Look at the signs. Consider the clues. It seems evident Hulk Hogan will turn heel at TNA’s Bound For Glory PPV.
The setting is certainly familiar: the Ocean Center at Daytona Beach, site of WCW’s Bash at the Beach in 1996. In that building, at that PPV, Hogan shocked wrestling by turning on WCW, forming the nWo, and becoming “Hollywood” Hogan.
I’m not sure how this turn will manifest itself. Hogan and Eric Bischoff will probably turn out to be “they,” the manipulators of Abyss (a/k/a Fat Undertaker), and something heinous will happen to Dixie Carter, who is quickly becoming the star of the show. Perhaps Hogan will interject himself into the Sting-Nash-Pope vs. Jarrett-Joe handicap bout (sounds familiar) or maybe in the match between RVD and Abyss.
I’m betting on many reminders, many similarities to the ’96 turn. Maybe Bobby Heenan can get plastered and yell, "WHOSE SIDE IS HE ON?"
TNA TV has been too centered on Hogan lately for something like this to not be imminent. Everyone’s talking about Hogan, even in absentia. Perhaps Hogan has been hospitalized, but this is wrestling: If it’s discussed at length, there’s a reason/payoff.
Just not a good reason. Or a compelling payoff.
Hogan and Bischoff have made ZERO DIFFERENCE since they started stealing Dixie’s money a year ago. This is Plan B. “When we turned around WCW, the REAL MONEY was when I turned. We had to take some time to set that up.” Hogan never considered the nWo the reason for WCW’s breakthrough, by the way. It was HIS TURN that did the trick.
Will it make any difference? NONE WHATSOEVER. It’s like Grandpa Walton turning heel. What damage could he do?
If you want to do “back to the future” booking, mimic Mid-South Wrestling from the ‘80s. The general public doesn’t remember that.
Mark Madden hosts a radio show 3-6 p.m. weekdays on WXDX-FM, Pittsburgh. Check out the Mark Madden page at WXDX.com. Contact Mark via wzmarkmadden@hotmail.com.
