January 4th, 2010: TNA/WWE Head to Head

[Goldash]

I have a feeling January 4th, 2010 is going to be the best night of wrestling in a long time. On TNA !MPACT, which moves to Monday for one week only in a three-hour show, Hulk Hogan looks to make his debut (and, sadly, maybe win the TNA belt from AJ Styles in the process), Ric Flair is rumored to show up, and Desmond Wolfe ends up stealing the show (I can dream he will, at least).

On WWE, however, much bigger things are set to take place. Although WWE hasn't confirmed anything of the sort, DirecTV confirms that Bret Hart will make his long-awaited return to WWE television as Guest Host that is rumored to start an angle with Vince McMahon that leads up to Bret's final wrestling match at Wrestlemania 26 against Vinny Mac himself and hopefully ease him into a rumored full-time Raw GM position.

The next week, on January 11th (and this is confirmed by the WWE), head to head against a live UFC show, Mike Tyson will be Raw's guest host. But I have very little doubt UFC's going to win the ratings war that night, to be honest...I'll even be watching UFC most of the night myself.

Next month looks to be a huge one for the wrestling industry. Hopefully, with this new youth movement the WWE is capitalizing on, this will lead to the best Wrestlemania in years. For TNA, just pray AJ Styles doesn't decide to jump ship after Hogan wins the strap...sounds familiar, doesn't it? Hogan did the same thing in his very first match in WCW, back in 1994, when he won the World Heavyweight Championship, burying Ric Flair in the process.

[Main_Event_Quality]

This will surely be one of those instances where wrestling is exciting again. I surelly doubt (and pray to God) that Hogan will get that involved physically. All I know is I'm watching TNA that night. RAW is dead to me. I only check it online at this point.

[revolution1232000]

I don't think it will happen on that night but I do believe that Hogan will be TNA Champion and I really think it will be the end of TNA if he does. I also don't think Flair's arrival to TNA will be a good thing either since I think he has the same idea as Hogan but I am assuming he gets the contract from Panda Energy Drink so I don't think Flair is a team player. I am going to assume Hogan has the same unless his business team overlooked that. I mean I hope I am wrong for the TNA originals' sake, but it seems like another original will be buried by an existing star looking for his last big paycheck.

IMO Hart's return to WWE is bigger than another comeback attempt by Hogan.

[ronjohnson35]

If TNA Wins ratings war, then that PG crap is going to change in the WWE

[Malaphesto]

funny story about that
being PG isn't the reason why WWE sucks right now, and if you really think it is than please commit suicide

[revolution1232000]

I actually agree with Malaphesto on that, being PG or half assed at it, because if WWE was truly PG every noob's favorite wrestler Randy Orton wouldn't be how he is.

WWE is bad because it has no competition and that we won't change unless we need to attitude.

[ronjohnson35]

But if TNA wins almost every week its on Thursday then we might just see that attitude in the WWE and the Monday/ Thursday Night Wars will start

[revolution1232000]

TNA is more on par with ECW which is the 3rd show in WWE, I think the reason WCW gave WWE issues and were the top wrestling company at one time was because they were roughly the same size as WWE. Both had the same number of television shows. I don't think that Hogan is going to be the superdraw that TNA want him to be.

[mgezzy4life]

me too. Hulk ain't how he was in 1980's he's just that wrestling dude to people who don't watch wrestling. Hulk being on the show probably is more of a turn off than a draw. Just how corny and out of date Hulk is just makes me laugh. All TNA needs is advertisement they should had since the same year Bound For Glory was promoting TNA's game. It should have been advertisement all over the place even on WWE TV. Now they want to do it. Come on man. TNA failed when it came to hype towards their fed. I think I mention it before and I'd mention again. Wrestling will not take a step further if people will get outta the past.

From fans to The Chairmen of the companies need to get out of that 80's-90's wrestling mentality. Drugs and Rock & Roll ain't cool anymore

[Malaphesto]

Dec 29, 2009 14:28:01 GMT -5 @revolution1232000 said:

I don't think that Hogan is going to be the superdraw that TNA want him to be.

