Hulk Hogan intimated on a radio show this morning that Rob Van Dam, one of pro wrestling's top free agents, has signed with TNA.
Hogan, who appeared on the Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show in New York with Jimmy Hart, said that he heard Wednesday night about a major name signing with the company that Hart didn't even know about, and he then did RVD's trademark thumb-point. Hogan also mentioned Jeff Hardy's name as one of the "young kids" in TNA.
I'm surprised that Hogan would reveal the signing instead of having RVD make an unannounced appearance on Impact Monday night for shock value. While I don't think Van Dam himself is a huge difference-maker as far as drawing ratings, he is a valuable addition to TNA's roster.
Van Dam has made it clear in numerous interviews since leaving WWE in 2007 that he has no desire to work full-time again for WWE because of the grinding schedule, so going to TNA – where the schedule is lighter – makes sense. Plus, RVD has made no secret of his marijuana use, and in WWE there is a $2,500 fine for testing positive for the drug. TNA's drug testing policy is regarded as much more lax.