogan either as an opponent or partner in a tag team match. Some of whom the Hulkster has never faced. Men like Roddy Piper, One Man Gang, Honky Tonk Man, Greg Valentine, Brutus Beefcake, Tito Santana, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Demolition, Bushwacker Luke, Dan Severn, Marty Jennety, Rikishi, The Funk Brothers, Jimmy Snuka, Nikolia Volkoff, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Sgt Slaughter, Bobby Fulton, The Nasty Boys, Road Warrior Animal, Rick Martel, Don Muraco, Jerry Lawler, Tugboat, Sid Vicious, The Masked Superstar and many more so there is no shortage of opponents. One in particular that comes to mind is Mick Foley. The “first time ever” aspect would make it a huge draw. While neither one of them are fit enough to go through tables, the match can still make use of them if several tables get set up but, it's the REFEREES who keep going through them! That could be so much fun. In addition to the matches from the tour, he should also include his 2007 Independent match with Paul Wight (Big Show) so that the DVD has at least one legdrop, as well as one of his matches with Ric Flair from the 2009 Australian tour.

“Why would Hogan even want to do this?”

            That’s the big question. One possible answer would be for the love of wrestling. But Hogan has always been more about the money. The smaller promotions cannot come up with the money that WWE, WCW or even TNA did but, there is still a large amount of money that Hogan can get from this. As part of his agreement to appear at each show, he should be allowed to film his match and of course keep all rights to it. He will later release the collection on a DVD set sold exclusively at his store, Hogan's Beach Shop. While these will be neither his greatest matches nor his biggest victories, the fact that the matches are owned by him and exclusive to Hogan's Beach Shop will make them a profitable commodity for many years to come. Not to mention that he can always go on another tour for volume 2. 

“What about the Hulkster’s image and reputation?”

            Image would be a very important factor in this undertaking. Since the main purpose of this tour would be for making a great DVD set, he would want it to look as professional as possible. He certainly does not want to be seen wrestling for any backyard or goof ball promotion. He should only give consideration to respectable, established promotions which have a reputation of being able to book their events at decent venues. While no Indy promotion can draw the crowd that WWE can even with Hogan, The Hulkster has always been able to draw a few thousand people wherever he appears. 

            One final touch; no DVD set would be complete without The Hulkster winning some gold. Another pre-arranged agreement for his appearance (at some but not necessarily all promotions) could be that a fellow legend will win the company's championship and Hogan will go on to defeat him for it at a later date. This way Hogan still faces only big names, wins some gold for the DVD and the promotion gets the honor of having Hogan's name on its strap. As stated above, image is still an important factor and that includes the championship belts. These must be companies that have professional looking (preferably custom designed) belts. No cheap WWE/WCW replicas covered in paint or stickers. We want this not to be seen as Hogan hitting rock bottom but, rather him giving back to the fans with a tour of the Independent scene. HINT: The National Wrestling Alliance has some fine looking belts that still have history associated with them. Personally I'd love to see Hogan win that NWA World title. Maybe from former two time champion Dan “The Beast” Severn? Also, Imagine if Big Van Vader regained the All Japan Triple Crown championship and Hogan went on to defeat him for it. Japan has a lot more respect for it's wrestling legends than even America does so I could see this happening. It would also be a way for Hogan to return to Japan.

            All things considered, such a tour might not be such a bad idea. It would be a small but profitable library of his own matches which he could sell DVDs of for years. You know he'd sell a ton of them. The matches would be easy. He would be able to set up his own schedule so not to wear himself out. And why wait for his contract to expire? If I understand correctly, Hogan's current contract allows him to book his own independent appearances so long as they do not interfere with fulfilling his WWE requirements. Would he consider it? Probably not. SHOULD he consider it? Given the easy schedule and potential long term financial gain I would say yes. 

TNTMF,                     

The Boss

    WWE is currently in a really bad state. All of its top faces either walked out, are injured or the public is just sick of them. They need something or someone that the crowd will get behind temporarily while their top faces heal. That man is Hulk Hogan. Hogan has been very vocal about wanting one last big match and under the circumstances this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Sure everyone knows of his health issues. At least how bad they were. However Hogan has claimed that his health has improved greatly over the past couple of years and that he’s currently training hard to get back into shape for an in ring return.  

    Building a story where Hulk Hogan wins the title from Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 31 and retiring on top is not the same as just putting it on another part timer. For one Hogan won't be a part timer. He won't wrestle at all after winning the title (maybe one token 6 man tag on RAW just so the World can see him come to the ring one last time as champion). It won’t be about another title reign, but rather about the build to a match, the classic underdog story (something that everyone enjoys), the ultimate comeback, and seeing the greatest of all time overcome insurmountable odds to get that one last moment of glory to retire on top. More important, it will be a way to keep the World title scene – and the fans – occupied while the young stars heal.

