If Hogan is Going to Have One More Match...

[George Steele's Barber]

If Hogan is going to have one last match at Bound For Glory who should it REALISTICALLY be against?

Who is available on the TNA roster that Hogan can fight that can?:

A) protect Hogan's wrestling inability
B) take the loss without losing credibility
C) entertain
D) work a storyline
E) not completely overshadow the rest of the event and the roster
F) draw

I think the answer is Rampage. I think there are other guys that may fit better in certain categories but overall Rampage is your best option.

A) he's a fighter, not a wrestler. They can protect each other by avoiding bumps and just brawling.
B) again, he's not a wrestler. Losing a debut or early match to the greatest shell of former all time self won't kill him just like losing to Cena and HHH hasn't killed Lesnar.
C) the guy is funny, entertaining and plays a pretty big dick. I would love to see him hit on Brooke and mock Hogan's age and legacy
D) he could be named the new VP of Aces and Eights or run an angle where he puts down wrestlers of the past and hypes how MMA is better. He could come out dressed as Mr. T. In fact I think this story could parallel a cross between Rocky III and Rocky Balboa. Could TNA and Hogan get some of his old friends to do an appearance?
E) it's just one non-title storyline so at least we protect Bully or whoever is champion from having to be humiliated by a 59 year old man. It also let's the BFG series stand on it's own.
F) I think it's your best draw for the casual fan. Two familiar names in a once in a lifetime crossover event.

Buy or sell? Who else is a better fit? Does Hogan win his last match?

I know there are some that never want to see Hogan again. That's your prerogative, but if he goes out there one more time, who should he face?

 

[LD_Barrett]

Hulk Hogan has never been one of my favorites but I can't deny his star power. For him to have one last match I believe it should possibly be someone outside of the current TNA roster or someone just not currently on the program. There is different angles they could play into. For example Aces and Eights could call in some outside help from Hogan's past. Some of my choices are really a long shot like Goldberg or Ultimate Warrior, which are pretty much a no go. Maybe tease past tag partners, faction members, and rivals to play mind games. Here are the points I would go by to set up his last match for TNA

a) It should drive a storyline and have purpose
b) Should have a noteworthy opponent for TNA to benefit
c) Solidify that this is his one last time

So thinking of how TNA probably couldn't sign some talent to short term deals. My choice would have to be Jeff Jarrett as Hulk Hogan's last match in TNA. Many directions that could go in. Not saying TNA couldn't get guys like Kevin Nash or Roddy Piper to make an one off return appearances, but Jarrett just seems like a good fit to further a possible storyline.

 

[Mitch Henessey]

I still think Hogan VS Bully Ray is the ideal return match. Character wise, Bully is such a despicable jackass to the point where you really want to see someone beat the crap out of him. I would rather not see it, but if it's going to happen, Hogan could be that guy. Hogan is the most logical choice to get revenge on Bully for the hostile Aces & Eights takeover, and Bully winning the WHC. And he can kill two birds with one stone by defending Brooke's honor at the same time.

I have a hard time buying into Rampage VS Hogan. Rampage is only thirty-five, and has legit MMA training. Hulk Hogan is almost sixty and has trouble walking to the ring. I think it'll be hard to maintain any believability with a fifty-nine year old Hogan having a shot at beating Rampage in the ring.

Rampage is a more suitable opponent for Kurt Angle. The decorated world champion, Hall Of Famer, and only Olympic gold medalist in pro wrestling history going against the legit MMA champion is the real money match. And I believe it's on a short list of the only real dream/blockbuster matches left in TNA. TNA already teased an encounter between these two, and I have no doubt TNA will at least take a shot at pulling the trigger on a match between Angle and Jackson in the future.

 

[CMbrose Punk]

I know there are some that never want to see Hogan again. That's your prerogative, but if he goes out there one more time, who should he face?

You might remember where I stand on the issue of Hogan wrestling again, so I'll try to avoid reiterating that stance in this thread, at least just for the sake of staying on topic. If Hogan's going to wrestle again, it really shouldn't be against Rampage in my opinion. Do we really have any clue as to the long term intentions of Rampage in the wrestling business? We've seen Queen Mo come and go quicker than a fart in a windstorm. How do we know Rampage won't do the same? These guys like to look at the entertainment side and think they can just wing it; afterall, there's a lot of trash talking in pro wrestling and thats something Queen Mo and Rampage have done their share of in MMA. Personally, I don't think either one of them has proven themselves worthy of getting in the ring with Robbie E, let alone Hulk Hogan.