Well, had TNA played there cards right, then his name could helps drag ratings away from WWE. The fact that it's so obvious he won't change much should be a testament to how idiotic everybody in charge of TNA is

[ronjohnson35]

Batista is not particularly high on WWE's "champions of tomorrow" as he feels that other wrestlers of his generation are a dying breed. He says "We're dinosaurs in this age of instant gratification. We are not just athletes, we are also storytellers and I don't see that in the newcomers". Tommy Dreamer (the last ECW Original) is said to be the source of the rumors indicating he's headed to TNA once he's free from WWE as those close to him are saying he has been telling them he's Orlando bound While those within TNA have yet to confirm his claim, It's been made to clear to him that he has a job open for him if he wanted to become an agent.it's unlikely WWE would release him in order to allow him to join TNA as a wrestler. Even if he was given a full release without a no wrestling in TNA stipulation, he'd likely have a 90-day non-compete.

On WWE.Com There is a poll regarding the return of Bret "Hitman" Hart on 1/4/10 and on what is the first thing he should do hence his return to the WWE. It reads as follows:

A)-Address the WWE Universe live for the first time in 12 years.

B)-Throttle WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon for Montreal in 1997.

C)-Pass out an electric pink pair of his signature sunglasses.

D)-Seek out Shawn Michaels and challenge him to a WWE Iron Man Match.

The majority decision was for a Bret-Shawn Iron Man Rematch. It seems everyone is looking for closure on the whole Bret Hart Montreal Screwjob situation. Anyway there must be some reason why it is posted... Maybe it's a possibility? If there is one thing I learned in life it's never say never!
TNA company officials are contemplating signing the former WWE performer Ricky Ortiz.
Hulk Hogan Says He'll Be The "Vince Of TNA"
Hogan in an interview says "MMA is spanking the WWE as far as the pay-per-view stuff, " "Dana White and the UFC has done an amazing job, and it's all about timing. The UFC was ready to close its doors, they were losing a ton of money, they were going under, they were getting ready to go out of business, and then they did a reality show called, The Ultimate Fighter. They developed the characters; they made people care about the fighters; the people found out who the fighters were; they breathed life into the fighters. That's what I want to do with TNA. They've got the best talent in the world down there, but no one is breathing life into the characters."
Not only will Hogan be appearing on TNA television in a role he describes as, "the Vince McMahon of TNA," he also said that he will be running the show creatively behind-the-scenes. It is there that the 56-year-old will look to emulate what the UFC has been able to accomplish over the past decade.
Hulk Hogan Feels Cody Deaner Makes TNA Look "Low Budget"
During an interview with NorthJersey.com, Mickie James reveals whether she was hesitant to go through with WWE's storyline tackling her weight.
On January 4th we will see who the better show is RAW (WWE) or TNA once and for all.
The only reason why Vince wanted Bret Hart to host RAW is because Hogan said they were going to war with them and he felt threatned by Hogan so he thought to cause controversy he'll ask Bret Hart to host RAW knowing Bret still made at him. Some say this "Cable War" will go to WWE, some say it'll go to TNA, and little say it'll end in a Tie. but we'll see come Monday at 8pm.

[efwwrestling]

Anyone who says that TNA will beat, or at least tie, WWE in the ratings on January 4th is a ludicrous and idiotic statement.

The simple fact of it is that Hogan is the most recognizable face of professional wrestling, both a plus and a minus. From an industry standpoint I feel that in comparison to Hart he's too overexposed. Two months ago Hogan was in a big tour in Australia and even in recent years he's been on TV and reality shows.

Contrast that with Hart who since his retirement has kept a very low wrestling profile over the years, to a degree including his Hall of Fame induction in 2005. If I'm correct on that, that would make his only national TV or PPV appearance in a wrestling-related event.

In the short term, Hogan in TNA works but the magic will wear off over time.

[revolution1232000]

I've noticed that in all the talk in this thread not one of us has mentioned what Bischoff's role in TNA might be? I think TNA going head to head with WWE is his idea. Though I doubt the same tactics that saw WCW beat WWE in the Monday night wars for 84 weeks or so? I am interested in his role in all this.

