TNA News: Shane Douglas says he won't work the TNA Hardcore Justice PPV unless Ric Flair agrees to face him, accuses TNA of misleading fans

Former ECW Champion Shane Douglas posted a message on his website stating that he won't appear at TNA Hardcore Justice unless Ric Flair agrees to work a match with him. "Firstly, MOST organizations would NOT wish to mislead any potential customer(s)," Douglas wrote regarding a TNA Hardcore Justice commercial that included him.

"CLEARLY, this video intended to mislead wrestling fans, most certainly ECW fans! That said, I have to question TNA's motive(s) in placing ANY shot of me in their promotional pieces?! TNA is overly aware that we have NOT come to terms for any participation by ECW's centerpiece "Franchise" in "Hardcore Justice"! So, either they are trying to deceive potential PPV buyers (namely ECW fans), or they must be willing to meet my only demand for the event- Dic Flair on a silver platter!

"This was the biggest angle, teased to our loyal fanbase, that never came 'to a head' in ECW. Unless I'm missing the mark, I feel VERY STRONGLY that this IS a match our fanbase, and TNA's, would tune in to see. Too bad, thus far, TNA seems to be following their now-tired trend of ignoring their fans' desires!!!" To read the full message, visit FranchiseFanSite.com.

Powell's POV: It was wrong of TNA to include a shot of Douglas in their advertising without striking a deal with him first. Yet while it would be interesting to see Douglas and Flair work together after all these years of friction, I must say that Douglas seems to care about this match much more than anyone else.

I'm sure there are some people who would like to see it, but I don't get the sense that the masses are ordering this show because of Douglas appearing in the ad, nor has a single emailer (nor anyone in the Dot Net Members' forum that I've seen) mentioned that this is a make or break match in terms of ordering the pay-per-view. I'd like to see Douglas appear on Sunday, but I'm not going to lose any sleep if he doesn't show up.