TVSquad

I try to cover professional wrestling here on TV Squad only when something happens that hints at a ratings spike, a celebrity tie-in or a television publicity war. Today, we have news that could score a pin on all three fronts, "Brother!"

Hulk Hogan (in yellow, right), the 80s legend that put WWF WWE on the mat map, announced this week that he's returning to the squared circle and joining the ranks of Spike TV's TNA Wrestling. It's a big step up in exposure for the Florida-based promotion as it struggles to pull away a little market share away from Vince McMahon's Connecticut Death Grip.

While the WWE has either live or taped shows on various cable outlets Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights (with occasional weekend specials on NBC), TNA has used the last couple of years to build an ever-growing following in Spike's Thursday night schedule.

The 56-year-old Hogan has a new autobiography to sell and an ugly, humiliating divorce to put behind him -- so it's perfect time to flex his problems away in front of his adoring fans. Though TNA boasts such industry stars as Kurt Angle and Sting, the yellow and red-clad, cross-media celebrity will immediately become the promotion's top star.

The speculation in the aftermath of the announcement includes who might join Hogan at TNA (Ric Flair? Stone Cold Steve Austin?), what Hogan can still handle in the ring, and how long he'll stay with the promotion.

Suffice to say, as long as TNA is helping Hogan put a hammer lock on some greenbacks, it'll be a happy marriage.