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If I had a buck for every time I was asked about this over the past ten days I would be lying on the beach in Hawaii and sending my opinion from there. The truthful answer is it all depends on how much lead way and power the “Hulkster” is given by Dixie Carter and family and how they utilize that power. Can they have a positive effect on the company? Yes, I believe so, but not if Hogan is pushed to the forefront as an in ring performer, or all the entourage of his friends are brought in and given in ring pushes as some observers have speculated.
After watching last week's Impact with it’s only redeeming factor being Angle/Wolfe and that had it’s flaws (street fight and first match for free, a stretcher angle just before their match, and a real injury glossed over before that with Kurt the stretcher in that match among other things) I would agree that someone needs to take the wheel and steer this promotion toward some sanity and logic. Is that person a guy who reinvents wrestling history every time he’s interviewed? Well at the very least, it shows creativity. Wow, the choices we’re given here.
In his Time Magazine interview he mentions teaching the youngsters the art of pro wrestling and there is no doubt there are several aspects of the business he is a master at, and can pass along such as building a story line or angle, pacing, the art of the promo without ever turning back the clock. One thing he has down pat is pacing and the slow build which is noticeably missing and if he were to slow that down throughout the promotion it would be a blessing as too often I feel I’m watching a pinball game. In ring psychology yes; the mechanics of being a fluid worker and working a match…not so much.
For certain this signing has currently and will for awhile attract more viewers and media attention for both TNA and the sales of Hogan’s latest book (did you think this was all a humanitarian movement to give back to the industry?). However if the on air product stands pat, or heads further toward WCW 2000, then those viewers will look elsewhere for entertainment.
I’m told that some of the athletes on the roster as holding their breath and waiting to see where this new chapter in TNA history goes; Because anyone with a sense of pro wrestling history has to be shown that there is a positive side to this coin, as the negatives have been seen several times in the past.
Hulk Hogan is a very intelligent man and knows how to manipulate the roads toward making money in this business. Now the wait begins to see if he is the new born savior of TNA or the mad scientist who uses his knowledge to destroy the world. If he uses his iconic and high profile public image and vast knowledge of the industry to put the right young people in the right places at the right time, as was done with him back in the mid-eighties then they should see upward mobility with ratings, house shows, and PPV’s. If this is about his return as an in ring star which entails killing off young talent then the buzz will be short lived. None of us save Terry himself knows how this will play out, and watching same may be more interesting and entertaining then the product it produces. I have always said I want TNA to make it as that adds jobs and alternatives, and if this takes them to the next level then, no matter who’s pulling the trigger, I’m good with that.
Had an interesting conversation with another veteran of the industry a few weeks ago, and his observation about the current young talent at every level. He had read of the concerns about talent being brought up too soon, and how many of the youngsters just couldn’t grasp the handle of building a match in book like fashion. His comments were that for the most part what he had seen was the basis of the problem was they didn’t have a handle on who they were. Their time was filled with worrying about costumes, music, ring entrances and never really refining their in ring skills and actually developing and honing to a fine edge their own true personality (I know it sounds like me but it wasn’t). He sighted the Kofi Kingston deal of everyone being so caught up in making him a Jamaican, no one bothered to find out if he could pull it off 24/7. He commented to me that all the top stars from our era were just exaggerated extensions of themselves, and he felt without really knowing any of the current youngsters that many of them were trying very hard to be something foreign to their honest personalities.
He had ask that I not mention his name as he wasn’t interested in getting in debates over the subject, but was just voicing his observation to a longtime friend and fellow worker.
I guess my point in writing his opinion is with this being so noticeable to so many why doesn’t one of the major promotions pay more attention? Weather you’re selling comedy or drama the more believable the performer’s presentation the more emotionally involved the viewer becomes. It just seems to make sense on so many levels.
I want to send out my most sincere condolences to the family of Tina Ludwig whose mother passed away last Sunday.
Tina was a member of my roster with the original HWA and more importantly a very dedicated member of my office staff.
Train hard and master your craft.
Till Next Time,
Les
For a unique training experience and to up your game book your seminar or weekend training camp with Elite Pro Wrestling Training. EPWT’s training is based on the principles of the founders Harley Race, Ricky Steamboat, Les Thatcher and former staff member Dr. Tom Prichard. To learn more about the company go to www.epwt.com . To book a seminar or training camp contact Les at les@epwt.com .
Get your copy of “The Professional Wrestler’s Workout & Instructional Guide” by Harley, Ricky, Les, and Alex Marvez published by Sports Publishing LLC at your local bookstore, or the PW Insider Super Store.
Harley will be appearing at these World League Wrestling events. 11/14 Keokuk, IA. And 11/21 Richmond, MO. For details go to www.harleyrace.com .
Thanksgiving weekend Les returns to the Gulf Coast and Pascagoula, MS. For a weekend training camp and show, Nov. 27th, 28th, 29th. For information contact John Saxon at johnsaxon4@yyahoo.com or call 228-327-7098.
Join Les and Host Rich Tate every Wednesday night at 9: PM EST with their special guest for “Peach State Pandemonium” by clicking on www.georgiawrestlinghistory.com .
