5 Ways Hulk Hogan to TNA will Revolutionize the Company

Written by Daris Brown

Friday, 20 November 2009 14:16

Hulk Hogan recently stated that we are about to witness the fastest rise to number one by any organization in wrestling history. Citing his jump to WCW from WWE, back in 1994, Hogan believes that Hulk Hogan to TNA will have an even greater impact.

It only took Hogan and WCW two years to become the most dominant wrestling organization on the planet, and if you count that Nitro didn't air until 1995 you can reduce that number to one.

So for Hogan to claim it will be the fastest take over in wrestling history, he'd have to beat out WWE Raw in the ratings in less than a year. I'm not saying he can't or won't do it, but come January the clock is ticking.

So just how exactly will TNA overcome this massive hurtle to be on top for the first time in it's seven-year history? I honestly have no idea. But whether they're number one immediately or not, Hulk Hogan to TNA will have a major impact on the wrestling world. Here are 5 ways Hogan will revolutionize TNA.

Increased Ratings

There has already been a huge buzz surrounding TNA and Hulk Hogan and although the ratings haven't seen a spike yet, just wait until Hulk Hogan arrives. Whether you're tuning in to see a car wreck or see history in the making, you're going to tune in. But it won't be hardcore wrestling fans alone, Hulk Hogan will also bring in the casual viewers. Yeah, most of them will probably say "Oh, snap. Hogan's still wrestling?" But the buzz will be flowing and little by little they'll begin to climb.

But the key here is substance. Hogan's name alone won't bring any new viewers in after the first couple of weeks unless they are doing something unique, something special, and something worth talk over at the water cooler. That's going to be the biggest hurdle, but if they can come anywhere close to being buzz worthy we can see a shift in momentum. Don't expect any lead changes right away, but taking away any momentum is a great step.

New TV Deal

Hogan and company are already showing what they can do as far as TV is concerned. Eric Bischoff was able to land the Hulkamania Tour air time on a free HD TV channel. This hasn't been done since the WWE had a two-week tape delay for a pay-per-view way back in 1994. If Harvey-Bischoff productions can secure a TV deal half way across the world for a short term wrestling show, there's good faith they can do it here in the states.

I doubt TNA is looking to go head-to-head with Raw right away, but they could secure a second show at a different time or on a better network. Then again, maybe they can establish enough confidence to run head-to-head for the final hour with Raw with an 8-10 time slot like they did with Nitro. And before you go and say no way and how they'd get slaughtered, remember the same was said about WCW and they made out fine until they ran into management problems with Turner Sports.

Wrestlers Jumping Ship

Hogan's arrival can have a huge impact on the TNA roster, this will make some wrestlers nervous and rightfully so. Psycho Sid Vicious has already put it out there that he has signed a deal with TNA, while Kevin Nash said on this week's iMPACT! that Hogan won't be coming alone. What does that mean? Will we see the return of Scott Hall? That'd be cliché. Are there any current WWE superstars out there who will jump ship? Maybe. And let's hope he's not bringing old fogeys, and his good friends, Beefcake, Nasty Boys and Jimmy Hart.

A more likely scenario is that we see the long awaited arrival of Rob Van Dam and Ken Kennedy. TNA has recently been in talks with RVD and Kennedy is currently touring with Hogan. But if TNA was truly smart they'd do exactly what WWE is currently doing and raid some of ROH's locker room. Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair

Also of note, rumors are spreading that Ric Flair has some kind of deal that will link him to Hogan for the next couple of years. I don't see how that's possible; doesn't really make since. Flair shouldn't really be worried about jeopardizing what Vince has done for him, because the list of things are quite small. Giving credit where credit is due, the WWE gave Flair his manhood back by putting him in a place where he could build new friends in the business (HHH and Batista).

They also solidified his career with his Hall of Fame run. But in that same breath they didn't add to much. There weren't that many career highlight-caliber opportunities outside of the 'Mania match with HBK. He wasn't put out front and center, more so in the shadows of HHH. But some would argue it was age appropriate. But with all that said, Flair is itching to jump back into things as evident by touring with Hogan. TNA would be lucky to have him.

Here are the free agents I'd like to see join TNA. Whether you like them or not, they can help the product:

RVD (a must), Jeff Hardy (groan), Petey Williams (shouldn't have been let go), Ken Anderson (undeniable charisma), Dark City Fight Club (solidifies a deep tag team division), and Brian Kenderick (less structure, more time to shine).

Better Competition

With Hogan comes better competition for all. Everyone will have great expectations and will be looking to step their game up—anyone see Sunday night's PPV?—which will, in turn, help with the product and ratings. And when their ratings start to climb, this will force the stagnant WWE to step their game up. They've been the runaway leaders in the wrestling world for years, unchallenged and uncaring. Hogan's arrival will ensure that WWE produces a better product to remain on top. And if WWE's going to step up their game, TNA will have to once again rise to the occasion. This will mean everyone from TNA champion AJ Styles to the caterer in the back will have to perform to the best of their abilities. It's a win-win for all.

New Storylines

One of the greatest change to TNA will be in the form of a fresh new storyline. Right now they are hooked on groups taking over TNA. First with the Main Event Mafia, now the British Invasion. It's all a bit 1997. So, let's hope when Kevin Nash isn't speaking of NWO 2.0 when he says Hogan's not coming alone. Vince Russo's got to be a little more creative than that. TNA will be ushering in the Hulkamania Era and let's hope they use it to start clean.

Hogan should endorse the younger talent, and then possibly a younger talent such as Styles or Matt Morgan (groan) can endorse him by letting the legend see their support by asking him to join with them instead of vice verse. How they do it is for Russo and creative to decide, but if they don't want everyone to chant Hogey is a Fogey they need to come with something fresh that the wrestling audience has never seen before.

What do you think Hulk Hogan's impact on TNA will be? Leave your comment below.

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