As was reported shortly after news broke that Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff signed with TNA, all sources are indicating that the two signings were part of something much bigger going within the number two wrestling promotion. Though either a timeslot change for iMPACT! (which Spike TV has denied at press time) or the addition of new TNA broadcasts are at the forefront of speculation, another aspect breaking within the wrestling industry is that other major wrestling names will follow Hogan and Bischoff to TNA.
F4WOnline.com’s Wrestling Observer breaks down the big names who are part of said speculation:
Steve Austin – Rumors have already been linking Austin to TNA, although sources close to him do not believe he wants to actively work with a wrestling company, as doing so would hinder his Hollywood credibility.
Bill Goldberg – TNA approached Goldberg independently of the Hogan/Bischoff deal, but there is not believed to be significant interest on Goldberg’s part.
Ric Flair – As Flair has a contract that links him professionally to Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, one would assume Flair is joining TNA. At the same time, TNA has unsuccessfully tried to sign Flair in the past and it is not clear he would do something that puts him in such direct opposition with Vince McMahon. Flair would neither confirm nor deny his TNA prospects.
Diamond Dallas Page – Though his name has come up in rumors, he has personally given no indication that he’s joining TNA.
Jimmy Hart – Despite being a close partner and collaborator with Hulk Hogan, Hart has said that he is not part of the TNA deal.
Kennedy – He is expected to remain distanced from wrestling as he pursues an acting career.
Rob Van Dam – Hogan and Bischoff are big proponents of getting RVD into the company, although he had not made a decision at press time.