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Happy Veterans Day -- and a big thank you -- to all who have served in the Armed Services and to those currently serving. 

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So you think you know pretty much all there is to know about the Hogan family? Well, think again. Hulk Hogan is back in the spotlight, this time with a new biography, “My Life Outside The Ring,” and new stories to share.  (The operative word being "stories.")  As you probably know, the "reality" of the Hogan family's life has to be taken with a very large grain of salt.

All had been superstardom for Hogans, and the riches, fancy cars and adulation that go with it.  But then a couple of years ago, all the glitz and glamour began to tarnish.  Real life had crept into the Hogans' perfect, bleach blonde "reality" world.   His son Nick's tragic accident changed all of their lives, then Linda leaving the Hulkster for someone young enough to be her son (literally) further divided the family. But between the detour Nick's life took and Linda's Cougarish ways, a more sympathetic version of the Hogan eventually began to emerge. (Just try not to think too much about the callous things the family said about the accident victim on those infamous jailhouse tapes.)

In his new book, Hogan delved into a darker side of himself.  Truth?  Hyperbole?  It's hard to tell with Hogan, but thank goodness it had a positive ending.  Just remember to take it with the aforementioned grain of salt.   

But it doesn't stop there. Hogan has also found a new roost to rule. This time it's TNA.

According to Dixie Carter, President of TNA Wrestling, “Hulk Hogan is one of the world’s top pop culture icons and the biggest superstar in the history of professional wrestling. We are truly excited to welcome him into the TNA family.” . . . “Our goal is to become the world’s biggest professional wrestling company. Hulk defines professional wrestling and we look forward to partnering with him in a variety of ways as we continue to grow TNA globally.”

To tell ya the truth, I can clearly picture the Savior of TNA turning into a spoiled brat after a few months (or weeks), packing up his toys (and the cronies he will bring along with him) and taking a hike as soon as things don't go his way. It's not like that hasn't happened before. Has Miss Dixie done her due diligence?

For his part, Hogan had this to say: “I’m thrilled to be jumping back into the world of professional wrestling. “My fans have been asking me to return to the business for many years on a full time basis, but the timing or the opportunity has never been right until now. TNA Wrestling is a great company with an already excellent fan base, business and broadcast partner. I firmly believe now is the time for some change at TNA as they are positioned to jump to the next level in their development and I’m here to work with Dixie to help make that a reality.”

Oh, brutha!!!

As someone who was at the very first TNA pay-per-view held in a virtually empty arena in Huntsville, Alabama, I never expected TNA to make it through its first years.  Of course, those were the Jarrett years, but new owners notwithstanding, I'm still surprised they're around. 

So far TNA has been like the proverbial alley cat with nine lives, but if TNA is putting its collective hopes in the hands of Hulk Hogan, they should know better.  I fear they are in for a rude awakening. 

However, Hogan may be in for a rude awakening himself. The Hogans are as over-exposed on TV as Jon and Kate and all their kids. There will come a day when the fans say ENOUGH!  Now go away!

And that day is coming soon!

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The NASCAR Raw vs. Smackdown "Rivalry" Ends in Victory Lane!!!

The Smackdown vs. Raw race car, driven by recent Raw guest host, Kyle Busch, ended up in Victory Lane last Saturday at the NASCAR Nationwide Race at Texas Motor Speedway!!! Kyle took the lead in lap 11 and stayed out front for the rest of the 200-lap race.   

When Kyle got out of the car in Victory Lane, he grabbed the WWE Title Belt that he had been given by Jerry Lawler and slung it over his shoulder, saying he'd been "given" the belt prior to the race, but he really wanted to "win" it. And that he did. My son remarked on how fitting it was for a heel driver to win a wrestling-related race.

Kyle and Joey each "worked" the rivalry in pre-race interviews, and Kyle did an outstanding job of putting over Smackdown vs. Raw and GameStop while in Victory Lane.  Not only that, but they each seemed to be having a good time with the sponsorship and knew the product well.  (Unlike a number of the guest hosts, who barely knew where they were, much less what they were supposed to be promoting.)

Joey Logano, the other Raw guest host and essentially the babyface driver, had run in the top 10 for most of the day, but blew a tire and spun into the wall with 47 laps to go. He was able to walk away from the wreck and later said that his car had been a bit lacking throughout the race.

While I initially thought Kyle was an unlikely choice for an appearance on Raw, it turns out he was the very best pick there was for this cross-promotion.        

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Thanks for reading and see ya next week!