[WWE] News on Akebono, Hogan, Fan Interest, AJ/Samoa Joe to WWE?

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– The long-rumored June 12 ECW “One Night Stand” PPV has been confirmed in literature sent to Dish Network subscribers.

– The April issue of RAW Magazine will feature a 9-page cover story of Hulk Hogan, with an additional 8-page story on the other Hall of Fame inductees. Hogan will grace the cover. [Credit: PWInsider.com]

– Akebono lost his match in Seoul, Korea last night at a K1 event. He won Round 1 then threw in the towel in Round 2 due to “an injured shin.” This is either a legitimate injury or something done to protect him from one pre-Mania. [Credit: K-1USA.net]

– At a fan event in Coventry, UK, Samoa Joe said yes he’s had discussions with WWE but nothing further than that. [Credit: PWInsider.com]

– At the same event, AJ Styles said if he was in WWE he’d want to face Eddie Guerrero or Chris Benoit, but that even though his TNA contract is up for renewal, he’ll most likely stay so he can keep doing “events like this.” [Credit: PWInsider.com]

– Also at that event, Foley said he was doubtful for the ECW pay per view or Shane Douglas’ reunion show, and that if he were to ever have a match with Flair, it could very well be dissappointing due to all the hype involved and Flair’s lack of respect for him. [Credit: PWInsider.com]

– WWE held a press conference in Victoria, BC, to hype an upcoming PPV. Benoit and Batista were in attendance, and Benoit claimed that when he wins the ladder match at Mania, he will challenge Batista for the World Title in British Columbia. The full story can be found here. [Credit: Canada.com]

– According to the 2004 ESPN Sports Poll, casual fan interest in pro wrestling fell 7.6% among men and hardcore fan interest fell 13.8% among men; for women, casual fan interest dropped 10.4% last year while hardcore interest dropped 20.4%. [Credit: WrestlingObserver.com]

– Moolah and Mae Young are scheduled for the “Conan O’Brien Show” on 3/23, to promote the New York opening of “Lipstick and Dynamite.” Big Show is scheduled on Conan on 3/30 to promote WrestleMania. [Credit: WrestlinObserver.com]

Matthew Michaels is editor emeritus of Pulse Wrestling, and has been since the site launched.