Regardless of anyone's personal feelings towards the Hulkster, the character is a legend in the business and if anyone is going to have the honor of facing him in what might be his last match ever, that honor should go to a real wrestler; someone who's chosen wrestling as their first and last profession. Not some fly-by-night MMA has-been looking to make a quick buck between real fights. Personally, I think the honor should go to AJ Styles. TNA needs to pull its head out of the sand and make this guy their John Cena. He's their franchise player and should be built up to be the flag bearer of the promotion. Without a doubt, he deserves it the most. A match with Hogan would be a huge rub for him.

 

[#heel420]

Rampage would beat the shit outta Hogan. He would work way too stiff. They need someone that could carry Hogan, and I can't see Rampage pulling that off.

I feel like this whole story line would be a huge waste of time if it didn't culminate in a match between Hogan and Bully Ray.

 

[Rasslin_fan]

IIRC, Hogan hasn't lost a match since 2003. He needs to use his star power to build a reality show as making his return to the ring, being undefeated for 10+ years.

It would help bring mainstream attention to TNA and be reminiscing of Andre's fabled 15 year streak.

However, instead of him losing and putting someone over at WrestleMania, it would be Bound For Glory. It should help promote & market BFG as Hogan's retirement match and help TNA. Hogan would be the immovable object this time though.

 

[CMbrose Punk]

I feel like this whole story line would be a huge waste of time if it didn't culminate in a match between Hogan and Bully Ray.

Well obviously it would culminate with Hogan vs Bully Ray, and assuming Hogan would win and get the title, he'd have to drop it to someone, so maybe that's what we're discussing here? I'm not sure. It would make the most booking sense, assuming Hogan can work a match, let alone two matches.

 

[zhaff2004]

Imagine if ten years ago you would say that Hulk Hogan's last match would be against bubba ray dudley... really shows how far bully ray has come...

For Hogans last match, it should undoubtedly be against bully ray, putting him over but i can't help but feel that hogan will want to go over

 

[LD_Barrett]

Hogan versus Bully Ray at this point in time would be the most logical match up but would it really be that newsworthy for Hogan and TNA. It serves it's purpose but I just don't believe Bully Ray or Rampage are best suited for the match with Hogan.

 

[dtroppe]

I think this is nuts. Hogan should not have a last match against bubba Dudley/bully ray. Dudley is one of the best heels, if not the best heels in the business. But if a tree in a forest falls and no one is around... Hogans last match should be against another household name. If it has to be in TNA, maybe Kurt angle? Who else is at that level in TNA to help get the attention? Hogans last match should be in WWE against Cena or Austin. That would be the appropriate send off to one of the biggest names in wrestling history.

 

[Rasslin_fan]

I think this is nuts. Hogan should not have a last match against bubba Dudley/bully ray. Dudley is one of the best heels, if not the best heels in the business. But if a tree in a forest falls and no one is around... Hogans last match should be against another household name. If it has to be in TNA, maybe Kurt angle? Who else is at that level in TNA to help get the attention? Hogans last match should be in WWE against Cena or Austin. That would be the appropriate send off to one of the biggest names in wrestling history.

I think Hulk Hogan being promoted as undefeated for the past 10+ years against The Undertaker's 22+ year winning streak at WrestleMania would be monumental !!!!

 

[BigDaddyKewl]

If there not going to have Bully Ray vs Hogan one on one Id like to see a tag match with Sting and Hogan vs Team 3D. Sting has been a big part of the war against Aces and 8s and and is a friend of Hogan. Sting could carry most of the match and Hogan can get the hot tag and do his signature punches and maybe a big boot. This protects Hogan and we get see a pay off between him and Bully Ray.

 

[Pay Per Ghost]

Worst idea ever suggesting Rampage vs Hogan.


The reason they are going for Rampage Vs Angle right off the bat is because Rampage still comes off as this MMA badass. Putting him in their with Hogan would just fuck it all up. Down the road, maybe/maybe not; but right now thats just a fucking tuuurrrrible idea.

The thing is, on that roster I can't think of anyone but Sting or Angle who deserve to be in that ring with Hogan. Those two can't however due to separate reasons. Storyline wise, it is Bully Ray. Noone Else. And I'm OK with that having seen these storyline develop. No problem.

