The WWE seems determined to revisit the noted "Screwjob" of 1997, when "The Hitman" was tricked out of the title by Vince McMahon & Shawn Michaels. Geez, guys -- that's old school. For all the disparaging of what wrestling was in the '60's, '70's, & 80's, it happens to be McMahon who still cannot let go of what happened in Montreal. Trust me, double crosses in the ring were happening in the 1930's, long before even I was born. Such shady manipulation was hardly new with the WWF & Vince. The truth is, though, that McMahon knows it adds to his so-called "legend," so he doesn't mind bringing it up again...and again...and again...and again -- well, you get the picture.

Aside from a yet-to-be-determined ratings boost & perhaps one minimally higher buy rate for a Pay-Per-View, the key to Hart's involvement will be how, when, & for how long. If it's one & out for Bret, then all that his appearance will mean is a few extra cents to WWE's profit margin. Will Hart's return lead to more detailed, imaginative thinking on the part of WWE Creative?

As for Hulk, he supposedly is going to run the show for TNA. Whether that matters is also yet-to-be-determined. Thus far, Hulk has proven terrific at booking himself.  Where else, who else, and what else has he booked & promoted? Having creative control of his own battles, though, wasn't difficult, because it simply meant that in every feud, Hulk came out on top at the end. Can he book someone else...many someone elses? Can he develop new & worthy talent into being box office attractions & meaningful main event performers?

If Hogan cannot succeed at that, then he too would be nothing more than a one-tricky pony -- a brief boost in ratings & a notable jump one or two times in buy rates. In addition, the entire effort is a big gamble for the company behind TNA. If Hogan doesn't deliver in many different areas, don't be surprised to see Panda Energy say, "Well, we tried but it doesn't work. So let's not lose any more money." There is danger in this Hulk-sized gamble.

The trick is to make it last. Having been around the back rooms of wrestling a few times, I have heard plenty of promises, piles of ideas, lots of bragging, many claims to greatness. How many proved true I can count on my fingers. 

Moreover, some of those excited about Hogan & Hart (and I admit it will be fun to see what happens & how they are used -- or use themselves in Hulk’s case) are the same fans who clamor for new stars, new talent, young hopes. Well, if a young tough guy is ultimately flattened by either Hart or Hulk, then it's obvious what the game is. And that game is take care of thyself first.

So, excuse me, Mosh, my good friend. I'll be hopeful...but with a lot of cynicism & skepticism as 2010 dawns.

(Larry Matysik has just released his third book, "Drawing Heat The Hard Way: How Wrestling Works" through ECW Press. He learned wrestling from Sam Muchnick in St. Louis, where he eventually was the television announcer, booker, & publicity man for the sport's most unique promotion; then Larry spent a decade with the World Wrestling Federation, and has also promoted numerous independent shows. Contact Larry with any thoughts, comments, or feedback at the MNM/Sizzlin' Sauces inbox, or via the program's official Facebook & MySpace pages.)