Hulk Hogan’s surprise appearance on American Idol continues to get tons of press around the world. The ratings are in for the episode and it was huge. Before any WWE mark suggests that I’m implying that Hogan brought these ratings, I ask they go back to bed as cartoons will be on in the morning and they will need their sleep.
From the Orlando Sentinel:
Thursday’s edition of “American Idol” delivered a series of surprises: a couple of Steve Wonder performances, a birthday salute to Steven Tyler, a walk-on by Hulk Hogan, a Jennifer Hudson performance and results that played out dramatically. There has never been a results show quite like that one, has there?
The show averaged 21.3 million viewers, according to updated ratings released this afternoon. “Idol” put Fox on top for the night in total viewers and the 18-to-49 age group.
From a wrestling fans perspective it was cool to see Hulk Hogan come out to “Eye Of The Tiger” after so many years. What does this rating mean for TNA fans? Hopefully some people who were Hogan fans back in the day and left wrestling were watching Idol and got their curiosity peaked about what the Hulkster has been up to. Maybe they’ll tune in and maybe they’ll bring a few more. No matter how you look at it 21 million people watching a TNA star on TV has to be positive for the company.
being a tna fan im disappointed hogan didnt give tna a mention.
he could and should of at least worn a tshirt with a tna logo on it
Thanks for the comment James. It would have been nice of course but I’m not certain what the policy is on plugging off network shows on Idol so it may not have been a choice for Hogan. The rumor mill says Hulk Hogan’s contract with TNA is performance based, if that is indeed the case I’m sure he would have given a shout out if it was permissible.
Most likely this was booked as your typical celebrity guest appearance which unless it is on a talk show typically does not include a plug.
I do agree that he should have plugged TNA. Be it a policy that stopped him from doing so, or not. Whether or not he was to plug TNA, he did a good thing anyway. A LOT of people watched American Idol, and the pop for Hogan was outstanding when he came out. My guess is, for example, an average person who would have seen that, would have been all:
“Oh, its Hogan! I remember him! He was the best. I wonder what he is up to now?”
*Goes online and looks up his Wiki page*
“Oh wow! He’s still in wrestling? I’ve not watched that stuff in a while. He’s in some promotion called, TNA? I’ve never heard of this. Its on Spike on Thursday nights at 9? I might check it out.”
*Watches TNA iMPACT*
“WOW! TNA was great! Hogan was awesome. I might watch this TNA more often!”
+1 for TNA.
I’d say that 21.3 million viewers, just to view Hulk Hogan’s appearance on “American Idol”, I think is impressive because, I’ve never seen this rating before on any T.N.A and W.W.E programming.
*Watches TNA iMPACT*
“WOW! TNA was great! Hogan was awesome. I might watch this TNA more often!”
Really? Have YOU watched TNA lately? I think it would not go over so well with Hogan fans.
*Watches TNA iMPACT*
“WOW! TNA was horrible! Hogan was a mess. I might never watch wrestling again if this is what my options are!”
It never ceases to amaze me how threatened WWE marks feel about TNA.