Posts Tagged ‘Hulk Hogan’

Bubba The Love Sponge Sued For Manipulating Ratings

In and out of wrestling, radio shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem (born Todd Clem) is known for a lot of things. In wrestling, he was Hulk Hogan’s buddy who had a brief TNA run that ended after a weird backstage feud with Awesome Kong, who punched him after he made derogatory comments about Haitian earthquake victims. Hogan cut ties with him after videos of him having sex with Bubba’s then-wife got out. In radio, there was a whole lot more, but most recently, his lawyers in a defamation case filed by another radio personality were convicted of arranging for opposing counsel to be arrested on fraudulent drunk driving charges.

Now? Having admitted last week to ratings tampering (which he had implied on the air rival Todd “M.J.” Shmitt had done), he’s being sued. Nielsen Audio (formerly Arbitron), part of the same Nielsen that handles TV ratings, are arguing that, among other things, Bubba hurt their reputation and interfered in their contract with his station.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRX7qiiLY9c

The complaint outlines the situation as follows:

A mutual friend of Bubba and a listener who was added to the Nielsen sample arranged a deal to manipulate ratings in the Tampa area.  Bubba paid the guy $300 per month (with bonuses of up to $400 monthly if certain goals were met) to carefully manipulate the ratings, giving instructions to avoid detection while also not listening to key rivals. Since the listener’s home got four of Nielsen’s “Personal People Meter” listening devices, Bubba even went as far as buying the listener additional radios as gifts via his own Amazon account.

Bubba upped the pressure when his ratings went down, and the listener eventually went to Nielsen, telling them everything. “Everything” included that Bubba told him he had done the same thing with at least one other listener…who wasn’t careful and was caught by Nielsen, who verified that a listener fitting the description had been kicked out.

Hulk Hogan: Media Was “Abusive” In Covering Racist Comments

To promote his upcoming U.K. speaking gig, Hulk Hogan appeared on BBC Radio 5’s Sarah and Dan’s Extra Edition. Not surprisingly, he was asked about his leaked racist comments that were on on a sex tape shot without his permission. He’s changed his tune a little from the stock answer he  was using on his apology tour. Here’s what it said:

Why did I say it? I don’t know why I said it. Biggest mistake I’ve ever done. Biggest mistake I’ve ever made. It’s kind of like The Rock said, ‘Everybody talks smack once in a while.’ I was in a bad place, and it doesn’t even matter that it was said in private. I never should have said it, I feel horrible for it.

The WWE, what they did, that was just…they had to do what was best for their business. At the time, that was their choice.

Yeah[, it affected my career]. It’s been a crazy ride the last couple months because at first, everybody knee-jerk reacted and kind of went crazy, then went ‘Wait a minute, we know who this guy is!’ and they thought about it and realized what the situation was. That this one thing doesn’t define what we feel or what we think about Hulk Hogan. Then, a lot of the critics and the media who beat on me so hard, they actually got sympathy on me. People actually feel bad that the media’s been so abusive.

So it’s been a crazy couple months, but everybody out there knows who I am and I’m really good right now.

[..]

These people I hurt so bad, I apologize for. But I think that once it sank in, they went ‘He said this where? And it was in private? And it was eight years ago? And he apologized? I haven’t changed the way I feel about Hulk Hogan, he just made a huge mistake, and he’s very upset about it. I think the people had a chance to think through it, and like I said, they know who I am, so everything’s really good. [beat] If you wanna talk about wrestling, I’d love to keep talking with you.

After the interview was edited into the show, one of the hosts joked that it was “a legal minefield.”

Hogan Speaks On His Expendables 4 Role: There Should Be Less Young Actors

Variety reports that The Expendables 4 will film next year, be released in 2017, and feature none other than Hulk Hogan.

Despite Hogan admitting that he thinks his acting career “sucked,” he has some input for the upcoming action flick: Less young actors.

“There is one hope I have for the fourth film, it is that they stop populating these movies with young actors,” Hulk told Sports Illustrated. “Like Kellan Lutz or Liam Hemsworth. Nothing against them, but aren’t Stallone, Arnold, Statham, and the more seasoned actors worth the price of admission alone? They are the draw of this series, not the young kids they try to bring in!”

