Hulk Hogan Newest Rent-A-Center Spokesperson

Rent-A-Center (NASDAQ:RCII), the world's largest rent-to-own company, announced today that Hulk Hogan is the latest "power personality" to join the lead spokesperson, Troy Aikman, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Quarterback and Fox Sports broadcaster, in the company's latest marketing efforts. "The Hulkster," twelve-time world heavyweight wrestling champion and WWE Hall of Famer, joins Aikman to explain the benefits of rent-to-own in a fun and engaging way. The work is scheduled to break late February.

Hogan, with his legions of loyal "Hulkamaniacs", enjoys broad popular appeal across multiple consumer segments. "Hulk has been a consistent presence on TV, in movies and in arenas across the U.S. for more than 30 years. He's stayed relevant because people like and respect what he stands for. That's the affiliation we are leveraging for our current customers and target prospects," explains Ann Davids, Rent-A-Center Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

David Wilgus, principal and creative director at Dallas-based Launch Agency, adds, "Hulk is the ultimate showman. His outsized personality and high-energy performance style is tailor-made for TV, and to this campaign, in particular. He and Troy make a dynamic comedic duo."

The integrated campaign, created by Rent-A-Center Marketing Alliance partners RAZOR, Launch Agency, and Hispanic specialist Co. Jones, will include radio in addition to television, print, interactive and in-store marketing. OMD plans and purchases the broadcast media.

Rent-A-Center operates more than 3,000 company-owned rent-to-own stores in 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada.

2/18 Impact Does 1.2 Rating

Last night's edition of TNA Impact scored a 1.2 rating.

Credit: WrestlingObserver.com

Report: Hogan Settles With Graziano Family

Posted Feb 19th 2010 11:32AM by TMZ Staff

Hulk and Nick Hogan have settled the lawsuit filed against them on behalf of John Graziano -- the U.S. Marine who was seriously injured in Nick's 2007 car crash.

Though the terms are confidential, a source tells TMZ Hulk settled to avoid a media circus at trial and to make it "as painless as possible" for both the Hogan and Graziano families.

The Hogans' attorney, David R. Houston, tells TMZ they are "pleased as this was in the best interest of John."

As we previously reported, Linda Hogan -- who was also sued over the crash -- reached a settlement with the family last month.

If this is true, as long as the cost isn't crippling, this has to be a great day for Hulk, Nick, and the entire Hogan family. Things look to be moving forward again for Hulk. This comes a night after he delivered his best promos in years on TNA Impact.

Hulk Interview With Fanhouse

Fanhouse.com interviewed Hulk Hogan after Monday's press conference, discussing his role with TNA, transitioning to that role, expectations that come with moving to Monday night and more.

You can read the full interview here.

Hulk Hogan's In-Ring Future Revealed

The March 8 show will see Hulk Hogan stepping into the ring as he teams with Abyss to face off against AJ Styles and Ric Flair.

Credit: Wrestling Observer

St. Louis: Take Part In "Hogan Fu-Fest"

HULK HOGAN AND TNA WRESTLING ANNOUNCE “HOGAN FU-FEST”

THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS FU-MANCHU MEETS THE WORLD’S LARGEST FU-MANCHU

St. Louis, Missouri (February 12, 2010) –Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling’s Hulk Hogan brings his blonde locks and fabled fu to St. Louis, home of the Gateway Arch, for the inaugural “Hogan Fu-Fest”, set for Friday, February 26. The “Hogan Fu-Fest” will be a gathering of Fu’s from around the world as TNA Wrestling and Hogan attempt to set a world record for most Fu Manchu’s in one location at one time.

“Hogan Fu-Fest” will take place at Mike Shannon’s Steak and Seafood (620 Market Street) and is sponsored by Doc’s Harley Davidson of St. Louis. “Hogan Fu-Fest” will unite fu fans from around the world for one fu-nky afternoon. The spectacle starts at 2 p.m. CT.

Official Press Release

TNA Impact's Move To Mondays Made Official

PRESS RELEASE:

“TNA iMPACT!” ON SPIKE TV MOVES TO MONDAY NIGHTS BEGINNING MARCH 8

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s Flagship Series Will Air Live Every Other Week From
Universal Studios In Orlando, Fl.