[ronjohnson35]

Eric Bischoff has posted a new blog on his website talking WWE bringing back Bret Hart and the upcoming Monday Night War. Here’s some of what he wrote:

As expected, WWE is reacting to the competition by bringing in Bret Hart.

I am happy for Bret. Hopefully, by going back to work for Vince and the WWE, Bret will be able to put a painful and personally traumatic part of his life behind him. I have always liked Bret as a person and respected him as a professional. It was disappointing to me when I would read or hear comments that Bret would make, that reflected the bitterness he has been carrying around with him for so long. Bret has an opportunity now to write the last chapter of his book in a way that will allow fans to remember him in a more positive way.

I wish the best for Bret and wish good luck to TNA as well.

Clearly TNA is up against a Wall Street mega-corp bully with a billion dollar bank account and a Chairman that thinks only he should have any meaningful market share of the professional wrestling business (even though he’s embarrassed to admit he’s in the professional wrestling business). It will be an up-hill battle for TNA indeed.

The real winner though, will be the wrestling fans.

Based on the mind-numbingly stupid Raw I had the misfortune of dropping in on last week, perhaps the fact that TNA stepped up and is at least taking a swing at the bully was enough to make McMahon realize that he could not afford to take his audience for granted and continue to shove tripe down the throats of his Goliath “universe” while David was reaching for a stone.

This Monday Night…win, lose, or draw I have to give credit to the folks at TNA and Spike. They could have taken the easy path and put their best foot forward un-opposed. That would make the most sense to many people. But by at least getting into the fight, TNA is most likely going to gain the awareness and respect of a completely different audience.

And wrestling fans are not only going to have a choice this Monday night, they will most likely see a higher quality product all the way around. And for that they should thank TNA.

[ronjohnson35]

Hulk Hogan’s Monday appearance on Bubba the Love Sponge’s radio show:

– Interestingly, he made mention of Rob Van Dam and how over he was in WWE. He said “politics” was the reason RVD was never as successful as he should have been.

– When Bubba mentioned Jeff Hardy, Hulk said he would “love to have Jeff Hardy” in TNA.

– Hulk said he has not spoken to Randy Savage or Scott Hall.

– Hogan said he has not spoken to Vince Russo. He once again said that if Vince Russo is able to come up with a great idea he would listen.

– He once again squashed rumors that he was only coming to TNA as a talent. He said that he would ONLY be the BOOKER in TNA.

– Hogan said the writers will be in a “secondary position” in TNA and that if the workers have to have the writers to get over then they can “head up north [to WWE] where everything is scripted.”

Hogan said that the night before Umaga died, he spoke with him and told Umaga he would love to involve him in his plans for TNA, and that was the last time he ever spoke to him.

Eric Bischoff, who is joining Hulk Hogan with TNA Wrestling, has posted a message on Twitter hyping the upcoming Monday Night iMPACT! special on January 4th with a little jab at WWE. Bischoff wrote, "Was anxious to make the announcement about the Jan 4 debut. Been in the works for more than a month and a tough one to keep quiet..s*its on!"

From talking to people in WWE, there is said to be "pretty much no concern whatsoever" in regards to TNA's iMPACT! going head-to-head with Monday Night Raw on January 4, 2010. There is such little concern about TNA that WWE is not even looking to move Raw to three hours, though there is talk of lining up a strong guest host for the first two weeks of the new year.

Among those in WWE, the general feeling is that TNA president Dixie Carter is "incredibly naïve" and that TNA is in for a massive disappointment come January 5th when the ratings come in.


-- At Monday's TNA iMPACT! taping from Orlando (airing this Thursday on Spike), Team 3D and Homicide paid tribute to Umaga with messages on their wrist tape.

[ronjohnson35]

Politico.com has an article up that paints former WWE CEO and United States Senate hopeful Linda McMahon in a very negative light. The article includes quotes from several former WWE employees, who say it would be downright wrong for McMahon to reach such a high position of power in the United States government. Here are some quotes:

Chyna: “If there is a race to Capitol Hill, I hope she gets knocked off before she even starts."

Bruno Sammartino: “I would not vote for her because I know what she contributed to the wrestling world with her husband. The vulgarity, the nudity, the profanity, all that kind of crap — it bothers me.”