Hogan previously commented on reports of his involvement in the movie at a Q & A session in England back in May of 2015:

“Was talking on the phone with Sly [Stallone] about doing The Expendables 4. We’re trying to figure out a way to maybe turn me into the most evil man in the world. Y’know, Stallone gave me my first break and he’s been a great friend for all these years … We had a great conversation, talking about the possibilities. Can I still run, can I still jump? Well, not as fast or not as high, but I think Hollywood could find a good stunt man to help me out.”

How much screen-time Hogan will actually get is unclear, but his pre-existing relationship with Sly bodes well for his chances of landing a good role in the film. Stallone has previously brought in former co-stars Dolph Lundgren (Rocky IV), Wesley Snipes (Demolition Man) and Antonio Banderas (Assassins) to play key characters the franchise’s past films. The Hulkster and Stallone shared the screen in Rocky III back in 1982.

Related: Hogan On WWE Status: It’s So Sad That I’ve Been Taken Out of the Hall of Fame

Hulk Hogan Hosting Pool Party, Funniest WWE Stars, R-Truth To Rap At Indy Show

– Hulk Hogan is set to host a pool party at The Harrahs Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey on the evening of Saturday, October 10, 2015. “Epic Saturdays with Hulk Hogan” admission tickets start at $20. More details on the event can be found at NightOut.com.

– There is currently a contest on the WWE.com website where fans respond to a new poll which asks who is currently the funniest WWE Superstar or Diva. The options include The New Day, R-Truth, Dean Ambrose, Becky Lynch, Dolph Ziggler, and John Cena. The New Day took the lead with 46% of the almost 7,000 votes, followed by Ambrose at 20% and Becky with 10%.

– R-Truth is set to perform some of his rap songs in Charlotte, North Carolina at tonight’s Juggalo Championship Wresling event. The rap group Insane Clown Posse owns JCW and posted the following promotional item on their official Facebook page.

Hogan On WWE Status: It’s So Sad That I’ve Been Taken Out of the Hall of Fame

When Hulk Hogan appeared on Ric Flair’s “WOOOOO! Nation” podcast, The Hulkster spoke candidly about his current WWE Hall of Fame status.

You can listen to the full podcast here.

When Hogan was asked to name his most prized possessions in his career, he says the WWE Hall of Fame ring as being the most important to him. He also mentions several championship belts including the belt he used for the filming of Rocky 3.

“That Hall of Fame ring is my life,” Hogan said. “It’s just so sad that I’ve been taken out of the Hall of Fame and I don’t have a presence anymore in the wrestling business. But I’m going to cherish that Hall of Fame ring.”

Related: Hogan On New Gawker Case Developments: “It’s A Beautiful Day”

Recap Of Hulk Hogan On Ric Flair’s Podcast: “TNA Had Too Many Cooks In The Kitchen”

Hulk Hogan was recently interviewed by “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair for Ric’s WOOOOO! Nation podcast. The two Hall of Famers discussed their time in both WWE and TNA. You can stream or download the podcast here.

Hogan reiterated his stance on WWE firing him over his leaked racist rant, saying they did what they had to do. He said the loyalty of the fans is something that WWE can’t take away from him and he won’t take for granted. He has nothing bad to say about Vince or WWE, and says he knows he created some great memories there.

Related: Hogan vs. Gawker Update: Sex Tape Will Be Shown In It’s Entirety

The two ring icons also got into the subject of TNA, where they both worked at the same time. Hogan was a member of the creative team during their runs in the company, and recalled the time he convinced Ric to take a clothesline from him while Ric was rolling down the ramp in a wheelchair. Flair was glad the crowd popped huge for the clothesline, because he says it’s hard to make the old Impact Zone pop as there are a lot of non-wrestling fans in attendance.

Dixie Carter is another person Hulk says he has nothing bad to say about, because she supported him through some tough surgeries. He did concede that being in TNA was a “tough gig.”

