It’s been a while, but This Day in Wrestling History is back and this is going to be a fun one.
There’s been a lot said about Hulk Hogan in one way or another, but there’s no denying his place in history for both professional wrestling and otherwise.
AWA Bound
One of those was when Hulk Hogan returned to the WWE (then the WWF) on December 27, 1982 when he appeared at a taping to defeat Bill Dixon.
What’s really cool about this story is how he quit the WWE in 1980 because he wanted to take part in Rocky 3 with Sylvester Stallone.
Vince McMahon Sr. wouldn’t allow him to take part in the movie, so Hogan went to the AWA (American Wrestling Association) where, despite WWE revisioning, the birth of Hulkamania really happened.
A large part of Hogan’s rise in popularity can be attributed to the movie, where he reportedly injured three stuntmen and gave Stallone reason to think he broke his collarbone.
Stallone shared this memory on Instagram:
“Another flashback and another reason why it’s not such a great idea to always do your own stunts! I met Terry Bollea aka THUNDERLIPS aka HULK HOGAN In the very early 80s when I was directing Rocky III. AT 6feet 7 and 295 pounds with 24 inch biceps! He was an amazing athlete! Incredibly powerful. I remember a violent move where he threw me into the corner, charged across the ring like an ENRAGED bull and leaped so amazingly high Above me, that his shinbone actually came down giant tree on my collarbone, and I tumbled to the floor. I was afraid to look at my shoulder for about 10 minutes … I said “don’t roll me over, don’t move me, ” because I was sure there was bone protruding through my upper chest ! Of course there wasn’t but I have never felt such a mind numbing pain from a massive hit before or since that day! HULK Just didn’t know his own strength. Believe it or not when he jumped into the audience to fight with the stuntmen, three of them had to be treated at the hospital. Great guy, great friend, his presence made the Film very very special. HULK , if you’re reading this, it was a privilege to be mangled by such a gentleman.”
Return to WWE
With the success of the movie and his newfound national popularity, Hogan’s star was rising faster and higher than anyone could’ve predicted.
In what may be the biggest mistake in wrestling history, the AWA (Verne Gagne to be precise) decided not to put the world title on Hogan for him reportedly refusing to give up a portion of the money he was making in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
It can be argued this led to AWA’s eventual demise, and ushered in their talent leaving for greener pastures in the WWE now owned and operated by Vince McMahon Jr.
Vince Jr. wanted to expand the WWE’s territory from the northeast to the entire nation and beyond, and he needed/wanted Hogan as his centerpiece to do so.
The rest is history and another chapter in This Day in Wrestling History.
What’s your favorite Hulk Hogan memory? Let This Day in Wrestling History know in the comments below.
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