By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

Hulk Hogan says he's been encouraged by working with the creative team in TNA thus far, including Vince Russo, and he's trying to cultivate a work environment where people say what they think without worrying about ideas being crazy or embarrassing.

In an interview with Brian Fritz at TNA's press conference on Monday, Hogan recalled a humorous incident that's worth listening to Hogan describe when he called something the "worst effing idea" he'd ever heard during a phone conversation with Eric Bischoff without realizing everyone from creative and TNA president Dixie Carter were on the phone.

"I'm really guilty because sometimes on the phone, we'll be going over creative and they'll hit me with an idea and I just say what I feel because I still think like a wrestler when it comes to creative. And I had no idea Dixie was on the phone, Russo's on the phone, and the writing staff's on the phone. I just thought it was me and Eric (Bischoff)," Hogan said.

"And he pitched and idea to me I go, 'That's the worst effing idea I've ever heard in my life.' Ya know. And it was like Dixie's idea or Russo's idea or something and I didn't know they were on the phone. (laughs) That's just me. I'm honest. If it's good, it's good or if if it doesn't work for me, then I have to say what I think. But, the writing staff has been great."

Hogan said he's warming up to Russo "from a distance," but added that a "leopard doesn't change his spots" when it comes to creative ideas or personality. Hogan put over his professionalism, though.

"I come in peace. I think we've all grown and really don't live by kneejerk reactions anymore. So far, everyone has been holding their end up," Hogan said before lowering his voice. "As far as I'm concerned now that I'm running this thing with Dixie, everybody has to prove themselves and everyone has to bring something to the table. So far, the writing staff - Vince Russo, Ed Ferrara, and Matt (Conway) - these guys have really stepped up. What I like about them is when we get in these meetings, some people (would normally be like), 'I don't want to say that cause you might think I'm crazy or it might be embarrassing.' They talk. I love it when people just say what they think in the creative meetings - if it's embarrassing, it's a great idea, or it's a bad idea."

Link: Hear Hulk Hogan's interview and his humorous story on last night's Between the Ropes radio show.

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