New York, NY, February 16, 2010 – “TNA iMPACT!,” Spike TV’s highly-rated two-hour weekly series, is moving from Thursday nights to Monday nights beginning Monday, March 8 (9:00-11:00pm ET/PT), it was announced today by TNA President Dixie Carter and legendary pop culture icon Hulk Hogan at a press conference at the “TNA iMPACT! Zone” at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

“TNA iMPACT!” will air live on March 8, with subsequent telecasts live every other week. The series features many of the biggest names in wrestling including Hogan, Ric Flair, Mick Foley and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, as well as the hottest young talent in the industry: TNA World Heavyweight Champion “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe and “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan.

The first ever Monday live “TNA iMPACT” broadcast on Spike TV, ran as a three-hour special head-to-head against WWE RAW on Monday, January 4, 2010, and drew a franchise-record 2.2 million viewers. Two wrestling companies have not broadcast head-to-head weekly since the “Monday Night Wars” in the late 1990’s between WWE and WCW.

“On January 4 wrestling fans showed us they’re ready for a new professional wrestling alternative on Monday nights, and we’re answering that call. Bringing ‘iMPACT!’ to Mondays is our most exciting move yet in a year that’s already been filled with huge milestones for TNA” said Carter.

"Monday nights are now officially the best night of the week to be a fan of professional wrestling," Hogan said. "My mantra has been 'change is coming' since partnering with Dixie Carter and TNA Wrestling. This change is great for the business and all fans of professional wrestling will benefit because of it."

"TNA iMPACT! has emerged as one of cable's top performers with young men, said Spike TV President Kevin Kay. "With NFL Football off the television schedule and with "TNA iMPACT’s" expanding roster of top wrestling talent, we see this as an opportunity to tap into the millions of wrestling fans on Monday nights."

Since its founding in 2002, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling has become the world’s fastest growing professional wrestling company, currently airing in over 120 countries worldwide.

Hulk & Dixie To Make Major Announcement On Monday

TNA made the following statement on their website:

TNA WRESTLING PRESIDENT DIXIE CARTER AND HULK HOGAN TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT THIS MONDAY

TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter and pop culture icon Hulk Hogan are scheduled to make a major announcement at the “TNA iMPACT! Zone” at Sound Stage 21 located as Universal Studios Florida this Monday, February 15

The press conference will take place at 2:30 Eastern Time on Monday

Fans can watch the press conference live online by logging on to www.tnawrestlinglive.com'

Hulk Turning Heel?

Source: The Wrestling Observer

It's being reported that on a recent edition of The Bubba The Love Sponge Show, Hulk Hogan claimed that he will be turning heel soon. Additionally, he said that he does not want his daughter Brooke to become an on-air performer in TNA.

Brooke Breaking Hearts In Red

I don't know where this was or why she was there, but she's busting out of that red dress. In a good way.

Nasty Boys And Hulk Hogan Dislike Black Machismo Gimmick?

Credit: PWTorch.com

It's being reported that there was some eye rolling in the TNA locker room when Hulk Hogan and The Nasty Boys had a laugh at the expense of X Division star Jay Lethal.

Jerry Sags openly questioned how long TNA will keep him employed and laughed at the audacity of his "Black Machismo" character.

Apparently in a tongue in cheek tone, Hogan later cracked during an appearance on The Bubba The Love Sponge Show that TNA should bring in Randy Savage to manage Lethal.

Hulk Rolling With The Saints

For some reason, media outlets are picking up on Hulk Hogan's Super Bowl pick. Also, for some reason, I'm reporting that back to you. His pick? The Saints.

2/4 Impact Does 1.2 Rating

PWInsider.com is reporting that TNA did a 1.2 rating (rounded up from 1.18), drawing 1,559,000 viewers. This would have to be viewed as disappointing, seeing as how they did a record Thursday number last week. The show featured a very weak Kevin Nash/Mick Foley main event, though the quarter hour breakdowns aren't available yet to see what drew what.

Hulk Frustrated In TNA?