Flair put over James Storm and Bobby Roode as great talents. Flair also said that the decline for the company is due to “inconsistent booking” and having, “too many cooks in the kitchen.”

The Nature Boy revealed that TNA had him and Hulk delivered to and from the arena each night, and that most of their time in Orlando was spent at the hotel bar across the street.

Hogan On New Gawker Case Developments: “It’s A Beautiful Day”

A third party forensic investigation of Gawker’s computers has been approved. There will be an in-depth search of their offices to discover whether the company had illegally leaked transcripts of the Hulk Hogan sex tapes to the National Enquirer and RadarOnline.com, which led to Hogan’s WWE firing.

According to F4WOnline.com, Gawker could lose the equivalent of a summary judgment if they were found to be behind the leak, which would be the best case scenario for Hogan, as it would avoid having to go through a highly public and embarrassing trial.

Hogan was so happy with these proceedings he exclaimed that “It’s a beautiful day,” as he left the courtroom. Prior to the forensic investigation being approved, fifteen separate documents were sealed in the interest of Hogan’s privacy.

These developments are clearly not in Gawker’s favor and they vented their frustration over the judge’s decision to keep most of the lawsuit’s confidential records sealed in an official statement afterwards:

“Given the obvious public interest in this case, it is truly unfortunate that a large number of records remain hidden, and that the public is prevented from seeing both sides’ arguments and the basis for many of the court’s most significant rulings, The public should be able to know what happens in its court system.?”

Related: Hulk Hogan Content Returns To The WWE Network

We will have a recap of Hogan’s appearance on Ric Flair’s podcast this week.

Hulk Hogan Content Returns To The WWE Network, Trish Stratus vs. Lita Kicks Off ‘WWE Rivalries’

– Content featuring Hulk Hogan has returned to the WWE Network after the organization removed references to the legendary wrestler from its various platforms when he was fired and blacklisted on July 24, 2015.

Hulk Hogan Unreleased from 2009, the WWE Rivalries episode on his feud with Roddy Piper and episodes of WrestleMania Rivalry (Hogan vs. Andre the Giant, Hogan vs. The Rock and The Mega Powers Explode) are available to watch again. Episodes of the animated series Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling were not added back though.

– The second season of WWE Rivalries premieres tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. with an episode centered on the storied rivalry between Trish Stratus and Lita.

The synopsis for the episode reads, “Two women revolutionize sports entertainment and raise the bar for WWE’s growing Diva’s Division en route to Hall of Fame careers.”

Stratus commented on the episode on her official website, TrishStratus.com.

“Amy and I have always felt our rivalry was special,” she said. “It was something we felt in our chemistry in the ring — there was an intangible feeling from the crowd whenever we faced off. I can’t wait to see our story unfold on the Network.”

Hulk Hogan Appearing On Ric Flair’s Podcast

WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan revealed on Monday that he will be appearing on an upcoming episode of Ric Flair’s WOOOOO! Nation Podcast.

No word yet if the episode will air this week, but Flair’s podcast drops on Tuesdays, so we’ll know soon enough.

Bob Backlund: Hulk Hogan Took Drugs To Succeed & Embarrassed Us

Bob Backlund recently explained that he and Bruno Sammartino were embarrassed by Hulk Hogan’s success & how he attained it. Backlund, a WWE Hall of Famer, talked to Inquisitr.com to promote his new book and dished out a little more bad PR for The Hulkster along the way.

“Hulk Hogan told your children not to take drugs and cocaine and eat your vitamins and minerals. He talked the talk, but he didn’t walk the walk,” said Backlund. “It was very embarrassing for me and Bruno Sammartino to have a man like that to replace us because we believed doing the right was a very important element of a champion.”

“We don’t hate Hulk Hogan, we didn’t like what he did, what he did to improve. He cheated in life and took drugs to get ahead, and it’s not that you hate a person you just don’t like the things he did.”

This is more bad press for Hogan, who is currently going through a sex tape-related lawsuit, which also lead to him being fired from WWE for using the N-word on the tape.

