According to a report by Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer, Ric Flair signed a three-year deal earlier today with the new Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff “Hulkamania” promotion that will debut with a tour in Australia this November. Flair had been in what was described as “intense negotiations” in the last three days and months of on-and-off discussions.
Flair will be Hogan’s main opponent marking his return to the ring since his “retirement” at WrestleMania 24 in Orlando, FL at events on November 21 in Melbourne, November 24 in Perth, November 26 in Brisbane and November 28 in Sydney. The deal also includes plans for episodes of a joint Hogan/Flair reality show that will be shot on the tour.
A number of former WWE stars are also confirmed for the tour as well including Ken “Mr. Kennedy” Anderson (who confirmed on Twitter), Sean Morley (Val Venis), Eddie Fatu (Umaga) and Shannon Moore. Diamond Dallas Page was rumored to be in talks as well. Were told they have reached out to Jeff Hardy along with a number of recently departed WWE stars for the tour.
The plan as of now with the promotion is to run regular foreign tours. According to reports, Hogan and Eric Bischoff had been talking about this idea ofr years now, but with both Hogan and Ric Flair going through expensive divorces, it made it easier for both to commit. There still remains no “official website” for the tour as of now, but it is expected to be revealed soon. The full press release can be viewed below:
For the first time ever, Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan will tour Australia. His new event HULKAMANIA – Let the Battle Begin, will be playing arenas in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, November 2009.
For over two decades the name Hulk Hogan has been synonymous with sports entertainment and professional wrestling. Having set live attendance records all over the world including a live gate of more that 96,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome, Hulk Hogan has set his sites on Australia as his next frontier.
?I have been blessed with the opportunity to perform in front of fans around the world,? said Hogan. ?I have always wanted to perform in Australia as I have heard Aussies are some of the greatest wrestling fans ever. I am grateful for this opportunity, and hope that this is just the beginning of a great thing!?
?In 2002 there were rumours of Hulk Hogan coming to Australia which sent wrestling fans into meltdown,? said promoter Michael Condon. ?This time it’s real and confirmed and the Hulk is bringing some of the greats of wrestling with him.?
HULKAMANIA will also i some of the top stars that compete all over the world, and will include state of the art production. The arenas will be plastered with large screens to show the audience what is happening back stage in between wrestling matches. The night will also contain audience participation, a huge pyro techniques display and more.
From his early beginnings as a young wrestler training under the Tutoledge of the famed Hiro Matsuda who intentionally broke Hulk Hogan’s leg on his first day of training just to test his desire. Hulk Hogan’s larger that life persona and matching arms have turned the industry into the phenomenon it is today.
?We are thrilled to be working with Condon Sports and Entertainment group and KnokX Pro Entertainment? said Eric Bischoff of Bischoff Hervey Entertainment Television who is helping to bring Hulk Hogan to Australia for this tour.
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