10 Moments When TNA Was The Hottest Wrestling Company In The World
8. Jarrett And Hogan Go East
Nearly seven years before a press conference would confirm the shocking arrival of Hulk Hogan in TNA, another one crafted a memorable moment designed to get him there a lot sooner.
Speaking to the media following a victory over Masahiro Chono in the main event of New Japan Pro Wrestling's Ultimate Crush 2 in 2003, Hogan discussed having lots of 'unfinished business' in the industry having only recently parted ways with WWE following a disappointing post-WrestleMania 'Mr America' arc with Vince McMahon.
Alongside winning the IWGP Title, Hulk noted how he wanted to snare the NWA gold, which Jarrett's cue to strike.
Bursting into the room, he waffled Hogan with his guitar, before wailing on him with a steel chair and aggressively shoving away Jimmy Hart and other officials before Chono himself was able to step in and run him off.
Ever the worker, Jarrett was dressed head-to-toe in white, which made for a grisly visual after his assault opened up 'The Hulkster'. Jeff screamed about his own 'unfinished business' as Hogan's blood stained his clothes, referencing their controversial previous meeting at 2000's WCW Bash at the Beach pay-per-view.
The build made headlines in the industry and was intended to set up the main event of TNA's inaugural Bound For Glory months later. Unfortunately, Hogan was injured shortly after, and used TNA's interest to leverage a better deal for his 2005 WWE return. TNA subsequently didn't run their first traditional pay-per-view until November 2004's Victory Road.