Backlund did however have some kind things to say about another multi-time World Champion, Triple H.

“He’s done everything he said he would with me since I met him,” said Backlund. “I can’t say he’s Vince McMahon Sr, but you can’t judge somebody in a years time span. You gotta do business with them for quite a while before you could really know that he is that person you’re hoping that he is. So far, I believe he’s a very good person and I know he’s a good family man.”

Check out the full story where he speaks on John Cena, Vince McMahon, and more at Inquisitr.com.

Hogan vs. Gawker Update: Sex Tape Will Be Shown In It’s Entirety

Here’s the latest on Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker.com over the public release of his sex tape.

— On Thursday, Judge Pamela Campbell sealed fifteen separate documents in order to protect Hogan’s privacy. The documents will stay sealed, but the documents are described as being back-and-forth discussions between Hogan and Gawker, between May 2014 and August 2015.

Gawker’s lawyer Seth Berlin has responded to the sealing of the documents saying the development is unfortunate. Arguing that it’s the media’s right for the legal process to be made public. Some of the news outlets who have requested that the documents be made public include First Look Media, The Tampa Bay Times and The Associated Press.

— RadarOnline.com says they’ve confirmed that Florida Circuit Court Judge Campbell will show the full sex tape in court. The Judge has determined, “the jury, the parties, their trial counsel and court personnel,” will be shown the video.

The Judge wrote in her ruling, “When the video is played for the jury at trial, the monitors shall be turned in such a way so that only the jury, the parties, their trial counsel and court personnel may see the video. The public press shall not be excluded from the courtroom when the video is played and the pooled camera shall not be turned off during such time.”

Related: Hogan Sex Tape Lawsuit Could Cost Gawker $100 Million

— This case stems from Gawker.com posting clips of a stolen sex tape featuring Hogan in October of 2012. He has since blamed their coverage of the sex tape for exposing his racial rant and getting him fired from WWE.

Hulk Hogan’s FBI Record Still Could Be Made Public

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIlEDmfzNCo

Late last week, we told you about the latest development in Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker for publishing clips of a sex video recorded without his knowledge. Various news agencies and media companies, most notably the Associated Press and Scripps, had filed a motion to unseal the FBI case file of the investigation into an extortion attempt made using the sex videos. Gawker had successfully sued to get a copy of the case file, but the judge overseeing the Hogan case made it “eyes only” to each side’s lawyers it when they filed the information in court.

This means that it’s sealed off to everyone else, including Gawker founder Nick Denton and the media. Hence the motion to unseal it, which could be bad for Hogan because we now know the contents include the transcript of his racist tirade among other things. The media companies argued that with Florida’s open records laws, the judge in the Gawker-FBI lawsuit ruling the case file was public record, and the sealing being highly unusual, the records should be made public.

Well, on Friday, we told you that, per the Associated Press, Judge Pamela Campbell had ruled against the motion just a day after it was filed. No reason was given, which was strange. Well, it turns out that the Associated Press actually messed up a story about themselves, as they issued a correction last night. It turns out that the motion struck down last week was an earlier attempt to unseal from the Summer. The timing appears coincidental.

Judge Denies Media Request To Release Hulk Hogan FBI File

Yesterday, we told you about a motion filed by the The Associated Press and other news organizations in Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker. Gawker had successfully sued the FBI to get them to release the records of their investigation, which looked into an attempt to extort Hogan using the videos of him having sex with Heather Clem. However, the judge in Hogan’s suit against Gawker, the Honorable Pamela Campbell, immediately sealed the records. Being that this is highly unusual and the federal court had already ruled that the file was public record, the AP and others were trying to get Judge Campbell to unseal it.

