Hulk Hogan, who is currently a free agent following the expiration of his contract with TNA Wrestling last month, told friend and fellow WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart that one way or another, he will be at WrestleMania XXX in New Orleans, Louisiana. During an interview with Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) of the Baltimore Sun on Wednesday to promote WWE’s upcoming History of WWE: 50 Years of Sports Entertainment release, Jimmy Hart said:
“Hogan knew I was doing this press tour with WWE promoting the DVD. He told me to say exactly this: Hulk Hogan will be at WrestleMania if he has to buy a ticket and sit at ringside.”
Hart continued,
“I think he can step into the ring one more time. We have a school in Florida, and he stepped into the ring there and did some stuff, and he looked great. As his friend, I’d be the first one to say, ‘Listen Hulk, do us a favor, just go out to the ring to Real American, say OK Brother, rip the shirt, do the pose, sign a bunch of autographs and people will still be just as happy,’ … but he does have a couple of good matches left in him, he really does. I’ve got my fingers crossed we see something at WrestleMania.”
Hart also named Cena as the WWE star fans surveyed at Hogan’s Beach Shop want to see Hogan wrestle at the show.
Hogan himself told Philadelphia’s ABC affiliate at an autograph signing last week that he “would love to be at WrestleMania XXX.”
“I would love to have a ringside seat. But, the truth is I need a job. I quit TNA. I’ve just been hanging out on the beach. Never say never.”
-There will be a pro wrestling legends show on Saturday in Youngstown, Ohio at the Covelli Center featuring “Rowdy” Roddy Piper holding a “Piper’s Pit” segment with fellow WWE Hall Of Famer “The Mouth Of The South” Jimmy Hart. Also scheduled to appear at the event are Sean “X-Pac” Waltman, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Marty Jannetty, Bushwhacker Luke and Tatanka.
-The following is another excerpt from the recent John Cena interview with the New Orleans Times-Picayune. This time, Cena discusses his recent matches with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania:
“I really got to live a dream the past few years having some big marquee matchups with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. And when you rub elbows with a guy like The Rock, you truly are in the company of the greatest of all-time. It was like watching a prize fight where everyone is just throwing haymakers. For us to be interactive over a 2 1/2 year span, it was pretty impressive, especially in this day and age. It was a dream scenario for me.”
You can read the complete interview online at NOLA.com.
-In a rare turn of events when it comes to the recent Fan’s Choice voting segment of WWE live events where the options for Brie Bella vs. Natalya are a “Dance Contest” and a regular singles match, the fans actually voted for a regular match. As it turns out, it didn’t really matter, as they went ahead and did the same angle that they’ve been doing at all recent live events, with the two starting off in a Dance Contest, only for Bella to attack Natalya and turn it into an actual match.
-Wrestler birthdays for today include WWE Hall Of Famer Bruno Sammartino’s son, David Sammartino, who himself is a former WWE wrestler. Sammartino turns 53 today. Also, former WWE Superstar and ECW original Yoshihiro Tajiri turns 43 today.
-WrestleReunion will be running the Dorman High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina on Saturday, October 19th for a Special Olympics fundraiser. Scheduled to appear are former WWE Superstars The Nasty Boys, Demolition, Jimmy Hart, Dr. Tom Prichard, Luke Gallows and other pro wrestling personalities. For more information, visit WrestleReunion.com.
-The film “Riddick,” which features former WWE Superstar Batista in a key role, fell to number 14 at the box office this weekend at $1.62 million. In Australia, it was number eight.
-Sami Zayn and Bo Dallas, both of whom have been working random WWE main roster live events recently, will compete for the WWE NXT Championship at the next WWE NXT live event in Tampa, Florida on Thursday, October 3rd.
-TNA Impact Wrestling star Hulk Hogan made an unannounced appearance today at WrestleReunion at Hogan’s Beach Shop in Clearwater, Florida. The promoter of the event, Sal Corrente, made it clear that Hogan would not be appearing at the event. However, Hogan apparently decided to just show up and have some fun. Also at the event were pro wrestling legends Jimmy Hart, The Nasty Boys and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan.
-TNA has added a VIP package for their upcoming Impact Wrestling television taping in Baltimore, Maryland. They will also be selling autographed Hulk Hogan “weight belts” at ShopTNA.com.
