Hogan/NBC Update, Vince's Announcement

Television industry news site TVWeek.com is reporting that professional wrestler and VH1 reality show star Hulk Hogan has signed on to host NBC's upcoming remake of "American Gladiators". Hogan made the rounds at NBC's Burbank offices last week and has accepted the job. The deal is still being finalized, but sources say both parties are committed. NBC sees Hogan as "the perfect fit" for the "Gladiators" revival. In addition to his experience as a physical performer during his years with the World Wrestling Federation, Hogan has proved he can draw viewers with sheer force of personality in his successful VH1 reality series "Hogan Knows Best." The network plans to showcase "Gladiators" sometime in midseason. Like the early-1990s original, the new "Gladiators" will have everyday weekend warriors competing against the show's cast of athletes. The remake will add special effects, water skills and high-tech stunts.

Yesterday, WWE.com announced that John Cena's injury was worse than originally expected and that Vince McMahon would kick of this week's ECW broadcast with a "Major Announcement". Last night on ECW TV, Vince McMahon kicked off the show with his Major Announcement about the future of the vacated WWE Championship. Vince came out and explained that John Cena was forced to undergo immediate surgery to repair a fully torn right pectoral muscle. Vince asked, "How did it happen? Who is responsible?" They showed a clip from RAW of Randy Orton giving John Cena the RKO in the ring and again on the announcer's table. Cena was clearly in bad shape, as Jim Ross cried, "John Cena has been physically destroyed on this night". Vince announced that Cena will be out of action from 6 months to a year and therefore has been stripped of the WWE title. However, the WWE Title will not be vacant for long. This Sunday at No Mercy, a new WWE Champion will be declared and "history will be made".