Well, Judge Campbell made up her mind pretty quickly. The Associated Press is reporting that the judge denied the motion just a day after it was filed. As of right now, those are the only details we really have, but if we get a copy of the order, we’ll keep you updated. As it stands right now, only Gawker’s lawyers are allowed access to the FBI records, with even Gawker founder Nick Denton locked out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTLztVGd414

Hogan’s side had demanded an investigation when the transcript of his racist rant on one of the videos was leaked to The National Enquirer and Radar Online.  Being that it was on one of the videos in question and the person of interest in the investigation (Los Angeles lawyer Keith Davidson) had also prepared transcripts, Hogan thinks Gawker’s lawyers leaked it. Gawker’s side insists that the transcripts had been floating around Tampa for years and didn’t have to come from them. The existence of the racist comments (but not the actual quotes) were first reported back in 2012.

News Organizations Trying To Get Hulk Hogan FBI Files Unsealed

Another wrench just got thrown in the private life of Hulk Hogan. Today, the Associated Press reported on a motion that they filed in Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker.

As you may recall, about three years ago, Gawker published an article about being sent one of the videos that shows Hogan engaged in sexual relations with Heather Clem. The videos were shot on the Clem family home security system without Hogan’s knowledge, and Gawker included a “highlight reel” of the video they were sent with the article.

Hogan sued Gawker right away, and Gawker later sued the FBI for the records of their investigation into Hogan being extorted by a third party over the videos. Gawker quickly won the FBI case, but the judge in the Hogan case ruled that the products of that investigation(including a video and transcript of Hogan’s racist rant) must be sealed. The AP and its fellow intervenors want the records unsealed.

Charles Tobin, who filed the motion, said that “It’s highly unusual for this much secrecy to surround a civil proceeding. Ordinarily, whether it’s a celebrity or an average citizen, once you ask the court to help solve a dispute you open the proceedings up to public review. What’s going on in Hulk Hogan’s case certainly is not the norm when it comes to public transparency of the courts.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRpnLCvRhkw

I’ve obtained a copy of the filing, and here’s what we can add on top of what the AP noted in their own report:

  • Joining the Associated Press in filing the intervening motion are First Look Media (The Intercept and Reported.ly), WFTS TV (a Tampa, FL TV station), WPTV TV (a West Palm Beach, FL TV station), Scripps Media (owns many local newspapers, TV stations, and radio stations), Journal Broadcast Group (a multimedia company that recently merged with Scripps), and the Tampa Bay Times.
  • The argument is, essentially, that the files were ruled public information in Gawker’s lawsuit against the FBI, and Florida’s own state laws err on the side of court records being incredibly open. But…
  • …even if there was a time where the sealing was warranted, the argument is that Hogan demanding an investigation into a potential leak means the records must go public because he put them at issue.

While none of the intervenors would be expected t publish the sex tapes if this action succeeded, it wouldn’t really matter since they’d be ruled public record and someone else would release them.

Don Muraco Talks Hulk Hogan Rant, Jimmy Snuka, Lawsuits, More

The “Magnificent” Don Muraco is the latest guest to appear on the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast, and they covered a large variety of topics in their conversation with him. At least a few of those have to do with current events in the wrestling business. Some of the highlights include:

His thoughts on Hulk Hogan’s post-coital racist rant going public:

Honestly, I was never a part of his clique so I don’t have a dog in the fight. I was never a part of his clique with the guys they used to fawn around him and kiss his ass for work and for bookings and for places on the card. He always seemed though to be one of the guys, kind of. Even though he wasn’t because he was “The Hulk”. He had the TV, the NBC, the movies and everyone coming after him. I never did see or saw him as a racist or a bigot or anything. He got caught. It was stupid for a guy that spends that much time talking publicly like we are talking now for a person that spends that much time being taped it was dumb and pretty insensitive. I don’t know if he was secretly being taped or what the story is but still with all the political correctness and stuff going down now you have to watch your p’s and q’s all the time.

Was he aware of the issues between Jimmy Snuka and Nancy Argentino at the time?

I was right there around it the whole time. It was the week after we shot the thing where he tore all my clothes off and I hit him with the microphone. The same night, it was the oddest coincidence. That same night Eddie Gilbert had run his brand new Lincoln Town-car off the back end of a semi-truck and got drug down the freeway and he called me in the middle of the night and that’s how I ended up crossing over with all of the State Troopers and everything else and that’s how I got involved but I could see my whole future going down the drain there for a while.

