Hulk Hogan's Press Conference on Signing with TNA Video

Here is the video of the historic press conference that took place at Madison Square Garden yesterday that announced the signing of Hulk Hogan to TNA Wrestling. This story has the wrestling world lit up with opinions and interest, both good and bad. From what we see, Hulk Hogan makes TNA look like a big time wrestling company that can bring in the top talent, and they're getting more recognition than ever for it. There are going to be tons more information on this for months to come, but for now, here is the video that will go down as what started it all, direct from the "house Hogan built."

Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff Sign with TNA Wrestling!

Huge news to report today, as the wrestling world has lit up with the news that Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are coming to TNA. Over a year ago, we speculated on a rumored Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan promotion, and how the two could finally create a rival to WWE if done right. That rumor turned out to be Celebrity Championship Wrestling, which was a fairly entertaining show, but it wasn't the change wrestling needed. Then a few months ago, the "Hulkamania Tour" was announced for Australia, which will feature Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair main events and a good roster of talent. Sounds like some fun shows, but again not something that will change wrestling here in the U.S. Then today, the bomb dropped. Hulk Hogan was scheduled to have a press conference at Madison Square Garden to promote his new book, "My Life Outside the Ring." No rumors, no speculation, just Hulk promoting his book. Then suddenly some rumors began to trickle in. Glimpses of TNA Spike TV banners were seen, and a story was born. News followed that TNA officials were on the scene, and at the actual press conference, Hogan announced he has signed with TNA Wrestling. Dixie Carter was on hand to take part in what is no doubt the biggest signing in TNA history. Word has it that Eric Bischoff may not only be in an on camera role, but will be working to bring more TV coverage to TNA through his production company. Of course this news has many "smart marks" calling for another WCW, with Hogan bringing in his friends like Brutus Beefcake and the Nasty Boys, and killing TNA, but we see this as exactly what TNA needs. Hulk and Bischoff bring controversy, coverage, exposure, all things TNA need. Everyone can complain about who needs to be pushed and who deserves a spot, but there is no doubt that Hulk Hogan will bring TNA a record rating this Thursday. TNA is now the hot topic, with something that's fresh and interesting, in an era where WWE is just getting worse.

In a related note, rumors are now abound that Ric Flair is also negotiating with TNA to come on board through a similar deal that Hogan and Bischoff are on board with. And for the first time TNA is a trending topic on twitter. Looks like Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are already giving us what wrestling needs, just like they did 15 years ago.

Shane McMahon Resigns from WWE...WTF?!

In what we feel is one of the biggest wrestling news stories in a few years, apparently Shane McMahon has resigned from WWE. Even though this is WWE we're talking about, it seems legit. The following press release is on WWE.com:
STAMFORD, CT – Shane McMahon, Executive Vice President of Global Media, announced today he has tendered his resignation effective January 1, 2010.
Shane stated, “It has been an incredible experience to help build WWE® into a global phenomenon. However, having been associated with this organization for the majority of my life, I feel this is the opportune time in my career to pursue outside ventures.”
“Even though I am personally saddened by Shane’s decision to leave the company, I am proud of the enormous contributions he has made. He will unquestionably bring passion, commitment and extensive business experience to any endeavor he pursues,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and CEO.

Now there is a statement from Shane McMahon himself, again from WWE.com:

"It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation from the WWE, effective January 1, 2010.

I have never even considered a future outside the walls of the WWE. However, sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and while it is the most difficult decision I have ever made, it is time for me to move on.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my father for the incredible education working with him has provided and for giving me the opportunity to play a role in building WWE into the global phenomenon that it is today. I am extremely proud to have been the 4th generation in this business, and I am grateful for everyday I was able to work along side not only my own, but the entire WWE family.

Thank you to all of the WWE Superstars both past and present for your passion, pride and dedication. You are truly the engine of the organization and it has been a pleasure to work with, learn from and get to know all of you. Thank you for the privilege of sharing the stage with you and for allowing me to become but a momentary member of your elite brotherhood. I have so much appreciation for the many sacrifices you endure, both physically and personally, to make this business the success that it is. The respect I have for each of you is immeasurable.

Finally, there are no words to express my gratitude to WWE fans the world over for supporting this company through good times and bad and for your unbridled passion that fuels the Superstars’ performances. I am profoundly grateful to have been able to entertain you both in front of the camera and from behind the scenes. You are the greatest fans in the world.

I will always love this business and will remain a fan forever.