    The buildup should be simple so not to drown out any of the fun, but complex enough so that it also reaches us on a number of emotional levels. WWE should continue to build Brock's dominance as champion through the rest of the year. Meanwhile Hogan and Cena should team together for Survivor Series in a traditional elimination match. This way Hogan gets to spend most of his time on the apron doing what he still does better than anyone which is working the crowd. He'll tag in a few to throw some well sold punches, a clothesline or two and then quickly tag out. He’ll remain on the apron for most of the rest of the match before finally getting the hot tag and the winning pin after him and Cena double team (to avoid Hogan having to drop the leg). This kind of match will protect Hogan, hide his weaknesses and leave the audience with just a taste of Hulkamania so that they are left hungry for more. After this there is no more talk of Hogan wrestling again. Fans assume that was his one last big match. Then at the Royal Rumble when #27 (30 would be too obvious) is revealed, Hulk Hogan comes out, wins the Rumble and is guaranteed the main event title shot at WrestleMania.

    Now the real fun begins. As they build to the match it will consist mostly of promos between Hogan and Heyman (I've seen them ad lib a short spot at a comic expo. They work well together) seeing as how Brock is part time and silent. Heyman, as cruel and ruthless as he is shows no intimidation of Hogan's legacy. In fact he goes out of his way to talk about Hogan's shortcomings. His age, his 9 back surgeries, his hip replacements, his knee replacements, maybe even talk about Hogan's family falling apart and at one point pointing a gun to his own head. At first these comments enrage Hogan but, the more Heyman talks the more Hogan begins to question himself until it's clear that Heyman is in full control. Later Heyman tries to convince Hogan to back out of the match before he gets hurt. He even brings a legal document for Hogan to sign thus giving up his right to the match. Hogan considers it but, is understandably hesitant. Paul keeps throwing the insults, calling him "old", "has been", "washed up" etc. Hogan still considers signing but is noticeably becoming annoyed. Losing patience, Haymen turns it up a notch. "What are you waiting for? Sign it! Didn't you hear me? Did you lose your hearing aid? I said SIGN IT!" With that last comment he smacks the Hulkster across the face.

    Hogan wakes up from his depressive state and his eyes bulge furiously at Heyman who cowers away realizing what he has done. Hogan tears up the papers then grabs Heyman by the Jacket. Just as Hogan is about to let Paul E. have it Lesnar arrives, tackles Hogan and begins throwing multiple MMA style punches. Security tries to intervene but Lesnar clears the ring of them. He returns his attention to Hogan and applies an MMA style choke/submission. Security tries again to stop the violence but Lesnar won't let go. Wrestlers come down and finally manage to pry the champion off of Hogan. The refs order everyone out of the area. (this will be adequately violent, fit Lesnar's demeanor while minimizing any bumps Hogan has to take). Finally it is just Hogan and Heyman in the ring. Paul has regained his cockiness, stands over the fallen Hulk Hogan and says, "You had your chance to back out old man but, you decided to put your hands on me, now... I can't be held responsible for what happens. At WrestleMania 31 you are in for the beating of your life! Oh, and just to be on the save side, you might want to kiss your daughter Brooke good-bye. Or better yet, I'll kiss her for you!"  (Isn't that just what Paul E. would say?)

    The WWE Universe begins to talk about the match, the possibilities and the predictions. A lot of them reiterate the things Heyman said about Hogan's age and health and the possibility of permanent injury some even saying that Hogan should have backed out (to keep Hogan the underdog). But others (specifically Cena and Bryan) point out that this is Hulk Hogan and if anyone can pull it off, he can. Finally WrestleMania comes. Despite an incredible offensive onslaught by Lesnar including MMA tactics (so that part of the match is spent on the mat to prevent Hogan from bumping) and a series of German suplexes (which protect the lower back and allows Hogan to bump on his shoulders and neck where he is still strong) Hogan manages to Hulk Up, fight his way back, get a few shots in on Heyman and finally drop the leg (he claims, "I've got one left in me") to win the championship in the biggest upset victory of his career.

    After the match Hogan's music stops for a moment as he has something to say. He thanks his wife and kids (who are at ringside) for stinking with him through thick and thin. Then he thanks WWE for giving him the opportunity 30 plus years ago. Finally he thanks the fans for supporting him for all of these years. Especially tonight, for only their support could have carried "this old beat up, broken down, bionic body back to where we belong; the WWE World Heavyweight Championship!" He holds up the belt in a Rocky Balboa esq moment and shouts, "YO, HULKAMANIACS - WE DID IT!" His music resumes and we close out one of the great WrestleMania moments (NOTE: I said moments, not matches for all of you looking to hate on this) of all time.