Has he talked to Snuka lately?

I was talking to him on the phone until he started having his medical issues. I haven’t spoken to him in a while. His wife wanted me to see him when I’m up in New Jersey and she wanted me to say hello to him and kind of perk up his spirits.

Where does he stand on the wrestlers suing WWE for negligence in treating concussions:

I would have to be more for the personal responsibility. Although we were getting run really hard. I don’t know, but I guess I would follow (Dan) Spivey where you have to take responsibility for yourself. I just saw a tape of Led Zeppelin doing Stairway to Heaven and Jimmy Page and the four of them and I think the girl from Heart was doing it too and they are all still surviving. So if Led Zeppelin is still going then a lot of wrestlers should be. I think though I have to agree with Danny Spivey and you have to take personal responsibility for yourself when it comes to addiction and taking care of your bread. We are all afforded the opportunity to make money and when you lose it and you are knocked off your high horse you want to blame somebody else.

In the full interview, Muraco talks about working for both Vince McMahons, his run with Hogan, “Fuji Vice” on Tuesday Night Titans, and more.

Batista-DeNiro Movie Poster, Hulk Hogan Statue Nixed & More

– The next statue that WWE was set to reveal at WrestleMania 32 was originally supposed to be Hulk Hogan, according to PWInsider.

– NXT General Manager William Regal has announced that the December 13th live event from Blackpool, UK has sold out. As noted earlier, NXT Takeover: London also sold out this week.

– Batista tweeted the official poster for his upcoming “Heist” movie with Robert De Niro.

https://twitter.com/DaveBautista/status/644725962391834624

Jim Brunzell Says Hulk Hogan Doesn’t Have A Racist Bone In His Body

https://youtu.be/RGtI3F7NYfY

Former WWE Superstar “Jumping” Jim Brunzell recently appeared on the Pancakes and Powerslams podcast to discuss Hulk Hogan’s racism controversy and whether he thinks wrestling is too scripted.

Brunzell, who has known Hulk Hogan since the early 80’s, says that Hogan doesn’t have a racist bone in his body – but should have apologized a lot sooner for his controversial remarks.

“I’ve known Terry since 1982, and he doesn’t have a racist bone in his body. I’m sure that it was said out of frustration over his daughter not complying to his wishes, and I believe that Vince McMahon took an opportunity to get rid of a guaranteed lifetime contract that he had with Hulk.

I wish Hulk would’ve right of the bat apologized right away. You know, last week he finally comes on and apologizes. That’s too long. You can’t wait [two or three] months. You gotta jump right on that and say, hey, I said something I shouldn’t have said, everybody screws up, and I apologize. But I’ve known him since 1982, 33 years, and he’s never said anything racist.”

Brunzell agued that WWE is entirely over-scripted and “total commercial product,” despite the fact that the wrestlers are very talented.

Update On WWE’s Adult Cartoon, Daughter Of WWE HOF’er Training, WWE Attendance

– Regarding the Camp WWE adult cartoon, the episodes that were shot had to be redone because Hulk Hogan had to be taken out. In the past, CM Punk had to be removed as well.

– Rachel Ellering, daughter of WWE Hall Of Famer Paul Ellering, is currently training at the Lance Storm Wrestling Academy. Ellering is a bronze modelist in powerlifting and is a big pro wrestling fan. Below is a recent photo:

– Below are some recent WWE attendance figures:

* September 11th in Edmonton drew 4,000 fans (Roman Reigns tour)
* September 12th in Gainesville for NXT was sold out
* September 12th in Huntsville, AL drew 3,000 fans (Randy Orton tour)
* September 12th in Calgary drew 3,000 fans (Reigns tour)
* September 13th in Tupelo, MS drew 3,500 fans (Orton tour)
* September 13th in Jonesboro, AR drew 1,200 fans (Reigns tour)
* September 14th in Memphis for RAW drew 7,500 fans

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

WWE Talent Told To Have No Contact With Hulk Hogan, Flair Interviews Bischoff

– WWE talent, including those who are from previous eras and are no longer wrestling but are still affiliated with company through Legends deals or other ways, were told to not have any contact with Hulk Hogan.