 

[HollywoodLuthias]

IIRC, Hogan hasn't lost a match since 2003. He needs to use his star power to build a reality show as making his return to the ring, being undefeated for 10+ years.

It would help bring mainstream attention to TNA and be reminiscing of Andre's fabled 15 year streak.

However, instead of him losing and putting someone over at WrestleMania, it would be Bound For Glory. It should help promote & market BFG as Hogan's retirement match and help TNA. Hogan would be the immovable object this time though.

I like your idea but Hulk Hogan lost to sting at TNA Bound for Glory 2011..

I would love to see Hogan vs Bully Ray just so Hogan can say I am the only wrestler to ever win the WWF/E,WCW and the TNA world heavyweight championship belts.. I am Immortal

 

[I_Am_Electro_Boy]

As much as I don't want Hogan to return to the ring, I think he will be in a match at BFG. The only person I can see him wrestling is Bully Ray. The match already has a storyline to it because of the whole Ray betraying Hogan and Brooke, so there's already a reason for them to have a match, the only thing you would have to do is have more of Bully getting to Hogan so people are wanting to see Hogan finally get his hands on Bully.

I think the match would draw as it's Hogan in a match and I still think that draws and even if it doesn't the match will draw because Hogan will finally get revenge on Bully which has been built up so people will want to see it and should buy it. The outcome of the match would also be a reason to want to see the match because I don't think it's very predictable. Hogan will be more likely to win as it will be the face finally overcoming the heel after the heel has manipulated and used Hogan and made it personal. But there's always the possibility of another swerve with Brooke betraying Hogan, if this happens I don't know where the feud would finally end because I think BFG is where the feud should end.

I don't think Hogan would have to take many bumps. The match likely would be some kind of No DQ match so it would be more based on Hogan getting revenge on Bully so hitting him with weapons and all that and probably taking some in return. It won't be a 5 star match by any means but the storyline would've made it so all people want to see is Hogan get his hands on Bully.

 

[crippler]

If Hogan is going to have one last match at Bound For Glory who should it REALISTICALLY be against?

Who is available on the TNA roster that Hogan can fight that can?:

A) protect Hogan's wrestling inability
B) take the loss without losing credibility
C) entertain
D) work a storyline
E) not completely overshadow the rest of the event and the roster
F) draw

I think the answer is Rampage. I think there are other guys that may fit better in certain categories but overall Rampage is your best option.

A) he's a fighter, not a wrestler. They can protect each other by avoiding bumps and just brawling.
B) again, he's not a wrestler. Losing a debut or early match to the greatest shell of former all time self won't kill him just like losing to Cena and HHH hasn't killed Lesnar.
C) the guy is funny, entertaining and plays a pretty big dick. I would love to see him hit on Brooke and mock Hogan's age and legacy
D) he could be named the new VP of Aces and Eights or run an angle where he puts down wrestlers of the past and hypes how MMA is better. He could come out dressed as Mr. T. In fact I think this story could parallel a cross between Rocky III and Rocky Balboa. Could TNA and Hogan get some of his old friends to do an appearance?
E) it's just one non-title storyline so at least we protect Bully or whoever is champion from having to be humiliated by a 59 year old man. It also let's the BFG series stand on it's own.
F) I think it's your best draw for the casual fan. Two familiar names in a once in a lifetime crossover event.

Buy or sell? Who else is a better fit? Does Hogan win his last match?

I know there are some that never want to see Hogan again. That's your prerogative, but if he goes out there one more time, who should he face?

Hogan having a return match 1st I think this should happen against nobody its a mistake to put him out there there is nobody really on the TNA roster except maybe Roode and Angle that could protect Hogan physical safety in the ring. as far as not overshadowing the rest of the event goes HELLO we are talking about Hulk Hogan he tries to overshadow the show all the time. TNA would be smart to never put him in the ring on any PPV card he would draw and it would be a horrible match the guy can't go anymore why waste time on him

 

[He's Phenomenal]

I don't think "B) take the loss without losing credibility" and "E) not completely overshadow the rest of the event and the roster" need to be apart of the criteria when choosing Hulk Hogan's opponent if he has another match. If memory serves me correct in Hogan's only singles match in TNA he was beaten to a bloody pulp and tapped out, so I would imagine he would lose in any match he may have? Also he's Hulk Hogan, of course he's going to overshadow anything else on the show and to right too. You just can't prevent that from happening unless you only give him 2 minutes or so, which is not going to happen as the fans in attendance would be seriously pissed.

