Ringside Review: Hogan returning to ring in Japan

By Dandy Dave

New Japan Wrestling announced last week that Hulk Hogan will be taking on Masahira Chong at the Tokyo Dome on Oct. 13.

It will be Hogan’s first match since appearing as Mr. America, teaming with Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar against the Big Show, Haas and Benjamin on June 24’s “Smackdown” taping.

This will be Hogan’s first match in Japan in almost 10 years.

Hogan paid a visit to the NWA-TNA offices last week, and talked with the Jarretts about working with them. While no deal has been officially made, there are rumors that Hogan will work for the promotion after his Japan trip.

• The NWA-TNA did add to its list of superstars last week, but you won’t see him in the ring.

“Dirty” Dutch Mantel, who is one of the best bookers in the business, has joined the promotion in a behind-the-scenes capacity.

By the way, “Raven” is now bald. He lost his hair in a match with Shane Douglas when “Vampiro” nailed him with a DDT.

• Looking for a new DVD?

The Ric Flair “From the Vault” DVD set will be out Nov. 18. There will be three discs — one dedicated to the WWE, one to WCW, and one to NWA. It will b 6-1/2 hours long, and no price has been set yet.

Brock Lesnar’s “Here comes the Pain” will be out Oct. 21. Trish Stratus’ “100 percent Stratusfaction Guaranteed” will be out Dec. 16.

• Steve Blackman may not be in a ring again. He’s been out for nearly two years with bone spurs and other neck problems. He will go see Doctor Hae-Dong Jho of Pittsburgh this week. That’s the man who fixed Kurt Angle’s neck.

Dandy Dave is brought to you by Advance America. Call them at 473-9390.