[Official] Hulk Hogan Discussion

[Theo Mays]

I too have thought that Bischoff is the guy that Hogan will bring with him. Bischoff and Hogan could work as if they are taking Foley's job, leading to a potential match between Hogan and the Mickster. Flair would be my 2nd choice as to who I think Hogan will bring along with him.

 

[The Rock is Awesome]

Didn't Hogan say Eric signed with TNA as well during the Press Con. I don't remember but if he did then it obviously isn't ganna be Bischoff only because the world knows he signed with TNA as well.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

If you don't like those types of feuds personally, that's one thing, but to insinuate that it's because they didn't work is unfounded, IMO.

I never insinuated anything, I simply pointed out that if that's the plan that TNA ultimately has, then it's the same old shit that TNA's been doing for a while. I've not necessarily got anything against those types of storylines, but TNA just got finished with the MEM, which was little more than nWo-lite in my view. And, as far as it being a success, I wouldn't exactly say that. Ratings didn't increase, most of the wrestlers involved in the MEM were either uninteresting or so far past their prime that it was a a struggle to watch them put on a match. Now, an Invasion type of angle involving Hogan MIGHT work, depending on who he brings with him. But, I'd still personally find it boring.

 

[JoeDubb]

Co-sign! We just got done with MEM. The last thing we need is to see a stable rehashed. Well, no I lied. The LAST thing we need to see is "the band back together".

 

[NSL]

Hogan being advised not to go to the Impact zone is pretty stupid, but if it works, I'm not opposed to it at all.

He obviously needs to appear there if he's going to be an active member of the roster, and there's no way around it. Taping matches outside is twice as ******ed as him not showing up there. If you look back to the PPVs WCW would hold outside, they were all shit, no matter how good the matches were.

If they're trying to get him to arrive as a heel, then they're showing his promos about how much he loves TNA way too much. It won't be anything we'll believe, and it'll make us want him gone that much quicker.

 

[jazzua]

"HULK HOGAN isn't flushed with regret over ending his marriage to ex LINDA - he has filed a lawsuit against his wife of 20 years accusing her of stealing his toilet seat.

The wrestling hero has gone through a bitter separation from his former partner since their split in 2007, finally putting the marriage behind him in July (09).

But the legal woes haven't ended altogether - the musclebound legend is suing his ex over allegations she stripped the family home of a host of valuable goods.

And Hogan insists he wants them all back - especially the "wooden antique toilet seat from the guest house".

According to TMZ.com, the ex-wrestler's legal team is demanding a Florida judge looks into the suit, which claims Linda has removed items including chandeliers, a tanning bed, and fixtures and fittings.

He also alleges his ex left their house in such a state after she pillaged the goods, he is too ashamed to allow his real estate vendor to show the property to potential buyers."


This is posted by link on the home page of WZ. I have to say, this Hogan/TNA thing is just getting more and more interesting. Does anyone else realize the difference in the man that is Hogan? This is not the same man that traiblazed in the 80's. This isn't the man that went head to head with WWE. This is a different guy altogether. He is a joke on the front page of every tabloid in our country. However, shit like this keeps his name out there. Shit like this keeps Hogan relevent. I don't know what to, but to something I guess.

The question. Does this kind of fruitless advertising hurt TNA at all? You have the new face of your company, apparently, in newspapes, websites, tv shows, and the like, filing against his ex-wife for apparently everything but the toilet seat. Er, I guess he wants that too. This isn't anything new. Obsviously, TNA thought about this before throwing their future his way. At least I hope they did.

So, my main thought here isn't if Hogan is crazy. I am merely wondering your thoughts on how this plays to TNA. Will this eventually hinder them? Will Hogan's constant bad media attention be a downside to what he brings to the company? Will this stuff make them look as crazy as Hogan does? Or, does this not matter. Is all advertising good advertising?

While I'm not sure which way to lean, I will say that we have seen poor publicity work in peoples favor many times. Robert Downey Jr is one that pops into my head. We have also seen it be a detriment. Paris Hilton for example. Sure, it helped her make money for years, than it got her kicked out of the will. Ouch. So, your thoughts?

 

[sorryarnold]

Hogan was on Bubba yesterday, he basically rubbished the angles currently being pushed by TNA(Foley shareholder, the upcoming Jarrett/Karen/Angle confrontation) affirming that he has no interest in continuing those angles when he shows up on January 4th.