As for who I think Hogan should face, it has to be Bully Ray. He ticks all the boxes when it comes to points A), C), D) and F).This is the match that makes the most sense and the match TNA have been hinting at. Plus I'm guessing it's the match the majority of fans would want to see. There's never been a better face in wrestling than Hulk Hogan and Bully Ray is currently the best heel in wrestling so it's just the perfect dream match in that sense.

When this match actually takes place (if it happens) I've no idea. Ideally it would be at BFG, with the BFG Series winner getting the winner on the next iMPACT, but whether that's feasible or not remains to be seen. I would love to see Hogan win one last World Title but Bully Ray would most likely win any match between the two and then go on to lose to the BFG Series winner (AJ Styles) on iMPACT IMO.

 

[ヒュー　G.　レックション]

So....it being a Hogan match this should be on PPV. I would say Bully Ray, but Hogan's not in the BFG Series, and unless by some miracle Bully loses the world title to Chris Sabin, I can't see Hogan vs Bully happening at least not until Genesis. Bully is the only one I can imagine Hulk facing and he meets all the necessary criteria.

A) protect Hogan's wrestling inability

Of course. Bully is one of the most talented in the business today.

B) take the loss without losing credibility

Who's to say Hogan would win? Well, even if he did, Bully would be fine. He's lost to Joseph Park before and I still buy him as a world champion.

C) entertain

No doubt about it. Bully and Sting tore the house down, literally. Now I'm not saying that Bully-Hogan would be as good as that match, but it would still be passable.

D) work a storyline

Well we're in the process of it now. This match I think would have to end the storyline between these two. Bully fucked a lot of people over but the main three were Hulk Sting and Brooke. He's dealt with Sting, he'll probably convert Brooke so that leaves Hulk himself to take down, or lose to depending on how they go with it.

E) not completely overshadow the rest of the event and the roster

Ah now this would be the toughest one, and I'm not entirely sure if it would be possible. Bully is the top heel and Hogan... well is Hogan. Like I said I'd want this match to be non-title, so who would be world champ at this point? AJ? I guess whoever he's feuding with at that point would have to be a feud to take precedence over Hogan and Bully's which is unlikely.

F) draw

Some say nobody in wrestling is a true draw these days. I'd argue Rock and Cena are, I hate to admit it but I don't think anyone in TNA is a legit draw. If however I was a US citizen I would absolutely buy a show that had Hogan vs Bully on the card for sheer curiosity alone.

 

[thebarber]

Based on current TNA booking, Hulk Hogan having a match with anybody, the only person who fits the bill is Bully Ray.

A) protect Hogan's wrestling inabilityL Bully has improved remarkablyover the past coupel of years, this match would be a brawl anyway, so Hogans shortfalls would be covered in a knock down, drag out fight.

B) take the loss without losing credibility: Bully Ray putting Hogan over will not diminish him in the slightest, especially if after the match Bully attacks him abnd Bully is noted as being the guy to FINALLY end the inring career of the greatest attraction of all time in pro wrestling.

C) entertain: The verbiage itself leading up to the match, with Brooke thrown in, would at l;east leave it open to the result not being a foregone conclusion, if booked correctly.

D) work a storyline: already explained above, the storyline is already in effect.

E) not completely overshadow the rest of the event and the roster: Hogan would be the main event, lets not kid ourselves, so if this match did overshadow everybody else, that is fine as Hulk Hogans last match, and if stuc too, would be a huge event and would certainly make massive buy rates

F) draw: Quite simply, if TNA booked this match as Hulk Hogans final match, it would draw its ass off.

 

[shattered dreams]

I do think Hogan vs pseudo celebrities could draw decent but Rampage is a bad fit. I'll say Rodman. Just put him in the ring and let him talk about his Kim Jong Un loving nonsense and then have the real American take him out. Hogan vs Terminator could be fun, not sure Schwarzenegger has fallen from grace enough to do it but maybe they have a bond from when they injected each other in the butt. I'd watch Hogan slam Shaq and then market his hunchback 4 life t-shirts afterwards.