    The next day on RAW new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan makes his way to the ring for one last interview (as champion) with Mean Gene. He talks about his career. He talks about his accomplishments in all of the areas he had been in, "All of which can be seen and re-lived over and over again on the WWE Network for just $9.99.” (have to get that in there) He says when he returned to WWE his goal was to just return to the ring once more. He never envisioned winning the championship. "At my age and health?” he says, “It was unheard of!" As a result this championship win will always be his favorite of all. But it also made him realize that this is a young man's game and even though the competitive fire still burns deep within him he can no longer compete at the level fans deserve. Although none of us want to admit it, there comes a day when every athlete must call it quits. “When I look back at what happened last night, I’m still in shock.” he says, “Making the biggest comeback of all time, on the biggest stage of all time, to win the greatest title of all time. Hulkamaniacs we’re back on top of the world!” Pause for dramatic effect. “And brothers, I can’t think of a better way for the greatest career of all time to end then to go out on top. So at this moment I want to officially announce my reti…”

    Suddenly music interrupts. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman come out. Heyman grabs a mic. “Did I just hear what I thought I heard?” are you trying to retire… no, retreat, escape, run away and hide like the coward you are without giving my client the rematch he is entitled to?” Heyman continues, “I understand the desire to get out now. Everyone dreams about retiring on top, and let’s face it, despite the outcome, Brock gave you one hell of an ass whooping last night. It might be six, eight months before you heal up. So I don’t blame you for not wanting to face Brock again. But if he can’t have his rematch he’s at least going to have… REVENGE!”

    Lesnar attacks Hogan and begins to beat on him, two other heels join in. Things looks bad until John Cena and Daniel Bryan (if he has returned by then) come down and the three fight off the heels. Cena takes the mic and says that he knows that Hogan had a special announcement that he wanted to make but asks if he could save it for the end of the show while Cena make a proposal: a special 6 man tag featuring Hogan, Cena and Bryan against Lesnar and the other two heels. He then proceeds to get the fans to chant for just “one more match”. Hogan agrees and we have our main event for the night. While it would be just a token encore for the fans, (once again Hogan will not do much in the match itself other than work the crowd) just his presence as champion will be enough to make it fun. Long story short the faces win and Hogan makes his official retirement announcement going out as champion, victorious on national TV.

    Afterwards a tournament would be held to crown a new champion. Hopefully WWE will have seen some if not all of their top faces return by then. This will help re-establish the main eventers while giving a few spots to some lower mid carders to give them their first taste of the main event scene to prepare them for the future. While some critics are already saying, “Why give it to Hogan if we are worried about the future?” the answer is simple. Hogan is timeless; he has done more for wrestling than anyone else and deserves this. Furthermore the majority of fans would love it. And most important, WWE doesn’t have a lot of options right now. They need to do something until their top babyfaces return. Timing is everything, and for Hogan the timing is perfect!


TNTMF,

The Boss

    It appears that WWE is in the early stages of setting up a big match between John Cena and Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania XXX. Despite saying for months that he's in good enough shape to return to the ring for at least one more match and saying in a recent interview, “Let me put it to you this way, brother. With the right guy, the right situation, with a big enough event, big enough storyline, you're damn right I have one more (match) left in me.” Hogan recently changed his tune when questioned by TMZ stating that he wanted to be at WrestleMania XXX but not to wrestle. Hogan claimed that he would "slip in under the radar" simply so his wife Jennifer, who has never been to a WrestleMania before could attend.

    But then things took another twist as John Cena made his own comments to TMZ claiming that while he would like to see Hogan at the event, he felt the 60 year old legend was "too old" to be wrestling. Cena continued, "I grew up in the 80s as a fan of the old WWF. (Wrestling Hulk Hogan) would be a dream come true. But I certainly don't want to put him in a situation he's not physically capable of. We operate at a high level of speed in the WWE nowadays," Though (some of) his comments seemed to hold Hogan in the highest regards his comments could easily been seen as insulting to the legendary Hulkster. Insults that could lure the 18 time World champion back into the ring one more time.

    The though of Hulk Hogan, the most famous Professional Wrestler of all time returning to the ring to face the man regarded as the face of the current (and far less popular) era has many excited. Even at the age of 60 Hogan remains extraordinarily popular with the fans and well recognized by the general public. With 2014 being the 30th anniversary of Hogan's first WWF/E World title win and also the 30th installment of WrestleMania, an even which Hogan made famous it is not hard to imagine the amount of publicity Hogan himself will generate. So putting him in a match with Cena seems like a no brainer.

