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By Jerome Wilen

I remember it like it was yesterday, Eric Bischoff and his group of investors back in the beginning of 2001 had announced they were purchased World Championship Wrestling from Time Warner/Ted Turner, but then an individual at Time Warner who knew nothing about professional wrestling made the decision that after over 20 years, wrestling was not going to be a part of the programming line-up on Turner Network Television and TBS. Then just a few short months later in March, Bischoff’s investors pull out and Vince McMahon does what no one would ever think of, he buys the company that almost bankrupted him when they (WCW) were at their prime.

Now we fast forward to the end of 2009. The never say never in wrestling continues. Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling and Dixie Carter announce a partnership with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. Now just a few short weeks later, TNA announces that the first IMPACT of 2010 on January 4th will a live three hour special going head to head with WWE Monday Night RAW and Hogan appearing in the IMPACT Zone. It has also been said that Hogan will be changing TNA’s six sided ring back the traditional four sided ring. How much power does Hogan have? It appears he has more than TNA founder Jeff Jarrett. Will the USA Network and the WWE announce a three hour show and who will be the guest host? My own thoughts is watch it be Sting. Highly unlikely. I do not think Vince feels threatened, but he has to be paying more close attention to TNA now that Hogan and especially Eric Bischoff is involved, since he was almost responsible for putting Vince’s then WWF out of business. Monday January 4th will be very interesting to say the least, but what will be more interesting is the Tuesday morning when the ratings come out. Will TNA and SPIKE make the move to Monday’s should the ratings show to be a success?

The rebirth of the Monday Night War is healthy for industry. Competition is good for pro wrestling. It keeps the programming fresh it will bring out the best in Vince since he has been the only wrestling show live on Monday Nights, and make TNA step it up as well.