Shane"

A McMahon resigning from WWE? Of course Linda did to run for Senate or whatever, but she hasn't had near the impact over the years as Shane has. And over the years, many speculated that WWE would be exciting again if Shane ever took over. Now we're doomed to think that Stephanie and Triple H will no doubt be handed the reigns of WWE someday....ugh. Is this a work? Would Shane ever entertain the thought of starting his own show or appearing on another? Probably not, but this big move definitely will start the "what if" scenarios. Let's just hope it doesn't mean Shane will be another guy who could really make wrestling great but does other projects instead that don't involve wrestling like Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff have.

RIP Captain Lou Albano

Captain Lou Albano passed away today at age 76. Lou was one of the most recognized faces during WWE's "Rock and Wrestling" era. Lou is a WWE Hall of Famer and recognized as one of the top managers in wrestling history. In 1985, when WWE was taking over the wrestling world, Lou played a huge role in making wrestling mainstream, after appearing in numerous Cindy Lauper videos, and being involved with Lauper when she appeared on WWE programming. Prior to this time, Lou managed numerous tag teams to gold, from the Wild Samoans, the Valiants, and Fuji and Saito, to the Moondogs, and the British Bulldogs. After Lou's role leading up the first Wrestlemania, for the first time Captain Lou became a good guy, and played that role until his exit from WWE in late 1986. After WWE Lou's star kept on growing, starring in the movie "Body Slam" in 1987 with Roddy Piper, then being cast as "Mario" in the Super Mario Brothers show. Lou will always be remembered as one of the most unique and charismatic characters in wrestling history. The rubber bands, the bright clothes, the 90 mph talk, we had no choice but to be hooked by Captain Lou. You won't find intriguing characters like the Captain in today's wrestling. Below are some videos, including talking about his role as Mario, and more from the one and only, never forgotten, true Hall of Famer, Captain Lou Albano.

Why Aren't There Wrestlers Like Abdullah the Butcher Anymore?

In today's world of cookie cutter wrestlers and cookie cutter wrestling in general, I got to thinking about some of the wrestlers that made old school wrestling great, and hence this new series on the truly unique legends of wrestling. When we talk about unique, different, special, even bizarre...Abdullah the Butcher is the first wrestler that comes to mind. A wrestler that was (and still is) legitimately feared. Abduallah the Butcher was scary, there is no argument. 1 look at a huge wildman chasing his opponent with a fork, most of the time covered in blood, and the fear was there. No one looked at Abdullah the Butcher and thought ANYthing he did was fake or he was just pretending. Abdullah looked like a murderer in the ring, hence the reason fans running in all directions while Abdullah brawled through the crowd. The first time I saw Abdullah, it was during his classic and never ending feud with Bruiser Brody. The site of these 2 wild men who didn't look like your normal every day guy you'd see walking down the street, brawling, bleeding, grabbing anything they could to use as a weapon, it was really something that hooked me on wrestling. Sure you had some great in-ring wrestlers, the world champions, but it was intriguing to think about what would happen if this great wrestler was up against the Madman from the Sudan. The champ could wrestle, but how would he take on the Butcher with his weapons and brawling...its the intrigue that followed Abdullah his entire career, never a dull moment. These days you can see an "extreme rules" match and "hardcore" etc., but the wrestlers all pretty much look alike, the WWE-style body builders. Gone are the days of legit scary looking bad asses who get in there and make you believe. It's too bad, because just the thought of Abdullah the Butcher vs. Brody, Dusty, Funk, The Shiek etc. is what really makes fans say "Wow, I really want to go buy a ticket to see THAT!"

Here are a few great clips of the greatness of Abdullah the Butcher. This type of action still blows a lot of the current product away.

Is Bret Hart Returning to WWE?!

In what could turn out to be one of the biggest wrestling stories in the past couple of years, the Wrestling Observer is reporting that Bret Hart is open to returning to an on-camera position with WWE. This news is shocking, because unless you've been living under a rock since 1997, it's well known that Bret Hart hasn't been willing to do anything with WWE aside from his Hall of Fame induction and his DVD project. Bret did make a brief appearance "via satellite" a couple of years ago to say something about Vince McMahon on a RAW episode, but has always vowed to never be part of any angles or stories again. Well apparently that may be changing, as Bret has made with WWE officials, and rumors are swirling that the current angle on Smackdown that involved Vince McMahon putting Teddy Long on probation, which lead to the screwjob last week in the Undertaker/CM Punk match and Taker's consequent abduction of Teddy Long on Smackdown last week, could all leading toward a Bret Hart return as Smackdown GM. Bret is one of the few guys that hasn't been back on TV In so many years, and could really be fresh and interesting again, and that's something WWE needs badly. Some fans are already mentioning Bret being involved with the Hart Dynasty (maybe a Dynasty vs. DX feud someday,) and of course if Bret was in the mix, some sort of big interaction between Bret and Vince could be a possibility, and that's something people have wanted since the Montreal Screwjob 12 years ago! I'm all for it, I hope it happens, and WWE could use a new nostalgia boost, and definitely one with Bret Hart that could open up some new fresh stories while capitalizing on classic situations from the past. More updates soon on this breaking situation.