    Although the question remains as to Hogan's physical condition. It is well known the number of surgeries he has had (you can view the list here) which includes hip and knee replacements and multiple back surgeries. This will surely hamper his abilities in the ring. However, while Hogan will surely be unable to perform at his peak level I for one do not believe that his body is as broken down as many have speculated. He returned to the ring for a handful of matches in TNA over the past few years and the fans response was tremendous showing that even an older, slower Hulk Hogan is still more over than anyone else in the pro wrestling business today.

    Whether the match takes place remains to be seen as WWE reportedly is concerned about Hogan's health and ability to carry on a full match. Therefore several alternatives have also been rumored: 1) Hulk Hogan teaming with Cena to face Rowdy Roddy Piper and another heel in a match that would be a tribute to the first WrestleMania main event, 2) Hogan, Cena & Danial Bryan vs the Wyatt Family in a 6 man tag team match, 3) Hogan & Piper vs The Real Americans ( Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro) and 4) Hogan vs Piper in a legends match are some of the scenarios that have been rumored.

    Whatever scenario they go with you can bet that when the first notes of Hogan's theme song "Real American" play and he makes his way out wearing his famous yellow and red colors while flexing his massive 24" pythons the crowd will blow the dome off of the stadium as they cheer for "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan. The greatest of all time!

    Now if we could just slip one more World title reign in their somewhere. Hey, The Rock and Batista were both promised it.

TNTMF,

The Boss

It just hit me...

While everyone has been trying to figure out what Hulk Hogan's next move will be they've been focusing on PPVs like Bound For Glory, Royal Rumble and WrestleMania XXX causing an unprecedented amount of rumors across the internet surrounding him. The predictions of where Hogan would go bounce back and force based on small potatoes such as who he'd face and what his base pay would be etc. But it has nothing to do with any of this, it has nothing to do with Hogan being angry with TNA or wanting to retire in WWE (I'm not even sure if Hogan is even ready to retire yet). No, there is another MAJOR factor that everyone seems to have over looked. An upcoming date that puts everything else - even WrestleMania XXX to shame. January 23, 2014.

This will be the 30th anniversary (a real 30th anniversary, unlike WrestleMania XXX which is actually the 29th anniversary) of the night Hulk Hogan first won the WWF World title from the Iron Sheik and the night Hulkamania is said to have been born (at least in the WWF - Hulkamania was actually born in 1982 in the AWA).  Suddenly everything takes on a whole new perspective. Instead of it being about Hogan making one or two appearances we see that there is an opportunity for an entire marketing bonanza that could easily take up at least the first trimester of the year (and maybe more) culminating at WrestleMania XXX. Where as it could be (and has been) argued by some that Hogan returning to WWE is unnecessary and would take time away from others, we now see that in order for WWE to take full advantage of this once in a lifetime marketing bonanza it's not only VITAL that Hogan be there but also that he play a major role to keep him in the spotlight and introduce him to a whole new generation of fans so that WWE can milk this opportunity for all that it is worth... and maybe even more.

Considering how big of a marketing bonanza this could potentially become I no longer consider it beyond the possibility that Hogan will step back into the ring for not just one but two or even a series of matches. Throw in a few six man tag team matches were he doesn't have to do much and you've got a Hulk Hogan who could potentially have one more enjoyable World title run. Maybe he would win the title early and lose it at WrestleMania or win it at WrestleMania and "retire" (at least for a minute) as World champion.

When there is money to be made both Hulk Hogan and the WWE do what they must and in my opinion Hulk Hogan must win the title again to capitalize on this bonanza as it truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity... that is, unless the Hulkster is still active twenty years from now for the 50th anniversary. ;)

    With Hulk Hogan's recent departure from TNA and WrestleMania XXX just around the corner all eyes are once again on Hulk Hogan and everyone has been trying to predict what he will do next. Reportedly he has been training "like a mad man" to get ready for a return to the ring. I've seen pictures of him and he looks bigger than he has been in years. But as to where he will appear, that remains unclear as rumors continue to spread like wildfire. I for one have never read so many conflicting rumors at any one time in all the years I have followed professional wrestling. Some said he was leaving TNA for WWE for the grand stage of WrestleMania XXX, then he was supposedly staying with TNA because they offered him more money, then that was retracted and he was indeed headed back to WWE, whoops then the next rumor stated that he was staying with TNA because he didn't like the opponent he would be facing. Now supposedly (repeat "SUPPOSEDLY" so take it with a grain of salt) he's reached a verbal agreement with WWE to be the "surprise" entrant in the Royal Rumble. Hmmm. The thing is more than two months away and WWE already leaked their "surprise". Sounds like just another rumor to me. Amidst all the smoke and mirrors of rumors the only thing that is for sure, is that NOTHING is for sure. The most recent thing to be confirmed is that Hulk Hogan remains in negotiations with both WWE and TNA and could potentially end up back at either promotion. Like everything in life it all comes down to money and what the Hulkster feels is the best deal for him.