He also said he would love to have Jeff Hardy on board, put over ODB, and hinted he is pushing for Jarrett to sell his shares of the company.

 

[dgrblue38]

How is this anything more than WCW in the very late 90s. This isn't gonna be anything more than rehashed crap. Hogan is a draw, but not like he was. I desprately hope that Hogan doesn't wrestle, nothing is worse than that. But in reality, Hogan will kill off TNA. Only reason he is doing this, is because he wants to stick it to Vince. Hogan's ego won't work with Vince. And he wants to prove to Vince it wasn't just Vince. Hogan will fail in my opinion and drag TNA down. There really isn't anywhere to go, TNA has Jeff Jarrett and Kevin Nash, and Scott Steiner, now Hogan, this has huge NWO overtones, good god that has been over played. Thought TNA was trying to stand alone, not redo everything. I already don't like TNA, now will like it even less. I can barely stand Mike Tenay, I do like taz, but, that goes back to ECW days. don west is a tool, TNA is being booked by Vince Russo, he shold be shot. This is bad. I think that they are not gonna use the newly cristened desmond wolfe badly.

 

[flicketysplit1125]

What do you guys think about this? Is it a good thing or a bad thing for TNA? And what do you think will happen because of it?

Just a little comment on some of the criticism of this signing. I think peope forget how many non-wrestling fans only aassosciate wrestling with Hulk(or Stone Cold but he's never coming back so...) I think this will draw in many fans that are just curious about what all the hype is and will see AJ, and Daniels and start casually following it. I know I got into wrestling because of WCW and feel that somethign is lacking from WWE, that is a partner to cmopete with it and be it's rival. Think of all the great companies in the world. Most if not all have at least some form of competition to make that company try ahrder and not fall into a ho-hum routine like WWE has done. Any WWE brainwashed fan who thinks this isn't going to matter is a fool.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

http://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/wi/2009/1209/467993/hulk-hogan/index.shtml Here's another interview that Hogan gave recently regarding his association with TNA.

The third and fourth paragraphs are what I found interesting. Hogan claims to have issues with a lot of people in TNA, particularly Vince Russo and the writing staff. During the interview, Hogan says that he's going to be assessing everyone involved and he has no problems walking away from TNA if he doesn't like the way things are run. Now, let's say that it's not a shoot or Hogan bluster for a minute and say it's true. If it's true, then Hogan has pretty much confirmed some of the worst fears I've got regarding his presence in TNA. In a nutshell, it sounds as though Hogan is saying that he's going to have major backstage power and is going to want things run the way he wants them run or he'll walk away from TNA. Dixie Carter is known for bending over backwards for some talent in order to keep them happy. Every demand that Kurt Angle has made of her, she's given in without so much as an argument and I've no doubt that she'll do the same thing for Hulk Hogan.

Each time Hogan gives an interview regarding what he's gonna be doing in TNA, I lose more and more confidence in TNA. It just seems to get worse and worse each time.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Each time Hogan gives an interview regarding what he's gonna be doing in TNA, I lose more and more confidence in TNA. It just seems to get worse and worse each time.

This probably won't help you any, then...

Wrestling Observer is reporting that Hogan is really banged up following the Australia tour, so much so that he's even had to cancel numerous media appearances since citing "illness" as the reason for his absence. They even go as far as to say he threw his hip out against his match with Flair in Melbourne.

Certainly won't help any of Hogan supporters, and should act as fuel for his detractors.

I don't personally think it's all that big a deal, because I'm personally hoping he comes in much the way Foley did originally and doesn't really wrestle or take bumps much – at least not for a while.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

This probably won't help you any, then...

Wrestling Observer is reporting that Hogan is really banged up following the Australia tour, so much so that he's even had to cancel numerous media appearances since citing "illness" as the reason for his absence. They even go as far as to say he threw his hip out against his match with Flair in Melbourne.

Yes, the link I included did mention something about Hogan had cancelled a lot of public appearances due to some sort of illness. On The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale Saturday night, his voice did sound strange and it did sound as though he was sick. As far as throwing out his hip while wrestling Flair, this is the first I've heard of it though I can't say I'm at all surprised. It's just more proof that Hulk Hogan is going to be unable to wrestle anything approaching a competitive match in TNA. What I'm concerned about primarily is what he's going to do with all the backstage power he's claiming that he has. Based on that link that I read today, Hogan is going to run things the way he wants to run them and I'd say that Dixie Carter will go along with whatever he wants. Any demand that Kurt Angle has ever made of her, she's given to him and I don't see that changing with Hogan at all. And, given Hogan's past, I have little confidence in his ability to "run TNA" as he's put it.