The following are highlights from a recent PWTorch Livecast interview with WWE Hall Of Fame manager and long-time business partner of Hulk Hogan, “The Mouth Of The South” Jimmy Hart.
On whether or not we’ll see Hulk Hogan wrestle again: “I think you will. I just talked with Hulk a few days ago before he went up with the Dallas Cowboys and did some stuff with them. And his hips are doing great now, he finally got the last operation two months ago, he got that little gidget out of his back that was used if he had pain in his back. But, I think the doctors have got him where he might be able to get in that ring two or three more times.”
On another role he would like to see Hulk Hogan embrace: “I’d really like to see him really as an ambassador and go all over the world promoting wrestling. I think that’s what he really needs to do and climb back in the ring a little bit with the right person. Whatever Hulk wants to do, I’m always backing him on it.”
As previously reported, Bill Goldberg appeared during Pro Wrestling Night at the Miami Marlins baseball game this weekend. Goldberg threw out the first pitch before the game, and even performed a vicious spear to Marlins pitcher Tom Koehler. Check out an animated GIF of the spear below:
Results from matches at the show were as follows:
-Koko B. Ware defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr.
-Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake defeated Mike Knox
-Harry Smith defeated Wes Brisco
-The Nasty Boys defeated Ken Anderson & Garett Bischoff
Additionally, WWE Hall Of Famers Bret “The Hitman” Hart and “The Mouth Of The South” Jimmy Hart, as well as “Leapin'” Lanny Poffo and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart appeared at the event.
And finally, Goldberg talked a bit in one of the interviews about the recent WWE and WrestleMania XXX rumors. While he didn’t rule out the possibility at some point in the future, he did shoot down the specific rumors about his supposed return at the annual classic next year. He mentioned that if he did come out of retirement for a match, he would be interested in facing off with either “Stone Cold” Steve Austin or The Undertaker, as he said he has no interest in working a match with Ryback.
For more coverage from Pro Wrestling Night at the Marlins game, check out the official MLB.com coverage of the event.
-The official preview for episode four of WWE Total Divas, which airs head-to-head against the WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view this Sunday, reads:
“Nikki becomes self-conscious about her weight. Ariane considers getting breast implants. Natalya tells her fiancé that she would like more romance.”
-The official website of WWE has an interested piece up on the site today focusing on the old Hulk Hogan’s Rock N’ Wrestling animated series. The article features comments from Jimmy Hart, actor Brad Garrett (who voiced Hogan for the cartoon) and Andy Heyward, the head of DIC Entertainment. You can read the full article online at WWE.com.
-The Memphis Flyer website has a piece up on their website today talking about Jerry “The King” Lawler’s involvement in the Headlocked! comic book series. You can read that story online at MemphisFlyer.com.
-WWE will be running live events in Syracuse, New York on October 4th, and Rochester, New York on October 5th. Tickets will officially go on sale this Saturday, August 17th.
– At the conclusion of this morning’s edition of WWE Saturday Morning Slam on The CW, John Cena appeared in the backstage area and announced that he would making his in-ring debut on next week’s show. After issuing an open challenge to anyone in WWE, 3MB showed up. Heath Slater said the kids are going to be so happy to see John, and that he has accepted his challenge.
– Nicole and Brianna, formerly known as The Bella Twins, appear for Connecticut Wrestling Entertainment on Saturday, December 15 at the Bethany Town Hall in Bethany, Connecticut as they demonstrate their managerial duties for the fans in attendance. Prior to the show, the former WWE Divas Champions will appear at Ken’s Cards in Berlin, Connecticut. The following video message was released promoting their CTWE appearance.
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart will appear at Sound of Heaven 30 Eastern Ave. Dee Park, New York, tomorrow from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
– Sakamoto, who appeared as Tensai’s servant, has been officially demoted to WWE’s developmental promotion, NXT. His WWE.com profile has been deleted and he is once again listed on the NXT website’s roster page.
Despite being physically abused when Tensai became frustrated, Sakamoto still continued to be loyal to his master. The partnership, however, quietly ended over the summer when the Tokyo, Japan native stopped accompanying Tensai for his matches. He has not appeared for WWE since.
– The former Kelly Kelly, Barbie Blank, is now on YouTube at BarbaraBlankCom. She released the following video message thanking fans for purchasing her 2013 calendar.
– WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart stated on Twitter Friday that he has a “big announcement coming soon.”
– WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart appears at Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet 13963 Alondra Blvd. Space H-5, Santa Fe Springs, California, on Sunday, November 25 from noon to 3:00 p.m.
– Puerto Rican based promotion World Wrestling Council is building toward a match where Carlito would put his trademark hair on the line against Ray Gonzalez—Gonzalez would also put his hair on the line. The match is expected to take place next month in Bayamon, with either Invader #1 or Savio Vega as the Special Guest Referee.
– On tonight’s SHINE Wrestling iPPV, Kimberly looks to snap her losing streak by switching from the singles ranks to the tag team division. Kimberly, however, has trouble finding a tag team partner.
– In an update on WWE’s plans for its Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on April 6, 2013 at Madison Square Garden, Mick Foley is internally considered a lock to be enshrined and there has been a push for Owen Hart to be honored since his star rose with his classic match against Bret Hart at the venue at WrestleMania X.
Despite the push for Owen, the enshrinement is unlikely to materialize because his widow will not allow it, according to brother Smith Hart.
“Because she blames the wrestling business in its entirety for his death,” he stated on Twitter in February. “She is the sole owner of his estate. With Martha, there will never B a way, perhaps his kids may eventually make the choice. But thats at least 20 yrs in future.”
Meanwhile, talk of Ultimate Warrior being inducted into the Hall “has cooled down substantially of late,” according to F4WOnline.com.
– WWE has released 3MB’s entrance video.
– According to WrestlingFigs.com, Jimmy Hart appears at Pro Wrestling World in the Merchants Square Mall 1901 S. 12th St. Allentown, Pennsylvania on December 2, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 610-798-9900 or e-mail prowrestling1@aol.com.
– Shaul Guerrero (a/k/a Raquel Diaz), daughter of Eddie and Vickie Guerrero, has not been released from her developmental contract with WWE after attempting to quit the organization last week. According to F4WOnline.com, company officials are refusing to release the 21-year-old at this time. One person with knowledge of WWE developmental matters noted to the publication that in recent weeks, she become distant and “seemingly very bitter about the wrestling business.”
– Ticketmaster.com will hold a pre-sale on Thursday for WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, which takes place Dec. 16 in Brooklyn, New York at the Barclays Center. The passcode is WWETLC. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
– Tonight’s debut episode of WWE Main Event on ION Television is being heavily promoted today in the New York market on ESPN. The advertisements are centered around John Cena, who is not appearing on the show.
– WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart is featured in today’s “Superstar Spotlight” on WWE.com.
– Hulk Hogan posted a post-surgery video update from the hospital. He had another round of surgery due to lingering health issues. Hogan, is shown in his hospital bed along with long-time friend and business partner Jimmy Hart. He makes lighthearted comments about having another World Title run when he gets out of the hospital. TNA temporarily wrote Hogan him off TV with an attack by the Aces and Eights group on last week’s Impact, while he went to get the surgery.
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers,like brand new brother ,nurse Jimmy taking good care of me. HH http://t.co/Gyn5BnoV
– TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Miss Tessmacher, who appeared for WWE in 2007, stated on Facebook that she has no interest in returning to her former employer due to their utilization of its female talent.
“Why would I want to go back to wwe where they have 3 min matches that typically have no meaning,” she wrote regarding going back to WWE one day. “The women aren’t utilized to the potential they bring. They aren’t cared about or a priority.”
– Velvet Sky is contemplating a “Beautiful People” reunion tour with former partner Angelina Love. She tweeted, “How many ?#PigeonArmy? fans and BP fans wanna see a Beautiful People Reunion tour?? ?#HOLLERHOLLERING?.”
Meanwhile, Sky and Love have been announced to appear for Northeast Wrestling on Saturday, September 22 at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, New York. Other talent scheduled to appear include Hulk Hogan, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Lita, Matt Hardy, Mickie James, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Jimmy Hart, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and Vader. (Event Information)
— Live Audio Wrestling says Survivor Series is expected to take place on Sunday, November 18 at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
— Mick Foley has been announced to appear on WWE’s “Old School” themed live SmackDown episode on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. on Syfy. Other legends appearing include Dusty Rhodes, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Hillbilly Jim, Howard Finkel, Jimmy Hart, Mean Gene Okerlund, Pat Patterson, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Sgt. Slaughter, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and Tony Atlas.