 

[Lowdown]

All signs seem to point to Hogan vs. Bully at some point, likely at BFG. But is Bully an ideal choice for Hogan's "last" match? Possibly, but I'm taking an outside the storyline approach here. I'd say someone like Angle or Samoa Joe could be a good opponent for him. I think they know how to take care anyone they step in the ring with, and would probably handle Hogan in his current condition.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I don't think that there's any one single wrestler on the TNA roster that will be able to completely cover all the various points raised by the OP. For instance, there are wrestlers on the roster who will be able to cover for Hogan's in-ring shortcomings, but probably not really be a big draw and will almost certainly be overshadowed by Hogan.

If Hogan does wrestle one more time at BFG then, in my opinion, the safest way is to put Hogan in some sort of six or eight man tag team. Hogan's team members can carry most of the weight while he does his thing, briefly. He can "hulk up", kick some ass for a bit, do his poses, give the fans a nostalgia kick and then let the rest of the wrestlers carry the rest of the match.

I think one thing missing from the points raised would be concern over Hogan's safety. According to numerous reports, Hogan's body is, metaphorically, held together with spit and a prayer. He's had numerous surgeries on his back, both his knees & his hips have been replaced and he still suffers from the wear on his body that those injuries caused. As a result, Hogan isn't going to be able to take any significant bumps and there's always a possibility that even minor bumps could result in causing some damage given the shape he's in. Again, this is a big reason why I think a six or eight man tag match is the best way to go. Rampage would beat the snot out of Hogan and I'm not sure that anyone could be convinced to suspend their disbelief to that level of absurdity. And yes, just in case someone tries to argue Brock Lesnar jobbing to Cena or Triple H, Hulk Hogan isn't John Cena or Triple H. He's not on the same physical level as either of those two much younger and much healthier men and one would either have to be insane or such an enormous Hogan mark that they don't realize how embarrassed they should be for trying to argue that Hogan is on their level. Besides that, Brock Lesnar is someone who did undergo training as a pro wrestler and still has that knowledge. Jackson might not be ready by BFG and, even if he is, if he's half as stiff as Lesnar is; then they'll be helping Hogan hobble back to the locker room in less than 5 minutes. When it comes to the issue of what Hogan can realistically do and what his condition is, a six or eight man tag is probably the safest route to go. Also, can you just imagine how bad Jackson would look if Hogan wanted to go over him. By the time BFG happens, Hulk Hogan will legitimately be 60 years old while Jackson just turned 35 three days ago. Quinton Jackson losing a pro wrestling match to a half crippled man 25 years his senior would flat out kill whatever heat Jackson has.

It might not be a major draw but, let's be completely honest, Hulk Hogan is no longer a significant draw anyway. He's not really been any sort of significant draw in TNA in about 3 years, so I don't realistically see how a Hogan singles match is going to be of any major help. Why? Because people know by now that it most likely won't be any good. If nostalgia is your thing, then you might get a kick out of it but paying $50 to watch a guy wrestle a singles match when he, the other wrestlers and any TNA viewer knows that he can't really wrestle anymore just doesn't do it for me.

 

[JUSTINMFNBEEMER]

It might not be a major draw but, let's be completely honest, Hulk Hogan is no longer a significant draw anyway. He's not really been any sort of significant draw in TNA in about 3 years, so I don't realistically see how a Hogan singles match is going to be of any major help. Why? Because people know by now that it most likely won't be any good. If nostalgia is your thing, then you might get a kick out of it but paying $50 to watch a guy wrestle a singles match when he, the other wrestlers and any TNA viewer knows that he can't really wrestle anymore just doesn't do it for me.

lol yet i bet you asked your mom for some kleenex when you read RVD was coming to MITB.

Bottom line, IMO, after going through so many back surgeries, knee and hip replacements, i wouldnt end my career in TNA, no offence because i believe they have a lot of potential, but rather try to hold out, work out, and end it at wm xxx. but thats just me.

 

[MWRedskins]

the only one that makes sense is Bully Ray to me and the reason for it is the current feud seems to be leading to a Ray and Hogan showdown. now hopefully (if this match does happen), in this match the World title is NOT on the line, in fact, i hope that the title isnt in Bully's hands when they wrestle as i dont even want the threat of Hogan winning a title to happen and also hopefully in this match, Hogan puts Ray over.

 

[Christian Faith]

First of all a small point. Someone said Hogan could brag he is the only person to have won WWF/E, WCW and TNA titles. Kurt Angle already can lay claim to this.

Hogan should be nowhere near the ring let alone a title belt. He is like an old dinosaur that needs to quietly go extinct. Even Flair has finally agreed to stay out of the ring at long last so there is no reason Hogan can't.