 

[Saritafan]

does anyone have a clue if TNA is even advertising hogan to TNA any other place besides spike TV,this is seriously TNA's biggest problem,they think by signing a big name like hogan that everyone in this world will magically find out and tune into to watch,it doesn't work like that,TNA NEEDS TO ADVERTISE ADVERTISE ADVERTISE,they need flyers,commerials,interviews on talk shows,bill boards etc is TNA doing this??? besides Hogan appearance on larry king that drew TNA a 1.3 for that week,NO!!!!

Hogan said that his TNA debut will draw a 3.0, ARE YOU SERIOUS,TNA will never reach that high in just one night,TNA can barley draw a 1.2,and hogan said he will draw a 3.0 in one night,now thats a laugh,even dixie knows thats not possible

thoughts???

 

[Jack-Hammer]

As far as advertising goes, I know that TNA is putting up a billboard in Times Square in New York City today. However, I'm not aware of what's on the billboard.

Hogan going onto The Ultimate Fighter live finale and talking about TNA is some good, solid advertising as the show drew a pretty good audience. Hogan himself has been making the rounds on various radio shows, but he's cancelled a lot of them lately due to "illness" as he puts it. In his latest interview, Hogan has boldly claimed that Impact will draw at least a 3.0 against Raw on Jan 4.

As far as overall advertising goes, I haven't really seen all that much as far as television goes. I've seen no commercials for Impact on any station other than Spike, I've seen no indication that TNA is putting up fliers or anything along those lines. During the commercials on Impact tonight, Spike needs to be plugging the hell out of TNA and the live show on Jan 4 against Raw especially.

 

[Muffin Top Merkley]

Everytime a UFC event is on Spike TV, there needs to be a TNA wrestling ad every other comercial break!

Spike TV has never advertised TNA like they should be which is silly because the ratings mean more to Spike TV than they do TNA (in regards to what shows to keep). If Spike was to put more effort into spreading the word out there, TNA would continue to grow.

It helps everyone out!

It's not even a "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" situation, its more of a "I'm Spike TV and I'll scratch your back and then benifit from it myself!"

 

[unique.enigma.666]

It hasn't even been mentioned over here in the UK, I at times watch Virgin over here in the UK and haven't saw any advertising for Hogan. Now I'm not a fan of TNA but if they have signed perhaps one of the biggest names in Wrestling, a name everyone knows, even my 27 year old sister who doesn't like wrestling, she knew instantly who he was when I was watching the Undertaker DVD when he faced Hogan, then they shouldn't just limit it to the US. WWE Wrestlers, at times, have interviews with a free newspaper we have in the UK called the Metro, hell on this radio channel my parents listen to every sunday which plays only old music WWE was promoted, I think it was for Survivor Series. Now neither product is perfect, but if you ask people around you do you know what WWE is then they'll most likely know but if they ask what TNA is then they'll scratch their heads. I've only ever known one TNA fan (in person, that is) aswell, a friend of my sisters fiance whereas I know people who have either liked WWE before or who are fans of WWE yet don't know about TNA.

 

[a0161613]

But it has been mentioned in the UK. It's all over iMPACT which is shown on two channels and I'm certain the main site has mentioned that he has been quoted or interviewed by tabloids.

But why is this such a big deal? We know TNA has a major issue when it comes to advertising and this will continue to handicap them if they ever want to be taken seriously. This can't be a surprise to anyone really.

 

[Gelgarin]

Gosh. If only TNA and the major TV networks it partners with were being run by you guys.

I explained this a couple of weeks ago, but it looks like I'm going to have to make a habit of bringing the obvious to light, so I'll go through it again.

Advertising costs money. The kind of advertising that you people think TNA should be slinging around costs more money than they can possibly afford. We're talking about what it still a very small company in fiscal terms, and the assertion that they can/should suddenly start buying prime time TV adds is laughable.

A single prime time TV add retails in at around $200,000. That's for only thirty seconds of advertising. A full blown campaign to bring the news of Hogan to the population of America is simply not possible for the company. The WWE is pulling in revenue of around $500,000,000 a year, and can afford to make that kind of investment. TNA can't, and some of you need to get that threw your heads.