Foley said of the appearance Friday on Twitter, “I WILL be on Super Smackdown, where Hacksaw Jim Duggan and I will prove, once and for all, that we are not the same person.”
Piper added, “I’m also going to do Smackdown on Tuesday!! I think it’s time to step up to the plate!”
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s WWE.com profile is now listed among both Raw Superstars and WWE Alumni.
WWE officials held a state of the business meeting this week in Miami, Florida and it was disclosed to Variety that the organization has plans to launch a one-hour weekly television show on a yet to be announced United States television station. WWE will also produce an hour-long Spanish-language program. Details on both shows were not issued. Additional news from the meeting are as follows:
* WWE announced the following series for the forthcoming WWE Network: WWE Divas Tour Bus, WrestleMania Rewind, The Monday Night War: Raw vs Nitro and WWE Countdown.
* The official cast list for the WWE Network program WWE Legends’ House is “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Hillbilly Jim, Howard Finkel, Jimmy Hart, Mean Gene Okerlund, Pat Patterson, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Tony Atlas.
* WWE would not reveal business plans for the WWE Network nor the potential launch date. “We continue to evaluate the best approach,” said Michelle Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer of WWE.
WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart appeared on Busted Open, which airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Highlights from the interview are as follows:
WrestleReunion: “I jumped on about 5 or 6 years ago—it’s kind of a different type thing. I didn’t really know what to expect on anything, but you know once you get there, nobody rushes you through the line, it’s not like everybody’s sitting down and not paying any attention to the fans that come by to get their autograph or take pictures of everybody. And that’s what I love about it. They let the wrestlers know: Look, if you’re gonna be involved with this, then you’ve gotta definitely take your time with the fans because if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing now.”
WrestleMania coming to New Jersey: “When I heard about that I thought Holey moley! That might be a little chilly for a WrestleMania 29 coming up there around the Northern area. But we spent so much time back in the day up there, and I think for people in New York, they’re a different breed there, and New Jersey and that whole area up there. They’re more used to the cold than we are down here in Florida now. But I’ll tell you why I like it: because people ask me today ‘Jimmy, you’ve done so many things for the wrestling business.
“You hit the Hall of Fame ring in 2005, 93 thousand plus people in Detroit up there with the Honky Tonk Man… and of course the Harts against The Bulldogs.’ But WrestleMania I is still the most important thing to me because whoever was on WrestleMania I, we were kind of the pioneers back then because we didn’t know if this was gonna work or not. It was on closed-circuit TV’s and movie theaters, and if it had not been successful, we probably wouldn’t be talking on the phone now.”
WrestleMania being at stadiums instead of arenas: “Here’s what I think happens: We’re gonna be on course for Miami for this upcoming WrestleMania 28…65 or 70,000 have already been sold I think. So I think so many people (82 thousand) wanna go see this now you almost have to have it in the arenas outdoors that can hold that many because the pay-per-views do so well around the country and everything else, and—I don’t care where you go—if you drive by one of the local establishments, all the PPV’s are held there, the WrestleManias, they just have everything there. It’s such a big thing because a lot of people can’t drive down this year to Miami because I’m sure it’ll be sold out in no time.”
Vince Russo: “He was OK with me. When he first came to WCW he made an announcement, and said: “Hey look, you’re gonna see wrestling like you’ve never seen it before because I don’t think you really care too much about the wrestling part.” (Which if that’s the way you feel, that’s the way you feel) And so I think that’s what he really wrote about. I have nothing bad against him one way or another. I did my little stuff down there, he had set a few little matches this, that, and the other…
“I think it’s hard to be a writer, especially when you’re by yourself like that. You’ve gotta worry about people going and coming and quitting, and some of the bigger stars not wanting to do this thing, or not wantin’ to be part of this. Also, there’s always someone who’s got a friend of a friend who wants to be involved. Maybe a guy’s wife wants to be on TV or a girlfriend, and, if there’s enough pressure on you, then you gotta work them in because the strongest force in the world is a woman! I’m sure he had to run through a lot of things that went up against him. I guess they were successful all these years ‘cause, if not, I’m sure he would’ve been gone years and years ago, so I have nothing bad to say about him.”