There are those who have talked about the situation as a double standard, as WWE has immortalized Ultimate Warrior now, cleaned up his past, given him a statue, all the while the feeling is he said things as bad, if not worse and was public with his comments as opposed to private.

– Former WCW president Eric Bischoff is the guest on the latest edition of Ric Flair’s “Woo Nation” podcast. As Bischoff and Flair have been involved in lawsuits and heated battles over the years, part one of Flair’s two-part conversation with Bischoff should be a fun episode for fans. You can download the show at Play.it.

(Partial Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Hulk Hogan Talks About WWE Dropping Him In The Wake Of His Racism Controversy

WWE Hulk Hogan was recently interviewed for Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard blog and says he believes pressure from the USA Network is the reason WWE distanced themselves from him so forcefully in the wake of his racism controversy.

Hogan told Justin Barasso that he WWE told him that the USA Network was putting heavy pressure on them to immediately distance themselves from him. “Triple H was telling me the USA Network was reacting very badly, and they had to make a quick decision, and that was to put me out to pasture.” Hogan said. “[WWE] were under heavy fire and they were scrambling.”

“The only person I talked to was Triple H. I called him and told him there was some old news coming out from when TMZ first reported the tape and there were some racial slurs on it. Triple H said, ‘Okay, thanks for calling. Let me talk to Vince,'” Hogan recalled.

Triple H called Hogan a half hour later and said Vince gave the word he needs to resign. He never spoke to Vince directly and can’t believe he got fired “in the middle of the night.”

Hogan said he and his attorney, David Houston, requested a meeting with WWE to work things out, but the request was denied. Hogan feels the company he helped build is unfairly banishing him from the WWE Universe. “They’ve known me for over 30 years and they know I’m not a racist, so they should have went to the source. I don’t use the word, ever, except for in that moment of anger, so I wish WWE went to the source instead of the symptoms. I could have explained I’ve tried every day since then to be a better man,” Hogan said.

Hogan was hopeful that he’d get a chance to address the WWE Universe, ask them for forgiveness, but it never panned out. The 62 wrestling icon hoped to use the WWE platform to rebuild his situation.

“The only place for me to be would be the WWE. That’s where my home is. I thought I’d go step-by-step, crawling uphill with WWE, to explain how wrong I was, but that opportunity wasn’t there.”

Hulk Hogan Is The New Spokesman For Sports Betting Site FanPicks

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has landed a new endorsement deal with online sports betting site Fanpicks.com.

FanPicks is the first company to announce a partnership with Hogan since his racism controversy this summer. A spokesman from the company says, “We all make mistakes and deserve second chances.”

Hulk Hogan also commented on the partnership, stating, “I am looking forward to connecting with all my Hulkamaniacs during some of the biggest games of the year and at upcoming Fan Pick live events in the near future.”

Jim Ross Blog: Comparing Snuka/Hogan Incidents, Undertaker Not Retiring, Sting

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross updated his official website blog on Monday with his thoughts and comments on a number of topics. Below are some of the highlights.

On comparing the Jimmy Snuka/Hulk Hogan incidents: “Amazing that some people want me to compare Hulk’s untimely remarks to the 3rd degree murder charges filed against Jimmy Snuka. How do I do that? What sense does that question even make? What am I missing? How can they possibly be in the same ball park.”

On tonight’s RAW: “RAW tonight will feature Sasha Banks vs. Paige tonight from what I read. Give them time to tell a compelling story and it will do wonders for the women’s division. Why book the women any differently than the men are utilized? WWE needs to focus on fewer women and they will get over and then in turn they can help others get over. Right now the division has little marketable identity and is too cluttered but the good news is that there is talent in abundance available to work with.”

On Undertaker and Sting retirement rumors: “From what I can determine, Wrestlemania Texas will NOT be the Undertaker’s final match but the jury is still out on whether it will be Sting’s last one. No, I don’t see them having a match vs each other there either. Plus, I don’t see how WWE gets all the way to April for the Taker vs. Lesnar ‘rubber match’ if that’s in the cards.”

