Source: James Caldwell of the Pro Wrestling Torch

That was my conclusion after listening to Hulk Hogan on RVD’s talk show from last night when Hogan tried to sell RVD on joining TNA while trying to deflect criticism of the current TNA product one month into the new regime.

Another way of looking at TNA’s current creative structure – using “structure” loosely – is that Hulk Hogan’s method to the madness of everyone pitching their ideas to him and Eric Bischoff filtering Vince Russo’s ideas will either create one giant mess that will be the downfall of TNA or TNA will find a magic formula that gets stars over, establishes solid storylines people want to see play out on TV, and perhaps even sell a PPV or two to see match-ups people are willing to spend money on.

Dixie Carter took a risk hitching her wagon to Hogan & Bischoff and giving Hogan the “Vince McMahon control” over TNA. So far, the short-term results have been solid with a nice showing on January 4 and recent ratings surges on Thursday nights.

TNA is expected to end up on Monday nights or at least take a major step with their TV exposure on Spike TV, which will be credited to Hogan’s addition to the company.

Based on what Hogan said on RVD’s show, though, and based on Hogan having zero creative management experience prior to “taking over in TNA,” who knows whether Hogan’s approach will work in the long-term. It could help TNA take off like a rocket ship and be a true competitor to WWE or the company could crash and burn.

Fortunately, there are enough experienced minds surrounding Hogan to help filter out some of the more absurd ideas that will assuredly be pitched to Hogan or even thought up by Hogan himself.

Who knows what kind of craziness Jeff Hardy and Hogan were talking about on the phone Tuesday night. Jeff Hardy’s two-hour psychedelic art gallery hosted by Shannon Moore as the PPV lead-in? Sure why not!

I’m not convinced Hogan can effectively manage the creative effort over the long haul, especially when he was unable to address specific criticisms of Impact the last few weeks and instead passed the buck to Spike TV network
execs putting all kinds of so-called demands on him.

However, Hogan and Bischoff should have the benefit of the doubt to sort through a lot of old names, new names, and beyond-stale names to figure out what the right product mix is and who should be the stars of the show.

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