    So with the Hulkster training for a comeback to the ring the Hulkamaniacs are also getting excited about the possibility of seeing the greatest of all time and the hero to millions all over the world winning one more World championship. In this blog I'm going to discuss the potential of Hogan winning each of the three currently recognized World titles in America (WWE, WCW/WHC, & TNA) and what the benefit would be of Hogan winning that title. 

    This one had over a year of build up and seemed to be a sure thing in 2013. Hulk Hogan vs TNA World champion Bully Ray at either Slammiversary XI or Bound for Glory would have likely been the biggest draw the company ever had. Furthermore adding Hogan's name to the list of people who have held the championship would have added a lot of prestige to the title. Personally this was the title I wanted to see Hogan win, not only because he had never held it before (although I must admit the Hulkamaniac in me would have marked out for it) but the added media attention this would have generated for them might have helped TNA finally get to that next level that they were oh so desperately trying to reach. While Hogan could still yet return, I don't see an opening for him to go after the title at this point as Bully Ray is out of the title picture and the company is going in a new direction. Add to that the fact that they will now be permanently filming from a smaller venue than ever before really makes the company feel beneath Hogan. Sadly TNA missed the boat with this one. But if he were to come back and win it, I'll still cheer him on!

    Hogan is no stranger to the Big Gold Belt having held the WCW (now WHC) World Heavyweight Championship on eight separate occasions. This is another belt that could benefit from a Hogan title reign. While once considered arguably the most prestigious title in the World, the championship has lost a lot of it's meaning since purchased by WWE who has used it as a cheep way to push many lower mid carders who are not over thus diminishing the value of the championship. But a big name like Hulk Hogan showing that he still finds the title important enough to shoot for in what could be his last World title shot ever could help restore lost prestige to a once great championship.

    How Hogan would get the championship would be simple and yet lead to one of the most anticipated matches in recent years. I could easily see Hogan winning the 2014 Royal Rumble to get a title match in the main event for WrestleMania. But instead of going after the WWE World championship he wants a shot at the WHC World championship currently held by John Cena.

    Hulk Hogan - the greatest WWE champion of all time vs John Cena - the guy WWE has been trying to pass off as great (without much luck) for the past 10 years for the World Heavyweight Championship would surely be a perfect main event match for WrestleMania XXX. While the match quality itself may not be the best do to Hogan's age and multiple injuries (which Hogan claims prevented him from facing Cena 5 years ago), I do not think the fans will mind. Fans will just be happy to see Hogan back in a WWE ring facing the guy that supposed to be his replacement and hopefully defeating him to become World champion one last time! I see this as the most likely scenario to take place and the one that could generate the most revenue. 

    Obviously this is the title The Hulkster is most famous for. He single handedly brought it from the third string north eastern based championship (the title was so low that it had been stripped of World title status in the early 80s before Hogan won it) to the most prestigious championship in all of pro wrestling. Capping his career by winning this championship one more time would be seen as coming "home" and bringing his career full circle.

    But how would he win it? Who would he defeat? While the same scenario mentioned above (Royal Rumble win to get title shot at WrestleMania) could still apply I doubt there would be as good of an opponent for Hogan to main event WrestleMania XXX. For this title I would sign Hogan to a longer term deal that only uses him sporadically that leads to a WWE championship sometime after WrestleMania. Hogan would defeat some typical WWE mid card guy in a brief but fun nostalgia match at WrestleMania that world save his body for a more important match several months from now.

After the Money in the Bank PPV in July Hogan will reappear for a few promos and maybe even guest spots on commentary (to try out and see if Hogan could perhaps do this full time after he finally retires from the ring for good) the holder of the Red MITB briefcase (containing the contract for the WWE World title match) will begin to badmouth Hogan and tell the "old man" to get out of his sport, that his time is done and it's time to move on. Hogan takes offense to this and reminds  Mr. MITB (whomever it may be) that he just beat a young up and comer at WrestleMania. Hogan goes on to say that id Mr. MITB is so tough why doesn't he meat Hogan in the ring at the next PPV. If he can beat Hogan, Hogan will retire forever and never have another match. BUT if Hogan wins, then he gets the MITB briefcase and the WWE World title contract. After trying to back down for a second he finally agrees (throw in a cheep shot and/or post promo beatdown if you want as long as the match is made). Hogan of course wins the match and becomes possessor of the MITB.