Related:
Bret Hart book review

Jeff Hardy Busted for Drugs

Well it looks like CM Punk was right all along. The storyline between Punk and Jeff Hardy was based on Punk living a straight edge, drug free lifestyle, while bringing up how Hardy has been suspended for wellness violations related to drug use on a number of occasions. Sadly, only 2 weeks of Hardy taking a break from WWE, he's been busted on numerous counts of drug possession ranging from steroids and somas to cocaine and other drugs. We posted a couple of years ago about Jeff Hardy's drug suspension that got him removed from the WrestleMania 24 card, and how I didn't believe Hardy would get another shot at holding the title. Lucky for him, I was wrong, and Jeff has had title runs, and has been a main eventer for WWE for that past couple of years. But yet again, Jeff screws up, and screws up big time. This guy is going down the wrong path, and no one is going to be able to make excuses for him anymore, he's just screwed up too many times. Jeff was arrested but has since been bailed out, and of course is on his twitter saying how the media doesn't have the facts and it's not all true, but come on, TMZ has posted the reports, talked to officials, etc. Jeff can deny all he wants, but he's royally F'ed up his career, and I think it's doubtful we'll see him back in WWE any time soon, if ever, since he just can't keep things straight. The guy is being charged with intent to sell drugs? Really? A WWE main eventer needs to sell drugs just to pay the bills? What a waste of talent, but what else can be done. Here are a few reports on the arrest:

"Jeff Hardy -- one half of the WWE tag team duo The Hardy Boyz -- was busted today after cops found a boatload of pills and steroids inside his home.The Moore County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at Hardy's home in Cameron, NC today -- where they found 262 Vicodin pills, 180 Soma pills, 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids and a residual amount of powder cocaine. Cops say the estimated street value of the drugs: $2,500.Hardy was arrested on charges of "trafficking in controlled prescription pills" and possession of anabolic steroids.Chief Deputy Neil Godfrey told us Jeff's brother posted bail, which was set at $125,000." Source: TMZ.com

Jeff posted the following on his Twitter:

"For the record, Matt didn't bail me out, loan me money, or is his name on anything.. He's just learning about today's situation.."

Hardy then posted:

"The media is the media, I wish they would at least report the story correctly & accurately. I will make a statement later."

The Hardy Boyz are Back Together...I Think?

Smackdown has been a very different show than RAW lately. With a newly heel CM Punk leading the charge against World Champion Jeff Hardy, who is definitely the most popular guy on the brand. Throw in John Morrison, who's been booked as a new face (which we still can't get used to) who kept on getting the best of Punk up until last night's show. Last week we got a very interesting twist. WWE has been running an angle for awhile where Mr. McMahon isn't happy with the way Teddy Long is running Smackdown, and has put him on probation. Last week when Hardy and Punk had a wild brawl that couldn't be controlled, Vince announced that a special mystery enforcer would be appointed for the match. When match time came around, Matt Hardy's music hit, and he returned to Smackdown from an injury, with the thought being that Jeff was screwed now that his evil brother would be at ringside. As it turned out, after Punk accidentally nailed Matt toward the end of the match, Matt actually counted the 3 count for his brother Jeff to win the match, and then walked off. This week on Smackdown, Matt actually came to the aid of Jeff and Morrison as they were getting beat down by Punk and the Hart Dynasty. As Matt helped up Jeff, it sure looked like Matt would nail Jeff and once again ignite their feud that started at last year's Royal Rumble. That wasn't the case, as Matt helped Jeff up, said some words to him that we couldn't hear, and before we knew it, Teddy Long was announcing next week's main event as the Hart Dynasty and Punk vs. John Morrison and the Hardy's.

So let's stop for a minute, Matt comes out, helps Jeff, says a few words, i guess they were "Hey man, sorry I tried to kill you a few months ago, let's be friends again..." and all was good. Seriously, does anyone else remember that after Matt destroyed Jeff with a chair at the Royal Rumble, it was revealed that Matt was the one who had been attacking Jeff and even ran him off the road in North Carolina. All story of course, but they better have a GREAT explanation as to why Jeff can easily forgive Matt and trust him again. Matt has claimed that there is a great story behind all this complete with explanation, but wow, these 2 had quite a feud, and even a big Wrestlemania match this year, but all was forgiven REAL fast. Hopefully it's not a case of "Matt helps Jeff, Jeff forgives Matt, then a few weeks later, Matt turns on Jeff again, and they feud again." The Hardy vs. Hardy feud has been tried a couple of times now, and it just doesn't work. The idea of a Hardy Boyz reunion tour has spread across the net the past few days, and that is probably the best idea. Matt and Jeff as main eventers on Smackdown against a great heel like Punk and whoever aligns with him is the best bet. The Hardy feud wasn't great this time around either, so we can all just pretend it never happened like they seemingly want us to, and we'll enjoy the Hardy's in the top face position that they do so well in. With Jeff pondering taking time off again, reuniting him with Matt will either help his choice to stay, or give us a main eventer to take Jeff's place if he does decide to take off into the sunset once again.