Llarry Zbyszko: “If the people in Connecticut are stupid enough to elect Linda, that’s their problem."

Superstar Billy Graham: “This campaign is the height of hypocrisy. I believe the voters and citizens in Connecticut deserve to be told the truth. In no way does she have a rightful place in the U.S. Senate. The fact that we were out there experiencing trauma and drawing in untold millions for the company [means] we should have at least had some sort of health insurance.”

The Blue Meanie: "We’re the guys out there sacrificing ourselves. You’d think they’d throw us a bone. Sometimes you wondered if they saw their employees as humans or farm animals It was like being in the circus. You’re shipped here, perform there; it’s almost like you’re disposable.”"

WWE’s lack of health insurance is at the heart of the wrestlers’ grievances. They allege that McMahon and her husband, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, ran a billion-dollar company that provided no health insurance for the wrestlers who put their bodies on the line to help turn the WWE into the global phenomenon it is today.

[DevildrummerX]

Jan 1, 2010 7:09:44 GMT -5 ronjohnson35 said:

Politico.com has an article up that paints former WWE CEO and United States Senate hopeful Linda McMahon in a very negative light. The article includes quotes from several former WWE employees, who say it would be downright wrong for McMahon to reach such a high position of power in the United States government. Here are some quotes:

Chyna: “If there is a race to Capitol Hill, I hope she gets knocked off before she even starts."

Bruno Sammartino: “I would not vote for her because I know what she contributed to the wrestling world with her husband. The vulgarity, the nudity, the profanity, all that kind of crap — it bothers me.”

Llarry Zbyszko: “If the people in Connecticut are stupid enough to elect Linda, that’s their problem."

Superstar Billy Graham: “This campaign is the height of hypocrisy. I believe the voters and citizens in Connecticut deserve to be told the truth. In no way does she have a rightful place in the U.S. Senate. The fact that we were out there experiencing trauma and drawing in untold millions for the company [means] we should have at least had some sort of health insurance.”

The Blue Meanie: "We’re the guys out there sacrificing ourselves. You’d think they’d throw us a bone. Sometimes you wondered if they saw their employees as humans or farm animals It was like being in the circus. You’re shipped here, perform there; it’s almost like you’re disposable.”"

WWE’s lack of health insurance is at the heart of the wrestlers’ grievances. They allege that McMahon and her husband, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, ran a billion-dollar company that provided no health insurance for the wrestlers who put their bodies on the line to help turn the WWE into the global phenomenon it is today.

Jan 1, 2010 7:19:58 GMT -5 ronjohnson35 said:

Cody Deaner is gone from TNA Wrestling and is now accepting independent booking. Like WWE, I would expect TNA to make more cuts in the New Year, especially with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff coming in.

OK. Listen when you have something you want to add to a post that you just made. All you do is click on the 'Modify' icon in the upper right-hand corner of your post, and add your additional thoughts or comments.

Not trying to pick on you or anything but adding to your first post reduces clutter in the thread.

[ronjohnson35]

According to The Sports Courier, chances are high that former WWE performers Ken Anderson, Rob Van Dam and Paul Heyman will be debuting on tomorrow night's three-hour iMPACT broadcast.

In the case of Anderson, there is a 95% chance that the former "Mr. Kennedy" will make his TNA debut tomorrow night. However, in the event he does not appear, "he will in the very near future."

Regarding Heyman, they were told there is a 75% chance, if not better, that he will debut in TNA. Upon being informed of the report, Figure Four Weekly's Bryan Alvarez said Heyman has indeed had discussions with TNA officials in recent months — though he'd probably deny them.

As has been speculated by numerous websites, Rob Van Dam appears to be headed to TNA. The Sports Courier feels there is a 70% chance of RVD showing up tomorrow night.

It's also noted that Scott Hall is pretty much a lock to appear tomorrow night, as is Sean Waltman

The Hart Dynasty — David Hart Smith, Tyson Kidd and Natalya — have been called to appear on tomorrow night's Raw in Dayton, Ohio, reports www.f4wonline.com. They will likely take part in the angle surrounding Bret Hart's return to WWE.