    The next night on Raw Hogan is interviewed by none other than his good friend Mean Gene Okerlund who says that back in the 80s he never would have dreamed that in 2014 Hulk Hogan would have an opportunity to become WWE World champion again, but with that briefcase that exactly what he's got! Hogan then focuses his attention of the WWE World champion and follows him around for weeks or even months. Watching title matches from ringside, doing commentary or peaking through the curtains as fans wait for the inevitable moment when Hogan finally cashes in the briefcase. When he finally does it will be the typical WWE route of a no match title change. The champion gets beaten up by someone else and is left laying when suddenly Hogan's music hits. He walks to the ring and cashes in just as the groggy champion reaches his feet. Hogan starts to Hulk Up, throws his three right hands and then hits the big boot. Hogan then looks around and make the title belt motion around his waist as the crowd goes nuts. The announcers are asking, "Is he going to drop the leg?" Hogan hits the ropes, lifts his leg... and then steps on the champion's chest, strikes the bow and arrow pose as the referee counts 1-2-3 and Hogan is the new WWE World champion! Did he drop the leg? No. But he made you think he was thus bringing the crowd to a fiery pitch. While I'm not a fan of MITB as I'm a firm believer of the old saying, "To be the man, you have to beat the man." the site of Hogan standing there striking his iconic pose as the ref makes the three count would be the best MITB cash in ever!


    All of these scenarios would only see Hogan wrestle one or two actual matches yet if done right his run could be milked for a lot of hype and merchandising. In addition to the build ups to the match and the match itself, after Hogan wins the title he can also have a short reign which consists of perhaps a 6 man tag team match on TV where he can be well protected and not have to take any bumps so that the fans can see him one more time as champion on TV and perhaps a title defense that gets thrown out before it ever really gets started (like his 2002 match against William Regal). In any case his reign will be short, but will none the less be the most fun filled time pro wrestling has seen in over a decade! Book it!

The Internet Wrestling Community was dumbfounded Sunday September 15 at WWE's Night of Champions pay per view.  During the event a series of polls were being conducted on the official WWE website, wwe.com asking among other questions, who the fans thought was the greatest WWE champion of all time. To no surprise to this author, the winner - by an overwhelming majority I might add - was non other than Hulk Hogan. And it wasn't even close. Hogan got an incredible 55% of the vote followed by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (who only got 16%), John Cena (13%), CM Punk (12%) and Triple H (4%).

The result takes on an even bigger meaning once you realize that this poll was not conducted amongst older fans who grew up with the glory days of Hulkamania or even those who grew up with the Monday Night Wars of the 90s when Hogan was in WCW. No, this was a pole conducted with today's WWE fans many of whom were not even born when Hogan was last WWE champion 12 years ago let alone when he was in his prime. Hogan's detractors were quick to try to dismiss the poll as fraudulent. Not that WWE is above fixing or working poll results but, if it were true in this case why, one must ask would they make a star who's currently in another promotion outshine all of their own? Would it have not been more beneficial to WWE to have John Cena, CM Punk or even Steve Austin win? The augment that the polls were fixed is further defeated by the fact that another current TNA star - Sting - won the poll of greatest United States champion. Sorry IWC but it seems that the fans have spoken. Hulk Hogan is still #1!

Hogan's victory does much more than re-affirm his unmatched legacy in the sport of professional wrestling. It does more than remember him as the biggest star of the 80s and 90s. It shows that he is STILL a huge influence in professional wrestling today. Even from a General Manager position in a smaller promotion, the younger fans of WWE still know who he is, love the energy he brings with him where ever he appears and with this poll they made it clear that he is still the most popular wrestling personality in the world. All of this has to make Vince McMahon drool with dollar signs in his eyes. With WrestleMania XXX coming up next year and Hogan's TNA contract reportedly up soon, one must assume that Vince & Hogan will be in talks before long.

But what will the Hulkster do if he does return to WWE? Hogan's close friend and former manager Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart recently stated on a radio show that Hogan's doctors have approved Hogan to wrestle a few more times. I have long believed that no matter how long Hogan stays in the sport, he will ultimately end his career in WWE. While I personally would like to see him win the TNA World title first, a return to WrestleMania for one more match is the ultimate goal be it this year or in the future because Hogan wants it, Vince wants it and most important the fans have shown that they want it.