The best think TNA can do is focus on generating as much free, or cost effective advertising as they can. Getting promotion on The Ultimate Fighter probably didn't cost the company anything, and will have directly appealed to over three and a half million people in TNA's target demographic, all of whom are already viewers of SPIKE programming.

The billboard (I'm going of independent research for the financials here) will probably cost TNA something like $100,000 for a month's rental; however short term billboard advertising only ever represents a one off payment and is notoriously more cost effective than TV commercials. A rule of thumb for TV advertising is that you're paying around 2 cents for every person who's going to see it. Obviously this goes up for prime time programming, and down for... err... public access TV. Time Square billboards in contrast are estimated to cost 90% less per viewer. A significant and sensible saving.

The videos that TNA post on Youtube at no significant cost generically generate between 10,000 and 50,000 hits, a comparatively small number, but it has to be considered that this constitutes considerably more focused advertising aimed exclusively towards the relevant interest group.

Someone mentioned advertising in the UK, which is a complete waste of time. People in the UK do not contribute towards TNA's prominent TV rating. We cannot purchase the PPVs (a possible mistake on TNA's part if you ask me, although I'm probably wrong) and we're generically called upon to addend half a dozen shows each year, most of which sell out anyway.
It's a fairly well established fact that this is about as big as an American wrestling federation can get in the UK. The WWE has tried numerous different presentations models over here, and hasn't had much major success.
Getting adverts on Virgin of Bravo is of extremely limited value to TNA.

Hogan has been doing the rounds, and from what I've read he's been doing a pretty good job of it. TNA have had plugs on half of the US's major networks, including NBC, CNN and CBS. That's without taking into account all of the radio appearances he's made. Once again this is significant and worthwhile advertising that doesn't cost TNA. Much more efficient that poring money down the drain over a risk that you don't know is going to work.

TNA know that they need advertising. The fact that they're getting themselves promotion time on major shows and buying billboard space in Time Square confirms this to any doubter.
I feel I have to keep pointing out to people but I'll say it again. The people running TNA are not idiots and have some idea of how television works. They recognise the benefit of advertising, but they also recognise the benefit of not bankrupting the company... which seems to be what a few of you think that they should do.

Either give TNA some credit, or at least think for a few minutes before you start boldly proclaiming what they "need" to be doing.

 

[thetylertank]

TNA has advertised in several places i've seen
1.
Their website and their tv progam. TNA is obviously going to advertise big on their Television and on their website.
2.
Tna has posted a BIG poster right poster right in the middle of Times Square. It has a picture of Hulk Hogan holding a big poster saying: "TNA Impact; Monday Jan. 4th: Live at 8:00 p.m. on Spike TV. You can view a picture of the billboard here
http://www.sescoops.com/tna-news/pictures-of-tnas-times-square-billboard-ad/attachment/impactnyc
3.
I have seen several commercials, videos, etc advertising this event, not just on Spike but on other networks too.

 

[keegamer80]

This is so exciting! I am a loyal wwe fan. I have been since before the first wrestlemania. I believe that competition is the key to make the E more entertaining. The only problem that I see is TNA. They are not at the level wCw was when they started nitro. Also raw was pre-empted that night. As far as hogans ego is concerned. People still enjoy him and want to see him. I won't deny that I was once a hulkamaniac. People want to see AJ and many other TNA superstars that can actually wrestle. In my opinion wCw always had the better wrestling. They just couldn't push the ''big boys'' out of the way. Thankfully most of those guys that worked there ass of finally got there chance in wwe. TNA also doesn't have the money that wCw did. Hogan and Bischoff know Vince. It will be interesting to say the least. I wasn't expecting to see another monday night war in a longtime. Good luck TNA all of us are pulling for ya!

 

[wolvdog316]

Another bullshit TNA excuse. I should start numbering these. This time its "TNA can't afford to advertise properly".

Then what in the fuck is TNA doing then? They are going head to head with Vince McMahon, who put WCW down and out and put hundreds of men and women out of jobs, and TNA can't "afford" to advertise? Then TNA needs to close up shop and run away from Monday Nights. Do you, or TNA for that matter, honestly think Hogan is a big enough draw to just ignore advertising to those who DON'T read the internet and might not tune into TNA. Ya know those are the people TNA are trying to get, but can't if they don't let people know what is up.