On Lana’s injury: “Apparently Lana will be out of commission as it relates to physicality for approximately four months with a wrist injury. Perhaps this will give her time to get her back in those business suits and not what she’s been wearing lately. We wish her a speedy recovery.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.

Jim Ross On Owen Hart/WWE HOF, Tim Tebow To WWE?, Hogan/Snuka, Rollins

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently updated the Q&A section of his official website, answering questions from fans on a wide variety of topics. Below are some of the highlights.

On if Seth Rollins should modify his style as a heel, as fans don’t boo high-flying moves: “Most traditional heels don’t do a great deal of high risk/showy moves and I do believe that they should be used cautiously and in a timely basis by pro wrestling villains.”

On why WWE puts so much stock into their social media numbers: “It’s a trend within the show biz world that they believe has credence. Its another way to measure one’s audience and topicality.”

On if Tim Tebow could make it in WWE: “I suggested this last year and the year before. I don’t know Tebow’s aptitude for the biz or if he has any interest in it whatsoever. If he wants to play football he should held north to the CFL.”

On if not airing Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Snuka content will hurt the WWE Network: “I’d say it is a non issue and won’t affect the network whatsoever. They may not be featured but I’d be surprised if they still aren’t on the network from time to time.”

On if Owen Hart should be in the WWE Hall Of Fame: “I’m happy the DVD is being produced and I feel Owen is WWE HOF worthy without question.”

Check out more JR Q&A updates at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.

Jim Ross On Snuka Murder Charges, Laurinaitis/Bella’s Mom, WWE’s Divas Revolution

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently updated his official blog with his thoughts and comments on a variety of current topics. Below are some of the highlights.

On Jimmy Snuka murder charges: “The Jimmy Snuka alleged murder of his former lady friend three decades ago is going to continue to garner ample publicity. WWE has separated themselves from the Hall of Famer which is really the only thing that they could do in this instance. Jimmy is 72, has stomach cancer and is allegedly battling dementia which may equate to a very unique trial and legal process before all is said and done. I’d assume he will also have to have a public defender as his attorney as the State attempts to prove that Snuka his lady friend decades ago. I could see Snuka declared unfit to stand trial which would outrage many who have a vested interest in the case and subsequent trial that is if it actually goes to trial.”

On John Laurinaitis getting engaged to The Bella Twins’ mother Kathy Colace: “Congrats to John Laurinaitis on his engagement to the Mom of the Bella Twins. Holiday meals will be fun. I wish them the best as she is a lovely lady and a really nice person. John was my successor in WWE after I hired him when WCW went belly up.”

On WWE messing up the Divas Revolution: “WWE did their ballyhooed Divas, UGH, division no favors Monday night and many within the business agree with me. All talents need ample time to tell a story. No story and no one gets over.”

On Hulk Hogan: “If I was advising Hulk Hogan I’d suggest him to lay low and let things settle down. He does deserve forgiveness, as we all do, if he’s sincere and I want to believe that Hulk is sincere but trying to promote himself to have “one more match” is not advisable. Just my two cents.”

Check out the complete blog at JRsBarBQ.com. You can also order JR’s Bar-B-Q products online at WWEShop.com.

Hulk Hogan To Bret Hart: “The Words About Roddy Piper’s Death Were Out Of Line”

As reported earlier this week, WWE Hall Of Famer Bret Hart took part in a Periscope Q&A with TSN and during the discussion, “The Hitman” had some negative comments to make about a fellow WWE Hall Of Famer.

Hart reportedly stated that he hopes “The Hulkster” never comes back and while he doesn’t remember him as a racist, he is “kind of glad” Hogan got busted for something.

Bret Hart also mentioned that Hogan is probably “glad” that Roddy Piper died because his passing took the edge off of the racism controversy that Hogan had been dealing with at the time.

Hogan, who eventually caught wind of the comments made by Hart, took to social media to offer the following response:

https://twitter.com/HulkHogan/status/640009577619136512