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GUEST EDITORIAL
By Adam Riemer of New York, PWTorch.com Reader

Most of us are talking about Hogan's debut on TNA last night. However I am wondering how many people are thinking about the WWE's reaction to last nights episode of "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia."

For those of you who missed it, much like last week's South Park, "Always Sunny" captured the theme of pro wrestling. Furthering things, it had the gang all watching a classic clip of Hulk Hogan...with the subtle WWE logo in the corner.

Now, it's common knowledge that TV shows are normally filmed weeks before an episode airs, so its obvious that the WWE, who is looking to be exposed to the general public by any means necessary, would attach itself to a hit TV show that is enjoyed by millions. It's also worth pointing out that the TV show would want to use a marquee star - someone who the general public would know and be interested in. Enter footage of Hulk Hogan, the most recognizable wrestling star ever, and someone who was still attached to the WWE name up until this week. The irony of the situation is astounding, and you have to assume WWE is not thrilled.

It happens a lot with pro wrestling, most notably in the WWE video game collection, where superstars who are released after development is done are still very prevalent in the Smackdown vs. Raw series. This year alone (in SVR 2010) we are treated to Mr. Kennedy, Brian Kendrick, Umaga, and most notably Jeff Hardy, who is currently accused of drug trafficking. In SVR 2008, we were able to play as Booker T, who had jumped to TNA right as the game was being released. In fact, that same year, WWE had to move quite quickly to get Chris Benoit edited out of the game completely without delaying release dates.

The timing this time was just bad for the WWE. To have your product exposed on a TV show like "Always Sunny" and have the Hulkster be such a big part of it to the point where his theme music closed out the episode, and then to have Hogan debut with the competition the same night is just laughable. For WWE, they must feel like that sad sports fan that just bought their favorite player's jersey just to come home and find out he was traded.

It will be interesting to see if Hogan's presence on a hit TV show will convince any lost fans to possibly check out pro wrestling again. It will also be interesting to see if that backfires for WWE with old viewers tuning into TNA instead to see their once-beloved childhood hero run wild...or at least attempt it again.

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