TNA needs to understand and you too for that matter. To make money, you have to spend money. You want to attack Vince, you want to proclaim a 3.0 rating? LOL You better bring your A game and none of that we can't afford to do that YOUR GOING UP AGAIN A FORMER BILLIONAIRE, you BETTER be willing to spend some dough if you want to compete

Vince bought a Superbowl Ad featuring his stars, Bischoff bought air time on USA network during Raw. Nitro guys were everywhere promoting WCW. Austin, Rock, Taker were everywhere promoting Raw.

Does TNA want to make a small, tidey little profit, or do they want to spend some coin and go after Vince? They need to decide and fast before TNA is no more

 

[RavensFlock1990]

I almost pissed my pants laughing when I read about Hogan predicting a 3.0 rating. TNA's highest rating ever is a 1.3 if I'm not mistaken. Is Hogan's ego really that fucking big? I'd honestly be shocked if TNA gets a 0.8 or higher. I think they are gonna have an even lower rating than usual since their viewers are mostly the die hard WWE fans that just want a Thursday night wrestling fix.

Rumor has it that WWE is either gonna have Rock or Austin guest hosting that night. That alone will destroy any impact Hogan MIGHT have had. Hogan and Dixie need to wake the fuck up and check their calendar cause they are behind about 12 years.

Plus after how horrible Impact was tonight that certainly won't keep any first time viewers coming back. I mean seriously you make your mid-card champ need to cheat to defeat a woman? TNA is so fucked it ain't even funny.

 

[NSL]

I think they are gonna have an even lower rating than usual since their viewers are mostly the die hard WWE fans that just want a Thursday night wrestling fix.

I agree they won't pull in a "3", but you're smoking some really good shit if you seriously buy into this. TNA fans are not die hard WWE fans. TNA fans are die hard TNA fans that can't stand the WWE product. A few are even casual fans of WWE, but see TNA as more than just the "alternative".

Back on topic though, Hogan is insane for predicting a 3.0. If/when it doesn't happen, it'll make TNA look like a joke, and make him look even worse. WWE will bring in a huge guest host, if not The Rock, and TNA will pull in a 1.5-1.8.

 

[absent]

Back on topic though, Hogan is insane for predicting a 3.0. If/when it doesn't happen, it'll make TNA look like a joke, and make him look even worse. WWE will bring in a huge guest host, if not The Rock, and TNA will pull in a 1.5-1.8.

As cynical as it may sound, I have a feeling this is maybe Hogans first attempt to place an exit strategy on the deal. If there's no major increase in ratings there can be many reasons he can place place the blame on TNA rather than himself, whether it's justified or not. At the moment he's talking like his name alone will create a massive ratings increase, that's the vision he's promoting. But if it doesn't he may cite bad TNA promotion or whatever, and he's shouted so loud that his name is all that's needed to make dollars that people may believe it.

I have a bad feeling that there will be no massive increase in ratings, Hogan will blame TNA, TNA will blame Hogan, this whole thing will be short lived, end badly and damage any view of potential long-term financial viability for TNA.

edit: this is really make or brake for TNA as a major promotion, there is no going back, there is no second plan.

 

[wolvdog316]

Since somebody wants to leave feedback, I still ask.....how can TNA compete with Vince if they won't spend money. The ONLY time WWE was on its heels is when WCW was spending money.

Now I understand that maybe there isn't a Ted Turner this time to fund every wild, good or bad, idea.

BUT, if your Dixie Carter, and you declare war on WWE, then shouldn't you make sure Panda is going to give you enough money for "Ammo, Armor, weapons, and vehicles"....I think TNA is in for a huge shock. And that shock is Hogan no longer sells.

Again, spend it to make it. Why doesn't TNA spend some coin during the Bowl Games? Pick lets say 3-4 of them, all with teams in different part of the countries. Advertise. Might work, might fail, but Vince or Bischoff didn't get where they are by not trying or being afraid of failure

I remember when TNA came to Houston year back two, can't remember. I guess I gave them my contact info at some point cause they called me. As they did lots of people. Asked if I would pass out fliers, spread the TNA word, and I think winner got backstage access. Again, failure. Where was my incentive to advertise their PPV. They hardly bought any airtime in Houston, I'm not even sure if they had a commercial here locally, and their expecting kids to hand out about a thousand fliers so they MIGHT get a chance to go backstage? I handed out a few but I wasn't going to do their work and not get paid for it somehow. I didn't even get a discount on the damn ticket. That to mean is lazy, it's cheap, it's second rate, and its really shows what level your company is on

Those are the ideas ,and I'm not sure if they are still doing them, that need to die. If you want to join the deep end of the pool, take off your floaties.