Hulk Hogan and TNA: “I love Hulk Hogan. I spoke to him 3 days ago. I think he went up to do the Wendy Williams Show. He asked me: “Can you do me a favor? Can you watch the TNA show?” I said: ‘Sure.’ And so I watched the one from London and he said, ‘Give me your opinion.’ So I said, ‘You packed on a few pounds.’ He goes ‘Jimmy Hart you always tell me the truth. You were right, I gotta slim down a bit.’ He said, ‘What else?’ I said, ‘To me everybody wearing blue jeans and their t-shirts hanging out…this doesn’t look professional. If you’re a major company trying to get 50 or 60 bucks from your fans…’If you dress like the audience, one day you’re gonna wind up sitting in the audience!’ And so that’s why I still wear the crazy flashy jackets and carry the megaphone because you wanna stand out, and think that’s what’s helped me be around 30 years in this crazy business doing music and doing this. I told Hulk, I said, ‘AJ Styles and all these guys are phenomenal…and Christopher Daniels, I love those kids. For him to go out in blue jeans, it’s just not professional.’
— John Morrison answered numerous fan questions for the fansite Starship-Pained.com including a query regarding life after WWE.
“I feel like I got off an express train walked to my car, and sped away. I’m still busy as all hell, but now, I’m the one driving,” he said.
He was also asked, “What do you think will help you get to the next level when you return to WWE?”
Morrison said, “JoMo needs to cut promos.”
— Popthecrowd.com has compiled a list of the top 25 most followed professional wrestling personalities on Twitter. The Rock heads the list with over 1.8 million followers. He is trailed by John Cena, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Steve Austin, Chris Jericho, The Miz, Shawn Michaels, Zack Ryder and Kelly Kelly.
— Greg “The Hammer” Valentine is scheduled to appear at WrestleReunion in Los Angeles, California later this month and he will be dying his hair jet black for the occasion. The WWE Hall of Famer will appear alongside The Honky Tonk Man and Jimmy Hart for a special “Rhythm and Blues” photo op.
— According to WWE’s latest performance indicators, the buy estimates for the October 2011 pay-per-view events—Hell in a Cell and Vengeance—totaled 322,000. Both shows drew under 200,000 buys, with Hell in a Cell drawing approximately 180,000 and Vengeance drawing approximotely 142,000. They are both down from last year’s shows in October.
— WWE.com has published a feature highlighting “the biggest turkeys” to ever step foot inside the squared circle. Among those profiled are Gobbledy Gooker, Vito, Bart Gunn, Fake Razor Ramon, Kizarny, Mike Adamle and Michael Cole.
— WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart is scheduled to appear at Dr Fleas 8 Westmore Drive Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, December 3 from noon to 3:00 p.m. Call 519-600-1831 for more information.
WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart appeared on Right After Wrestling with Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas (audio available at TheScore.com and iTunes). Highlights from the interview are as follows:
Jimmy’s recent projects in relation to the WWE – appearing at SummerSlam this past August with R-Truth: “Well I did WrestleMania this past year in Atlanta. Then I did something with Jim Neidhart and Nattie. And sometimes I pinch myself and say ‘do I really get paid to do this?’ Cause I still love to do this kind of stuff.”
Jimmy on the current crop of talent in the WWE: “The Miz – he’s so cool. I love The Miz, he’s one of my favorites. He’s so different. He’s got that ‘it-factor’ so he’s like the James Dean or Marlon Brando of wrestling. I’ve done stuff with CM Punk. I saw him three or four years ago in Chicago and I knew he was just something special. And Cena, man he’s so real. He’s always doing stuff with the Make-A-Wish foundation and he’s so dedicated. And of course Triple H, being up and down the roads with him over the years and now he has a real good spot with the company right now too.”
Jimmy’s ring gear and being a long time manager and the lack of managers in today’s product: “I kept all of my jackets from WrestleMania 1 and so on. And one day I might have a themed restaurant and put them all on display and you can get wings and visit the place. As far as being a manager and having different jackets for each guy, the managers role in the wrestling now is different. I only see Vickie Guerrero doing that role now – a manager/agent type role. The way things change in wrestling, you really don’t know. But there’s an old saying – ‘if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’re gonna have what you’ve always had’. And if business is going well in the WWE without managers then you might as well keep doing it. And right now, everything the WWE touches seems to turn to gold.”
