Well, that could explain all those compliments toward Triple H.
I know a good portion of pro wrestling fans who bop in and out of CageSide Seats on a regular basis, do so to vote in a few tournaments (like this one) and weigh in on the latest and greatest RAW, SmackDown or monthly pay-per-view (PPV) offerings.
If that's the case, you may have missed one of the juicer gems in King Eric's rumor round-up earlier today:
Multiple sources are reporting that Hulk Hogan's [TNA] contract expires on October 1. There is a lot of speculation that Hogan may return to WWE on a "Legends" contract, especially with his prominent appearance in the upcoming WWE 2K14 video game.
I know it's a little too early to celebrate, but I just can't help myself. WHO WILL JOIN ME?!?
You betta work.
It's no secret that I'm the biggest Hulk Hogan mark still allowed to write about THIS BUSINESS, and if you intend to shower me with tales of backstage politics, buried wrestlers and multiple back surgeries, don't bother. I'm not turning a blind eye to the past, brother.
But it's time to let bygones be bygones.
I also won't pretend he's not a bully in a china shop over in TNA, a baritone bunco who somehow swindled the keys to daddy's Cadillac (again) and turned the Impact Zone into his own personal playground. Don't blame him, blame the sucker who rubber-stamped that deal.
What would you have done, turned it down on principle?
But if Hulkster is indeed done on Oct. 1 and Spike TV passes on his bloated contract, which would be a great way to stay in the black, then having the man behind the boa transition back to WWE is probably what's best for business. For both businesses, actually.
I know what you're thinking.
But let's be real: This is 2013. Even if Hogan came back to WWE to suck a little more adulation out of the live crowd, he's harmless. You think he's got any pull backstage at this point in his career? He might be able to power walk through the TNA corporate office, but in WWE, he's yesterday's news.
Not that it matters.
Even if he could wrestle, he has no business doing work inside the squared circle. He can, however, still cut a good promo. More importantly? He can still draw. At WWE Fan Axxess earlier this year in New Jersey, the line was 60 deep for guys like Sgt. Slaughter. Imagine what "Hollywood" could churn out.
And those tickets aren't cheap.
Hogan can still draw attention to himself -- for better or for worse -- but when they pay attention to you in pro wrestling, they make you money. And besides, having him do the senior's circuit at least keeps him from pimping his WWE legacy to smaller promotions around the world.
If he's going to make money on the WWE name, it might as well be for WWE.
That's what's best for business.