TNA News

[Head Booker]

TNA executive Eric Bischoff identified how his TV writing philosophy clashed with former writer Vince Russo's ideas in a new interview, but Bischoff said he "enjoyed the challenge of working him."

"I wanted to develop a long-term plan for booking, and Vince Russo liked running things on a short-term planning basis," Bischoff said on the VOC Wrestling Nation Radio Program Wednesday night, identifying how they differed. "He and I had philosophical differences on how to create prime time television, but I don’t think it’s unfair or unprofessional to acknowledge that."

Bischoff said he works closely with the Creative team on the day of television tapings and he ensures Spike TV "gets what is asked for," but he's "not involved in management on a day-to-day basis." He added that he believes TNA is "very much on track with the creative direction" laid out in October (at Bound for Glory).
As for Russo's actual departure from TNA, Bischoff essentially offered a no-comment. "I don’t know why Vince and TNA parted ways, and I wasn’t involved in it. I haven’t spoken to him since, aside from an email wishing him success in the future. I haven’t talked to anyone in TNA about it either," Bischoff said.

Also in the interview, Bischoff played up the idea of having "mixed emotions" about his son, Garett Bischoff, being part of the wrestling business. In the midst of an on-air feud between Eric and Garett centered around that issue, Bischoff said, "I tried to dissuade him from getting involved, but he’s doing what he wanted to do. Regardless of how I feel about it, he’s sticking to his dream and that’s an admirable quality.”

Bischoff also commented on whether TNA part-timer Ric Flair should attend WWE's Hall of Fame ceremony later this month in Miami.

“I’m not a decision maker, and whatever they decide, I’m going to support. But, in my personal opinion, I think they should allow Ric to go to the Hall of Fame," Bischoff said. "Ric Flair is a very special individual... there is not anyone in this business that deserves the respect and honor of taking center stage in the biggest event in our universe more than he does.”

[Head Booker]

TMZ.com reported Wednesday that a sex tape featuring legendary grappler Hulk Hogan has surfaced and is currently being shopped to a major adult film company. According to the website, the tape features the TNA Wrestling Superstar in a state of undress with an unidentified brunette female lying on a bed. The woman in question is not his ex-wife Linda Bollea or his current wife Jennifer McDaniel.

Ultimate Warrior went on Twitter to weigh in on his longtime rival's video. He wrote, "HH sex tape? Don't need more boring proof Terry is impotent with tiny, shriveled-up balls. And finding out he's lesbian is 2 much 4 even me, he wrote."

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TMZ.com broke the news on Wednesday morning that there is a sex tape being shopped around featuring Hulk Hogan and a brunette woman who is neither his wife Jennifer or his ex-wife Linda.

Hulk Hogan's attorney David Houston spoke to TMZ today and says Hulk Hogan was not aware he was being filmed and is appalled by this "outrageous invasion of privacy."

Houston issued the following statement to TMZ.com:

"Terry Bollea is appalled at the unauthorized release of a secretly filmed video. [Hulk] neither approved of the filming nor the release of the same. It is clearly an outrageous invasion of privacy and breach of trust if it is genuine. We will take all necessary steps to enforce both civil and criminal liability.”

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Hulk Hogan spoke to TMZ about the alleged sex tape which reportedly features Hogan and an unidentifiable woman. Here is an excerpt from the TMZ article:

Hulk Hogan just can't seem to identify his female co-star in the sex tape that just surfaced -- telling TMZ, he banged so many chicks after he left his ex-wife ... the woman could be one of MANY possible conquests.

Hulk called in to TMZ Live moments ago ... claiming he went on a 4-month alcohol-fueled lady-screwing bender between the time when he left his ex-wife Linda ... and met his current wife Jennifer.

[Head Booker]

WWE Hall Of Famer Road Warrior Animal, who hosts Extreme Pro Wrestling Radio on 100.3 KFAN in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stated during a recent show that he doesn't think Sting is a wrestling icon until he passes through WWE.

"Sting is not in the same league as guys like Triple H, Stone Cold, The Rock. Sting will never be considered a legend or icon until he lets his pride go and joins WWE. He needs to bury his personal issues and just get into the WWE. Sting has to come over to the WWE to be that guy, it's a bigger stage. Impact is one thing, the WWE is a way bigger thing," Animal said.

Animal also takes credit for Sting's arrival to the National Wrestling Alliance in 1987.

"The NWA was looking for a spot for Sting and I said make him a brother in paint and then Sting joined us (Road Warriors) in our six-man matches," he said.

On the best singles worker of all time, Animal said, "Easily, (Ric) Flair!"

[Head Booker]

TMZ picked up the story of TNA wrestler Kurt Angle attempting to track down phone scammers who allegedly took $4,000 from his 80-year-old mother. According to Angle's account of the incident, a man from the Dominican Republic allegedly contacted his mom demanding ransom, then another ransom amount, prompting Angle to get involved.

The FBI is now involved in the case, which Angle says could has roots in Pittsburgh, where an accomplice who knows about his family may live. "I'm gonna find the son of a bitch who did this to my mom," Angle told TMZ. "I don't want this happening to anyone else!"

[ LINK: Report & Angle quotes at TMZ.com ]