Other Topics
Jimmy being caught in the eye of the Hurricane Irene while recently traveling
His reaction to seeing CM Punk using the megaphone not along ago on WWE Raw
Jimmy on working with different charities such as Make-A-Wish
An detailed conversation with Jimmy Hart about his time with Andy Kaufman in Memphis
— WWE’s upcoming Greatest Stars of the New Millennium DVD has been renamed Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century. The three-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray will be released on July 26. The synopsis reads:
“Sure, we’re barely more than 10 percent of the way through the 21st century, but it’s not too early to look at some of the WWE superstars who are rewriting the record books on their way to squared circle immortality. Batista, John Cena, Edge, Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, and Triple H are among the icons profiled in this action-filled compendium.”
— WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart hosted last night’s Raw live event at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The legendary wrestling personality opened the show but was interrupted by Dolph Ziggler. Primo came to defend Hart, and a match was then made official. Primo upset the former World Heavyweight Champion via pinfall.
Hart also participated in a dance contest with fans during intermission.
Legendary wrestling manager Jimmy Hart appeared on the Busted Open satellite radio show on Monday and of course had a lot to say about the late “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
Here’s a recap of what Jimmy Hart said about how the Poffo family is holding up following last week’s tragedy and the complicated relationship between Randy and Hulk Hogan:
Busted Open satellite radio show with Jimmy Hart
Hosts: Dave LaGreca and Doug Mortman
Airs Mondays and Wednesdays on Sirius 92 and XM 207 from 2-4 ET
Visit Facebook.com/bustedopen for more information
Hart on how is the Poffo family holding up in the wake of Randy’s passing?
“I think since three days since it happened, pretty darn good. Lanny’s always been great. I think what they decided to do too, because I got so many calls from everybody wondering where the funeral is going to be… I know you know it by now too, going to be cremated of course. His ashes are going to be spread on his property. Now, the reason I’m saying this, and its already out there anyhow… Lanny confirmed it too… where his dog Hercules passed away and was buried.
“I think just a little private deal is going to be for Randy’s family, I don’t think he wanted something very very big and that’s kind of the way he was. When he did charities, he never went out there and told people about it or anything and I think donations are going to be sent in in his name are going to be in Tampa for one of the children’s foundations here. I think they’re doing pretty well for it just happening three or four days ago.”
Hart on the relationship between Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan:
“I don’t think it was as bad as sometimes people make it out to be because in the wrestling business, there’s always a little angle right around the corner where people can work together and make a ton of money. I think it ended up pretty well. I think when Hulk was going in to the hospital for one of his operations with his back, Randy happened to be at the same place. He stepped in to the room, said hello to Hulk and everything else.
“At the end, everything was pretty well being put back together again. Sometimes people make more of it than what it really is sometimes but being on this end and hearing a little bit of the scuttlebutt here and there, it was almost like a big wrestling angle. Randy was great, there will only be one Macho Man ever ever, colorful and did some great things nobody ever really knew about because he was so private.”
After saying that a behind the scenes player in TNA Wrestling was defecting for World Wrestling Entertainment, which was later confirmed as Jimmy Hart, The Honky Tonk Man is claiming that Hulk Hogan is on his way out of the organization. He wrote the following on his Facebook account:
“HTM has been told Hogan will bolt to WWE if asked. Sources within TNA have said Hogan will leave (Eric Bischoff) behind like a rat. Hogan is on his way out of TNA. Dixie has had to advance Flair money to pay his debts. Strange things are happening at TNA! Hogan’s TNA contract is results and incentive based. Either party can walk anytime. HTM said it first Hogan is on the way out.”
Regarding Jimmy Hart, he is not expected to be in Jerry Lawler’s corner for his match against Michael Cole at WrestleMania XXVII. Hogan backed off his prior claim, saying on Twitter that it was “just a guess” and that he hadn’t talked to Hart in over a month.
— Eric Bischoff recently accepted a position as an executive producer for TNA Wrestling. One of his duties is to represent the organization in their various dealings with Spike TV executives.
Bischoff and his production company partner Jason Hervey are also producing Micro Championship Wrestling, a reality show recently acquired by truTV. Hulk Hogan participated in a television taping yesterday in Tampa, Florida.
— Jimmy Hart parting ways with TNA Wrestling for World Wrestling Entertainment last week is not considered a big loss within the Nashville based organization.
Hart was described as being Hulk Hogan’s assistant when the two went on the road, and he had some duties at television tapings in Orlando, Florida. While Hogan hasn’t bashed the WWE Hall of Famer publicly, many feel he’s hurt by his decision to leave since Hart left without notice.
