Next Top Former Celebrity Wrestler?

Why Hello - I was just thinking about you!

Well, I do not have much time to speak, but we have had a very busy time since our last visit...

The MTV Movie Awards aired without incident (We achieved the mundane), nominees are being formulated for the Daytime Emmy Awards (Without Katherine Heigl - whom I rather liked in the movie "Knocked-Up"), another season of So You Think You Can Dance debuted, a new winner of Top Chef was announced (Great party last night - congratulations to Stephanie) and Circus of the Stars also debuted on NBC. Simply amazing!

As we are on the eve of the Hulk (The ill-tempered green guy, not the ex-wrestler) extravaganza (I will save further comment for later), I would like to maintain focus on the small screen. I mean after all, the small screen is what really re-vitalizes a career (-?).

What about Hulk Hogan?
Ah, I am sure that you have been following the celebrity news about the recent unfortunate events and controversy surrounding the entire Bollea family (aka Hogans?) - Yes, this is one of the few instances in which the entire family is using a stage name.

As well, as recent numerous appearances on the celebrity gossip programs, you may have also seen Hulk hosting "One of my favorite, but never have time to watch it shows", American Gladiator (NBC).

Amidst all of the understandable upset, Hulk Hogan seems to have lucked out with a new wresting reality show titled, Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling (CMT).

Real-Life Cartoon Character
When I was still a teen, I actually saw Hulk Hogan at a real-life WWE event. The show was unbelievable, complete with lights, loud music, and about a million screaming fans (From small children to screaming grown men) - it was like being at a well choreographed concert, and definitely not a sporting event.

My best friends and I had went to show for fun and had the time of our lives. The "Wrestlers" looked like comic characters, well muscled and surprisingly well spoken (Well, what could be understood between the yelling and ranting at their opponent).

You mean it's not real? When it was time for the main event to begin the entire coliseum darkened and Hulk's then trademark song "I am A Real American" blared from the loud speakers.

The crowd erupted into wild hysterics and the ring lit up with pyrotechnic fireworks as the huge, tanned big blond, dressed in his trademark bright yellow bandanna and boots made his way to ring and tore off his baby T-Shirt to reveal an entire mountain of a man - it was the most awesome sight of showmanship I had ever witnessed!

With movie roles (Rocky II, Mr. Nanny), a cartoon show, an action figure, numerous TV appearances, and merchandise, undoubtedly, Hulk Hogan brought the 'Sport' to the mainstream and really, no one is or will ever be as big as Hogan once was in the world of Wrestling.

Get Ready, Brother!
The premise of the show (Signed for 8-episodes) is that 10 wrestlers will be put through a number of challenges and eliminations. There will be three judges for the competitors to impress of which one is Hulk Hogan.

Hogan, well versed in the subject of wrestling, will not only be the creator of the show but will also serve as executive producer.

Former Celebrity Smack-Down
The show will also feature various 'Former Celebrities' including, Danny Bonaduce; former NBA star Dennis Rodman; former Saved by the Bell actor Dustin "Screech" Diamond; former Diff'rent Strokes actor Todd Bridges; former super-heavyweight boxer ButterBean; former The Real World: Las Vegas roommate Trishelle Cannatella; former Bewitched actress Erin Murphy; singer and actor Frank Stallone (-Are you related to Sylvester?); former 80s pop star Tiffany; and former a playmate. More than likely, you have seen many of these same formers on other former reality shows...

According to Hogan, his goal is to “shake things up” and he wanted to develop something new and more contemporary. Sounds very similar to Tyra's pitch of bringing the world of modeling to the masses, with America's Next Top Model.

The winner of the eight-episode series will be crowned "Celebrity All-Star Wrestling Champion" and is scheduled to air this fall.

Until the next round...

*The image above of WWF Champion Hulk Hogan is the property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.