Hogan's Star has Fell?

Blitzkrieg

This comes from JV on the main page:

Early estimates have the WWE Backlash PPV that took place May 1st (featuring Hulk Hogan's tag match alongside Shawn Michaels) as having done around 260,000 buys. That's got to be a disappointing figure given all of the hoopla surrounding Hogan's in-ring return.
In comparison, the 2004 show (featuring the WrestleMania rematch of Triple H vs. Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels for the World Title) did just under 300,000 buys.

Of course, WWE doesn't need to be *too* disappointed considering that WrestleMania 21 did an estimated 940,000 buys, the best total in years. But considering that Backlash was essentially built on Hogan's in-ring return, it could be indicative of his selling power at this stage of his career.

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I found this to be interesting. Do you guys think it's safe to say that Hogan should hang 'em up once and for all?

Danny Diamond

Founder/Admin

Hmmm. I suppose if he wants to be the focus of the show or a big segment putting himself over then yes, its time to say "tata" to Hogan.

If he were ever willing to play the "father" role to some young superstars and manage them that would be fantastic. He could play a major role, but not have to be active.

Imagine a stable war between Flair and Hogan.....

That would be nice.

Mr. Kennedy

I think the fact that WM21 was so dissapointing led some people deciding not to order Backlash. Simon is right about Hogan being better off as a mentor/manager to a young superstar.

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ICEMAN

I apologize if this is long winded.

I think Hogan was used in perfect role at Backlash. His match was a tag match, which meant he wasn't in the ring the entire match, so it's easier to hide his weaknesses (which are many due to age, injuries etc.). I don't see any problem with WWE bringing him back 2-3 times a year for matches like that. I look at it like a treat for all the longtime WWE fans that still enjoy popping for Hogan when he appears/wrestles. Is he going to draw money? No, not at this stage of his career. Is he a good nostalgia act? Absolutely. Should he be blamed for the Backlash buy rate? No. I know there will be those that will say he was heavily promoted (which he was), but I don't think Hogan is the reason the buyrate was low.

I think it has to do with the main event, which was Triple H-Batista II. Many people thought their match at WM 21 was lackluster, especially considering how good the build had been. Furthermore, it's always a rematch/sequel is always a hard sell in any business, because the second act rarely lives up to the original. I think WWE fans that bought WM 21 then saw the card for Backlash said to themselves "We've seen the main event and seen forms of the undercard matches (Edge-Benoit; Benjamin-Jericho come to mind)numerous times on free TV and at WM 21, so do we really need to buy this PPV? No."

Personally, I feel WWE should do away with the Backlash PPV and wait till 2 months after WM to have its next PPV. By that time, you could have a new opponent for whoever the champ is, and hopefully also create a few new undercard matches. It's hard to re-sell two PPV's in a month's time, that are basically just re-packaged material.

I think the Vengeance PPV numbers will also be low, especially now that they're doing Triple H-Batista III: Hell in a Cell. No one live reacted when Triple H made the announcement. Why? Because the HIAC is outdated. It's been done too many times, and Triple H himself has been in 5 or 6 now, so it's no longer a special match. If Batista is going to succeed, they need to move him away from Triple H sooner, not later. I think this match is going to damage his title run, and I wouldn't be surprised that when the numbers come in low, he gets blamed and Triple H is holding the strap after SummerSlam.

Blitzkrieg

I'm not blaming Hogan for Backlash either, but I do think his time has come and personally, I've seen enough of him. He doesn't do it for me anymore. It was nice to see him at WM against The Rock and that should have been his last match. If Hogan wants to continue to wrestle that's his choice but WWE shouldn't be putting him in high profile matches anymore trying to sell his name. The dissapointment of Backlash means that A) The Batista-Triple H match did not interest anyone and B) Hogan didn't interest anyone.


Off topic, I agree that nobody will want to buy Vengeance to see the Hell in a Cell match, but I really don't think anyone would want to se Batista vs. any of the heels on RAW at this point. That's the bigger concern.

Zar

hey, don't speak too soon. I think Batista vs Tomko in a loser becomes a limo driver would push me to buy