Chicago Sun-Times: Hogan's show scores big for VH1

For decades, wrestling fans have known Hulk Hogan sells tickets, generates pay-per-view buys and receives huge TV ratings. Now the rest of the country is finding out what a big star the Hulkster can be. The debut of his reality show on VH1, Hogan Knows Best," broke records for the network.

With a 1.9 rating, it was the most-watched series premiere in VH1 history and the network's highest-rated regular episode telecast. The premiere also came in as the network's second-highest rated telecast of all time. Hogan Knows Best" did 18 percent better than the previous record holder, The Surreal Life 4."

AROUND THE RING: Matches confirmed for the Great American Bash include Batista defending the title against former champion JBL, The Undertaker facing Muhammad Hassan and Orlando Jordan putting the U.S. title on the line (and probably losing it) against Chris Benoit. ... Lita and Matt Hardy were on the WWE Byte This" Internet program, which all but confirms Hardy's appearance Monday on Raw" was set up by WWE. Early fan response shows that if Hardy, Edge and Lita are running an angle, all three risk losing a great deal of the fans' respect.