Hulk Hogan Returning To Wrestling

This past week, news spread like wildfires that wrestling icon "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan would be returning to the business of professional wrestling. He made the announcement that he has signed on with TNA Wrestling this past Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. The speculation has been that he'd be in charge of the "creative" department in the company, but his status as an in-ring competitor is uncertain. Now this is a big deal because Vince McMahon's WWE promotion has had zero competition since McMahon himself bought rival company WCW in 2001. TNA is a young upstart promotion that has made several acquisitions over the last few years that they feel helps them compete with the top dog. Thus far, even though they've had success as a very solid alternate, they've hardly been able to label themselves as competition to the WWE. Enter: Hulk Hogan. Now the man isn't the draw he was 10-20 years ago - but he is the biggest star in the history of the business. One couldn't help but to be somewhat interested in what he has left, and more importantly, if he can help jump start another boom period in professional wrestling by making TNA a viable competitor.

On a personal level, this guy is my favorite professional wrestler ever. I grew up as a Hulkamaniac and never get tired of seeing him for the nostalgia factor.

Hogan was still at his best as Hollywood Hogan though. nWo 4 Life, bitches!

TNA Fires The Don!

This is my first wrestling-related entry. Dope. Late yesterday, I stumbled across the sad and stunning news that TNA color commentator Don West was being replaced by former ECW champion Taz in the booth. The announcement stunning because of how increasingly entertaining Don had become on he headsets in recent months. For several years, TNA's commentary was a drawback of the show - and people often pointed to West as the reason. In February, he started a transformation into a heel ('bad guy' for you non-wrestling heads) and seemingly had found his niche. Filling broadcasts with crude one-liners and subliminal humor and any quick witted person could appreciate, Don made himself an asset to the product instead of a liability. People may wonder what the big deal is - an announcer gone, you move on. Well, in the world of pro-wrestling, an announcer is almost as important as the performers. Obviously - the actions are pre-determined, therefore, you need a color commentator and play-by-play guy that can really sell the matches as if they weren't. It comes as no surprise to me that TNA's overall product has been better in recent months - coinciding with West's noticeable improvement. He certainly wasn't the main and only reason - but definitely a factor.

Some people may recognize Don West from the sports cards shows on Shop-At-Home in the 90's. He was the 'loud guy' who screamed at the top of his lungs and spit all over the merchandise. Even earning a Saturday Night Love parody based on he and his co-hosts. As a child who was heavily into sports cards, I watched that show religiously. I'll always be a fan of Don West. Whatever he may do from here on out, I wish him the best of luck. And I leave you with one of my favorite quotes of his. "Crackerjack! That's what happens when you snitch." Peace, Don.