Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair Ready 2 Rumble?

This Saturday, professional wrestling legends Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair will return to the squared circle for the first time in many years. The two sports entertainment icons are scheduled to clash as part of Hulkster's "Hulkamania Tour" in Australia. A recent Hogan-Flair press conference overseas garnered a lot of attention when Ric Flair attacked the Hulkster. In addition to bloodying up his former rival, Flair also was using his belt to whip anyone in range, and broke a photographer's equipment when he tossed a table into the press area. A recent ABC News article discussed Hogan's dedication to the Make a Wish Foundation as well as the press conference. (Read article here)

These two wrestling stars haven't been in the ring in several years now. Ric Flair was retired at Wrestlemania XXIV in a retirement match against his friend Shawn Michaels. Hulk Hogan last fought against Paul "Big Show" Wight at an independent Memphis Wrestling event. Both guys have been involved in the ring for different stories or TV shows since, but not for actual wrestling matches.

The actual tour will hit Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Saturday 11/21, Burwood Dome in Perth on Tuesday 11/24, Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane on Thursday 11/26 and finish up at the Acer Centre in Sydney on Saturday 11/28. Other wrestlers and personalities on the tour will include The Nasty Boys, Brutus Beefcake, Val Venis, Jimmy Hart, Rikishi, Orlando Jordan, Lacey Von Erich and Umaga.

See video footage of the Flair attack on Hogan here.

(Story Source: PWInsider.com)

WWE Job Cuts & Linda McMahon

On this past Friday, the WWE also showed it's also feeling the effects of the recent economic slowdown. World Wrestling Entertainment promptly layed off 10% of its global workforce in the new year. The cuts were intended to reduce costs and increase profits. They will reportedly save the company about $8 million a year (source: marketwatch.com). No wrestling superstars or divas were included in that particular round of cuts.

The Sun out of United Kingdom reported that 60 employees were recently released by WWE. The move has been dubbed "The Titan Tower Massacre" as names such as Val Venis, D-Lo Brown, Bam Neely and Kevin Thorn were all axed from the rosters. Also included in the massacre of jobs were several referees, amateur "jobber wrestlers" and Vince McMahon's personal limo drivers.

According to Sun UK:

According to various sources more than 60 employees were released, in a move that WWE hope will reduce their operating expenses by $20million (£13.5million) and make the company more cost efficient in these challenging economic times.

WWE CEO Linda McMahon said: “These efficiencies will help position the company for the long term, by placing it in a stronger, more flexible position.

“With these actions, we believe we can execute our key strategic initiatives, in a more profitable manner.”

Read the full article at The Sun UK

Meanwhile as many have lost jobs at World Wrestling Entertainment, CEO Linda McMahon has taken a new position. Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell has appointed Linda to the 11-member Connecticut Board of Education. Rell made the following statement regarding the appointment:

”Linda clearly understands the skills and education needed to succeed in business and the type of highly educated and skilled workforce that must be available to ensure that success,”

(Source: Rell Names WWE Executive to State Board)