TNA Signs NASCAR Driver To 'Professional Services' Contract
TNA Wrestling issued the following press release today, announcing they have signed Hermie Sadler to a "professional services" contract:
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 9, 2008 — Former NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler signed a "Professional Services" contract today with Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, it was announced by the Tennessee-based company. Terms of the deal were not released.
Sadler retired from the NASCAR Nextel Cup series after the 2006 season and is now an analyst for NASCAR on SPEED and Direct TV Hot Pass, and TNA has agreed to sponsor Sadler on Direct TV's Hot Pass. Since TNA's inception in 2002, Sadler has wrestled in past matches, served as a guest referee and also has sat in as a TNA announcer with broadcasters Mike Tenay and Don West.
"I am a longtime pro wrestling fan and a true supporter of TNA Wrestling; I really believe in the product. It has been a lot of fun, truly an enjoyable experience working with the superstars of TNA Wrestling," said Sadler, 38, the 1993 Busch Series Rookie of the Year. "In this new job with TNA, there are endless possibilities — both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
In addition to NASCAR announcing, Sadler also is a weekly guest every Tuesday on the nationally-syndicated John Boy & Billy Big Show, a morning radio show which originates from Charlotte, N.C. He regularly discusses TNA storylines and superstars on the popular radio show.
In addition, Sadler appears on card No. 52 in the 100-card "TNA Impact!" trading card set, released in June by Houston-based Tristar Productions, Inc. "When it was first mentioned about having a Hermie Sadler card in our inaugural TNA Wrestling card set, it was a no-brainer; we definitely wanted to include him," said Tristar Vice President Mandy Fuerst.
"A little-known fact about the Hermie Sadler card is, it was the absolute last card added to the set, and we've had as many inquiries about that card as almost any in the entire set. We've had a number of people asking for an authentically-signed Sadler insert card, and though there were not any included in this first set, we're hoping to have Sadler autograph cards for the next set, which comes out this fall."
The NASCAR scene shifts to Chicago this week as the Chicagoland 400 is slated for July 12 — and that is three months to the day from TNA Wrestling's first-ever Chicago-area show, "Bound For Glory IV," the company's biggest annual pay-per-view.
TNA Wrestling presents "Bound For Glory IV" live from the Sears Centre Arena in suburban Hoffman Estates, Ill., on Sunday, Oct. 12, starting at 8 p.m. ET, and it will air worldwide exclusively on pay-per-view.
"We're absolutely thrilled to have Hermie join the TNA Family in a more formal role," said TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter. "We're excited to be coming to Chicago with 'Bound For Glory IV,' and though it's still too early to talk about specifics for our October show, we plan to have Hermie involved in an integral role on the show."
In 2002, Sadler had a feud with TNA Wrestling star Ron Killings, leading to a number of appearances and matches as part of a cross promotion between TNA and NASCAR. TNA Wrestling later sponsored Sadler's racing efforts.
"Hermie's enthusiasm for TNA Wrestling shines through every time he comes to the arena," said TNA Wrestling commentator Don West. "His ability to relate what he sees in the (wrestling) ring to his NASCAR experiences is a great insight whenever he gets on the TNA broadcast."
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