Hogan will be taking part in a media blitz Monday morning to promote tomorrow night's history making episode of iMPACT!. The WWE Hall of Famer will be addressing the disparaging comments WWE star CM Punk said about him on The BJ Shea Morning Experience before the holiday break.

Here is what Punk said regarding TNA and "The Hulkster":

"My take is first of all that we have Tribute to the Troops on Saturday. That's probably going to be a much better show than whatever TNA is going to put on."

"I have a lot of friends that work there and I do watch the show, but I seem to watch it on perpetual fast forward. I hope, I really hope that something comes of it."

"I have zero faith in Hulk Hogan as a man who is what? 60 years old and tries to dress like he's 18 and lives on the Jersey Shore."

"For a guy I've never met, I've formulated enough opinions about him just from being around him and like his business acumen and stuff like that, I really trust that he's not in this for TNA and he's not in this for the business. He's in this for himself."

"Hulk Hogan, I hope you prove me wrong. I hope there's competition because when there's competition we step up, everybody makes more money, and I think it makes the business healthier and that's what I'm looking forward to, but I don't have much hope."

[ronjohnson35]

Former WWE and TNA star Shannon Moore has posted the following on his official Twitter account:

"Big change of plans. Got a call from TNA. Looks like I'm heading to Orlando meet with Hulk Hogan tomorrow."

The following is a new tweet from the official Twitter page of Jeff Hardy:

"Hell yeah Gonna roll with my boy @theshannonbrand to FLA to put in a good word & check out tha show."

At this past weekend's UFC PPV post-event press conference, UFC President Dana White was questioned this weekend at the company's pay-per-view about WWE running head-to-head with UFC Fight Night Live on January 11th, with Mike Tyson as the guest host of Raw. Below is a quote of what White said: "I mean we're not trying to go against him. That night is the night Spike wanted the fight. Spike wanted the fight that night, so that's the night they called for it and Vince goes into (expletive) war mode. He's calling up (Mike) Tyson. He's bringing this guy back and the Rock might come back. I love it. He's a (expletive) animal. You've never heard me say we're going to kick the (expletive) out of Monday Night Raw. You've never heard me say that. I think we're two totally different, pro wrestling is totally different than the UFC and mixed martial arts. And I respect this guy. I like Vince McMahon. I've had breakfast with him. He's a good guy, but he is a (expletive) animal. I'm not trying to beat him on Monday night. I don't think we would beat them. Those guys pull killer ratings. It's been like the highest rated show on television forever. We're just putting a fight on Monday night because Spike wants us to."

Regarding Shawn Michaels' outlook on real-life rival Bret Hart returning to World Wrestling Entertainment, he is said to be happy that the "Hitman" is coming back and is more than willing to bury whatever hatchet there is between them.

On the flip side, Triple H has been telling people he doesn't want Hart back in WWE and that he hopes his return to the company fails. Considering that his wife, Stephanie McMahon-Levesque, is head of creative in the company, it would appear that Vince McMahon may have to overrule his daughter and son-in-law if his storyline with Hart is to be a success. Providing things go well, a Hart vs. McMahon blow-off will be taking place at WrestleMania.

Hart's animosity towards Michaels and Hunter can summed up in a few sentences in his 2007 autobiography release as he concluded Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling by saying he'll never forgive either two for "killing the business" that so many people gave their lives for.

"When I got into the business, wrestling was all about trust and respect, and doing the honours meant something. I'll never forgive Shawn, or Hunter, for killing the business that so many of us gave our lives for," Hart wrote. "Although pro wrestling will never truly die, but always morph into something else, the business that I knew and loved and gave all I had to is dead and gone forever."

Hart criticized Michaels further in his book's afterword, notably calling him "a phony, liar and a hairless yellow dog."

"Shawn Michaels found religion and settled down with an ex-Nitro girl. Over time he seemed to have convinced himself that it was me who screwed him over at Survivor Series. To me, Shawn will always be a phony, liar and a hairless yellow dog." Hart continued, "The difference between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels is that I'd have never done to him, or to any of the boys, what he did to me."

[Main_Event_Quality]

I totally forgot all this is taking place tonight. Oh boy I cant wait to watch Impact.