I want to start by saying I am not a Hulk Hogan fan ... at all. I wouldn't even say I'm necessarily a fan of the product TNA presents on TV most weeks. But the closing segment of last night's show, featuring Hogan announcing his retirement from pro wrestling, was incredible.
I know, just like you know (or should) that Hogan isn't really retiring. I mean, we're talking about the Hulkster, here. Spoilers are available to what exactly is going to happen over the course of the next two shows leading into Bound for Glory on Oct. 16, but to those that avoid such things, this was compelling television.
Hell, it was compelling even to those that don't.
Hogan, not exactly the most talented trouper in Tinseltown, hit a home run with his retirement speech. Mixing reality with fantasy, Hulk even drummed up a tear or two to really drive it home.
Sting came off like a massive douche in the segment and that speaks to how masterfully Hogan conducted himself inside the ring. That crowd was eating up every word he said.
No, this doesn't make the most sense in terms of how a promotion should build towards a big match at the biggest pay-per-view of the year, but the actual playing out of the program, has, dare I say, been as entertaining as possible considering those involved.
See? I'm not always a grump.