According to the Observer, Hulk is telling his friends that he's frustrated working for TNA.

- Despite the positive spin he’s putting on TNA in media interviews, Hulk Hogan has been complaining to friends that he’s frustrated with several things in TNA. Hogan feels pressure to push people he does not believe in – namely, some of the TNA originals. Word is that Dixie Carter doesn’t want the TNA originals to be buried by Hogan’s buddies, but there are some TNA originals that Hogan sees nothing in and wants to get rid of. Hogan is said to be a big fan of Abyss as well as Tomko, saying at least both men look like wrestlers.

One thing I have to say is, the dirtsheets have never given Hogan a break. Since coming to TNA, there's various new Hogan tidbits on seemingly daily basis, and 99% of them are negative. I choose to not invest a lot into dirtsheet rumors these days. They're not to be trusted. Otherwise, Hogan would have just signed the Honky Tonk Man to a deal that they've negotiation for two months. Riiiiiight.

Hulk Calls Into RVD's Radio Show; Asks Him To Join TNA

RVD posted the following on his website:

Hey Everybody!

What the hell happened to January? Every Friday I say “I can’t believe it’s Friday already” and time is showing no signs of slowing down. Speaking of Fridays, I love Jimmy Kimmel’s Unnecessary Censorships!

My house has been just like every kid would imagine lately. In the last couple weeks Sandman, Fonzie, Sabu, Booker T, Brett Hart, and Shelly Martinez have all come by. It’s like I have my own RVD’s Rock and Wrestling cartoon!

If you missed this week’s RVD RADIO episode, you missed a GIGANTIC surprise!

While I was hosting the show I got a phone call from Hulk Hogan, who agreed to talk to me on the air. Hulkster stayed on the show for a long time, telling me how much he’d love to have me in TNA! Hogan coming on MY show to tell me that he wants me in TNA was a pretty good stroke for my ego. Callers got to ask him some questions and so did I. His message was full of optimism and he didn’t duck anything that was thrown at him.

Our topic was FEAR, which everyone can relate to. Well, everyone but Fonzie, apparently. It was super cool to have Hulk Hogan on my show and we’ll all know very soon, if anything comes from the conversation about RVD and TNA.

You can still check out this week’s show by going to RVD RADIO, and next time catch us live-because you never know who’s going to be on the show!

Make it great!
RVD

http://www.robvandam.com/

John Cena Takes Cheap Shot At Hulk

John Cena recently took part in a WWE.com chat, where he discussed The Rock and Hulk Hogan…

Comment From Alex:
Hey cena, who would u like to face at wrestlemania this year?

John Cena:
I'd like to face The Rock.

Comment From Cody:
Would you like to wrestle Hulk Hogan?

John Cena:
Yes. I just don't think that's going to happen right now. He's too busy wasting his time.

Comment From Craig:
John would you rather wrestle The Rock or star in a movie with him?

John Cena:
I would rather wrestle him.

Funny, considering Hogan has always put John Cena over as a star, professional, and good guy. Cena did show respect by saying he wanted to wrestle him, but felt obligated to deliver some kind of cheap shot to fulfill his company stooge comment quota.

Graziano Family Files Motion Against Hulk, Nick

- According to The Tampa Tribune, the attorneys that represent the Graziano family filed new motions yesterday. These motions are seeking punitive damages from both Hulk and Nick Hogan for injuries suffered by John Graziano when the car Nick Hogan was driving crashed back in August of 2008. The filing uses Hulk Hogan's book and the Hogan Knows Best reality show as sources for the filing. Some quotes of interest from the article which relate to the filing…

* "It is evident that Terry Bollea knew of his son's pattern of breaking the law, whether it be driving without a valid driver's license, speeding or practicing drifting maneuvers in the neighborhood, and failed to take appropriate action to curtail his son's reckless driving conduct."

* "Nicholas Bollea testified he would duck down behind his father's seat in order for his father to not be able to see him consume some beer."

- You can check out the full article here.

Brooke Leaving Sushi Samba Restaurant in Miami

She couldn't have been buying that Victoria's Secret for this douche...

Brooke Seen Shopping At Victoria's Secret

Wonder who she's getting all sexy for?