Remember When...Terry Funk Battled Sabu at Born To Be Wired

Time to bring back the popular "Remember When..." series to Pro Wrestling Roundup. Time to look at some great classic memories from the month of August. In August of 1997, ECW was still running strong, and was a major part of the glory years that were the late 90's in wrestling. At the ECW Arena, a make shift main event was scheduled between ECW Champion Terry Funk and Sabu in a barbed wire match. The match was originally booked as a regular 6 man tag match, was was changed due to injuries and other circumstances. This match and really sums up a big part of what's missing in wrestling today. You had Terry Funk, who was the legendary icon of ECW, and in his mid 50's was ECW Champion, taking on Sabu, who was the most innovative guy to come along in years, and was a huge part of ECW rising to the popularity it did. Basically ECW wasn't about good guys vs. bad guys, it was about great talent having great matches. Sure you can say CZW or any of the hardcore promotions, or even TNA could put on a barbed wire match, but in ECW the entire feel was different. A big part of it was that Sabu and Funk could have had a great regular match, or any other stipulation match, they were great wrestlers, not just "hardcore guys." On paper, the match sounds like another good ECW main event from that time, but a couple of occurrences in the match made it one of the most memorable in ECW history. Early on in the match, Sabu was whipped into the barbed wire, and his inner arm was hooked and sliced open by the wire. It was a deep cut, but Sabu being Sabu, got some tape from his manager Bill Alfonso, wrapped it up, and kept on going. The match was utter brutality, right down until the very end, when both Sabu and Funk became wrapped together in barbed wire, so bad that they couldn't escape, and after Sabu somehow pinned Funk in the tangled mess and won the ECW title, they both had to be cut from the wire to escape. With the ECW name being insulted by being the equivilant of a minor league for WWE, this match showed the wild, crazy, unpredictable spirit of the REAL ECW. And these days, there is no promotion that is filling the ECW niche. No compelling stories with great workers who can tell a story, pull off great matches, and also have the ability to be put in a crazy barbed wire match and pull off a history making match. Hopefully someday someone will realize that the fans who loved ECW were still out there, and still crave this type of promotion that is aimed toward entertainment for adults, and gives fans an option that is NOT TV-PG.

Brian Kendrick Released by WWE

WWE announced the release of Brian Kendrick earlier today. No reasons have surfaced yet, but unless this was a release based on a wellness policy violation, this is another stupid release by WWE. Kendrick came from Shawn Michaels Pro Wrestling Academy around 7-8 years ago, and was always a talented wrestler, even though he was rather small. Kendrick had been in and out of WWE over the years, spent some time having some classics in Ring of Honor, before eventually returning to WWE and being put in a successful tag team with Paul London, with the duo even winning and having a long run with the WWE Tag Team Titles. I think the real breakout time for Brian Kendrick, was when after being drafted to Smackdown last year and breaking up his tag team with London....Brian debuted with a new heel gimmick, that being "THE Brian Kendrick." He suddenly had some pizazz, and colorful outfits, and really shined with charisma. Sadly, WWE did nothing with it, and while he had great performances, and even aligned with a new bodyguard, Ezekial Jackson, Kendrick was never put in the spotlight at all. This year Kendrick was drafted to RAW, and was started an angle where he was looking for a tag team partner to go after the tag belts with, but the angle went nowhere. Kendrick worked as recently as this past Monday, losing a quick match to Kofi Kingston, but still pushing a feud that had apparently just started the week earlier with Jerry "The King" Lawler, who Kendrick lost an impromptu match to. Hopefully more details will come, but it sounds like another case of WWE not knowing what to do with a talent, since the main event picture has pretty much been the same for years, with no change. I'm sure Ring of Honor would gladly take Kendrick back, but TNA could really use him as well as part of their attempt to be different than WWE, and of course Japan is an option for him as well. Brian Kendrick is his real name, so wherever he goes, he'll be able to keep that name. Kendrick is another guy I look at and see the star power that could be brought out of him if Paul Heyman was booking somewhere...and it continues to suck that he's not.