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CALDWELL'S BLOG: Warning sign? Hulk Hogan talks everything but TNA on Larry King tonight Oct 27, 2009 - 10:56:10 PM
In a few months when looking back at today's news and events related to Hulk Hogan partnering with TNA, Hogan's interview on Larry King Live tonight will either be a forgotten blip on the radar or the first warning sign that TNA is still dealing with the wrestling industry's ultimate self-promoter.
Hulk Hogan was on Larry King's worldwide CNN broadcast for 33 minutes tonight. It was a major opportunity to promote the TNA brand, the company name, and enhance the product compared to the worldwide leader, WWE. However, not once did Hogan mention TNA by name.
Larry King mentioned the promotion by name at the beginning of Hogan's final segment on the show. However, Hogan talked more about going to Australia to "test his sea legs" to see if he could wrestle again. He also talked more about his son Nick Hogan training with Rikishi in Southern California than his plans in TNA.
Hogan presented his "grand idea" for an "American Idol" wrestling show to find the next big wrestling superstar. Not once did he mention that TNA already has 10-15 potential "next big things" on the roster. He didn't need to mention anyone by name, but he didn't do TNA any favors with a roster of young stars already on the roster including the company champ A.J. Styles, Samoa Joe, Nigel McGuinness, Daniels, Hernandez, Matt Morgan, Jay Lethal, Consequences Creed, and Homicide.
Instead, Hogan appeared to be focused mainly on himself. He wants another reality TV show and obviously wants the spotlight again to promote the Hulk Hogan brand. The first 30 minutes of the interview were focused entirely on Hogan's personal life to promote his new book. Hogan had numerous opportunities to "guide" the often-times clueless Larry King into a discussion of his new wrestling endeavor working for TNA, but he chose not to.
Once the planned discussion shifted to wrestling, Hogan did not provide any specifics on what he will be doing with TNA. He didn't say how motivated he is to work for an underdog or help enhance a wrestling promotion with tremendous potential featuring young, hip wrestlers. Hogan did not come across excited, motivated, or sold on the business opportunity to help the second-largest wrestling promotion in the U.S.
"I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do (in TNA)," Hogan said, "but I plan to take this business to a whole 'nother level."
Uh, sure, Hulk.
Hogan's statement came across like a non-promise that was equally vague and empty. We assume TNA has a "big vision" for how Hogan will transform their brand identity or even be incorporated into the company's identity, but Hogan sure didn't have anything to share on Larry King's show.
Hogan had a chance to slap his seal of approval on TNA in a mainstream setting. Hogan is synonymous with pro wrestling to Average Joe viewers. One authentic, enthusiastic endorsement for TNA could have been huge. That didn't happen tonight.
A few months from now, either no one will remember this interview ever happened or we'll look back at the beginning of another lost opportunity for TNA to promote their wrestling brand and make some noise in the wrestling industry. Thanks for the heads up, Hulk.
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