TNTMF,

The Boss

With TNA's biggest event of the year, Bound For Glory only one month away everyone is focused on who will face TNA World champion Bully Ray in the main event. With the BFG series all but over we are down to our final four: AJ Styles, Bobby Roode, Brutus Magnus, and Austin Aries. Three former champions in the prime of their respective career and one popular new face emerging as a potential future (key word) champion. That takes Magnus out of the mix.

That leaves us with the three former TNA World champions and the classic two heels and a face triangle. Or does it? While Roode is unquestionably THE heel in this triangle, it's not too clear where the other two stand. Both Aries and Styles have made it clear that they are in this for themselves, however their definition maybe different. Do they mean that they are not part of any faction (which is true for both)? Do they mean that they mean to say they don't care what the fans think of their actions? That's a bit more difficult to determine. As both men have been riding the heel/face line for many months now, and they've only seen their popularity rise as a result, yet they've seemed to take no pride in it at all.

So who has the advantage?

• AJ Styles: The clear favorite to take it all. Winning the BFG series and then going on to the PPV and reclaiming the gold one year after losing his right to get a title shot (a stipulation from last year's BFG) would make his adventure come full circle and perhaps break him out of his shell to once again make him the hero of TNA. HOWEVER, he has the issue of his contract which will be expiring soon (more on this later).
• Bobby Roode: The longest reigning TNA World champion of all time was at risk of becoming lost in the shuffle but thanks to the brilliant formation (and interference) of the Extraordinary Gentlemen's Organization (EGO) he shot back to the top of the BFG series to finish in the final four. Could a few well placed Appletinis bring him to victory?
• Austin Aries: The underdog of the three, but a position he's been in before. In addition he is an extremely crafty player who knows how to stack the deck in his favor. Remember when he convinced Hulk Hogan to create what is now known as "Option C" and traded the X division belt for a World title shot that ultimately saw him win? Or how about when he stole the outfit of Suicide and wrestled the match undercover to defeat Chris Sabin for the X Division title? True he got caught and had to unmask but the point is never underestimate him.
  

Considering all the options, I have to go with "The Phenomenal One" to win the BFG series and the right to face the World champion at the Bound For Glory PPV.

So what does all of this have to do with Hulk Hogan? I'm glad you were wondering, because I'm going to tell you. As I mentioned above, a highly talked about issue is that AJ Styles contract expires "late this year". A lot of people are wondering what the hold up is on re-signing the man many consider to be "Mr. TNA". Why can't they come to an agreement? Ever since losing his rights to a shot at the TNA World title last year AJ has expressed that he feels betrayed, forgotten and unwanted. Could the problem be that maybe he doesn't want to sign?

Picture this scenario: AJ goes onto win the BFG tournament as predicted but his contract "expires" before the PPV. Dixie Carter calls AJ to the ring with a new contract to sign. Then in the ultimate show of rebellion, AJ tears up the contract and walks out of the company (kayfabe) leaving TNA with no main event match for their biggest PPV of the year. Enter Hulk Hogan. The man who Bully Ray has been undermining for months. The man who's daughter Bully humiliated and the fans have more desire to see tear Bully Ray apart than anyone.

With AJ (and the BFG tournament) out of the picture TNA is finally free to book Hulk Hogan vs Bully Ray for the TNA World championship at Bound For Glory - a match that has been teased since December of last year. Fans both for the idea and against it have had no shortage of opinion. The only question was how to get around the Bound For Glory series. They may have just done that. Or if they haven't, I have.

TNTMF,

The Boss

    It started innocently enough. Hulk Hogan was asked a question last December by a UK publication inquiring about his Christmas wish list. Hogan, showing that he realized the magazine was looking for celebrity entertainment and not news or even wrestling stories stepped away from his usual answers of ending World hunger, helping disabled children and other aide to the "Little Hulkster's". Instead he gave a wild list of childish wishes:

1. Thirty years of life: "I want my youth back. I wouldn’t change anything, though. I’d wrestle all over again. The same matches."

2. 747 Jet: "I would like my own private jet plane again. I’d take all the wrestlers with me on the plane. I don’t just want a little Learjet, I want a 747. That would be a wild plane."

3. Knee surgery: "I’ve had eight back surgeries, I’ve had knee replacements, I’ve had both hip replacements. I only need one more surgery – to fix my right knee – then I’m going to go for the TNA world title. I want to be 59 years old and be the champion."

4. Hair: "I want a full head of hair."

     Although it was just a passing comment, the wrestling world (especially the Internet Wrestling Community) took it as much more. All over the internet people were talking about the prospect of Hogan winning the TNA World Championship. Haters cringed and Hulkamaniacs celebrated. Debates about this topic popped up all over the place and most haven't stopped yet. Sure enough Hogan did have another knee surgery as he mentioned and that fueled the debate even further. While I don't believe for a minute that Hogan was serious about going after the title at this point in his career at the time the comment was made, the overwhelming attention that his simple comment has garnered shows that the entire wrestling world still follows everything he does and hangs onto his every word. And if a little quote like this (that was not even a part of a wrestling show or angle) could generate so much attention, just imagine the attention that would generate if TNA were to actually promote Hulk Hogan returning to go for the brass (or in this case the gold) ring one more time.

     In the months that followed it has seemed that the ground work is indeed being laid out for a match between Hogan and current TNA World Champion Bully Ray who was recently revealed to be the leader of the companies renegade faction known as "Aces & Eights" not to mention he also just happens to be (story line only - I think) Hulk Hogan's son in law having married Hogan's Daughter Brooke on an episode of Impact Wrestling. Hogan and TNA have been teasing this match for months both on TV and on social media. While there seems to be a great divide on some internet sites as to whether they want to see Hogan wrestle again - let alone win another World title - there is no question that the fans attending the shows are in total support for the Hulkster. It is these fans that make me realize why it must be done. The Internet Wrestling Community or "IWC" represent a very small number of fans and they are already either watching or not. They are mostly critics of wrestling and there really is no winning them over. But the casual wrestling fans - the ones who watch it for fun and not to critique - represent a much larger group of fans that TNA has for the most part yet to tap into.

    Since Hogan made his first appearance in TNA in early 2010 critics have pointed to U.S. ratings as evidence that he hasn't helped the product at all. However the company has grown tremendously since his arrival. Sponsors who previously saw the tiny wrestling company - which was always on the verge of bankruptcy - as not worth of investing in, are now willing to invest money because of Hulk Hogan's name. The company is now a world wide promotion and extremely popular in the UK where they regularly get higher ratings than WWE. As a result of this increased revenue TNA was able to broadcast their flagship television program, Impact Wrestling live, tape shows from over seas and most recently take the show on the road. All of this has been a building process peace by peace. They reduced the number of Pay Per Views per year from 12 to 4 in order to generate more interest and give them more time to build an story between big events.

    Now the time has come to bring in the fans. And while some may say that he's too old, or that he's past his prime, you need to realize that there is a huge difference between being past your prime and being washed up. There is no question that Hulk Hogan is still the most recognized wrestler in the entire world. To the casual fan age doesn't matter. It's like going to a Rolling Stones concert. All that matters is that they are still rockin' or in Hogan's case that he is still kickin' ass! To draw those casual fans who would otherwise have no reason to watch TNA, they need to use everything at their disposal. And Hogan's drawing power - if promoted properly can bring in the biggest crowd in the history of the company and finally help put them on the map. For those who worry about the quality of Hogan's match remember this; his job is not to have a good match but just to draw people in. All of the Hulkamaniacs who come to this event only want to see him cup his ear, tear his shirt, flex his muscles, "Hulk Up" and win. If you give them that they will be happy and happy fans return.

    Meanwhile the new fans that tuned in to see Hogan will now also get to see the rest of the TNA roster. Guys like AJ Styles, Bobby Roode, Austin Arise, James Storm, Samoa Joe, Bad Influence and the incredible women's, or  "Knockouts' " division will now have a bigger audience than ever before and thus will become bigger stars. More fans will get to see the more wrestling orientated programming of TNA and may decide that they prefer it to the WWE product which relies more on long drawn out talking segments that are usually scripted from top to bottom.

    In any case TNA has grown as a company. Now they need to grow their fan base. The only way to do that it to get new people to tune in for the first time. Having the guy who was and is a hero to millions step back into the ring and try for one last World championship will give all of those fans one last taste of the days they remember and prefer. That's your hook. And the superior TNA product, it's roster, it's women's division etc... will hopefully make them stay. Once that happens and more fans discover TNA and it's stars the seeds are planted for the next wrestling boom. I'm not saying that TNA is going to overtake WWE but any shift in the otherwise stagnant state of pro wrestling will help give it a boost. After more than a decade of stagnant and even slumping rating by WWE I'm sure even they are hoping that TNA can pull off something that will provoke interest in the sport.   

    As for Hogan winning the title at age 60 (or 59 if he wins it before August 11 of this year), it's the classic Rocky Balboa underdog story fueled by the betrayal of his son in law, the need to protect his daughter's honor and the desire of his Hulkamaniac to see him get revenge. It will also break Verne Gagne's 32 year old record for the oldest World champion which currently stands at 57. It has all the makings for a magic moment. Hogan doesn't have to reign for long and quite honestly I doubt that he could. But if just for one night we could have all eyes on TNA it could change the sport forever.

TNTMF,

The Boss