WWE Hall of Famer Slams Hulk Hogan’s Behavior: “I Would Have Fired Him Thirty Years Ago”
In a candid revelation that has sent waves through the wrestling international, WWE Hall of Famer and former World Champion Bob Backlund did now not keep back in his complaint of mythical wrestling icon, Hulk Hogan. During his 2015 appearance at the “Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling” podcast, Backlund expressed strong disapproval of Hogan’s conduct outdoor the hoop, even going to date as to assert that he would have fired Hogan had he been in rate of WWE throughout the Eighties.
Backlund, recognized for his integrity both outside and inside the ring, emphasized his perception that Hogan’s conduct off-screen did no longer align with the standards anticipated of a top-tier professional wrestler, in particular one that changed into the face of WWE (then WWF) all through its golden generation. “Hulk didn’t meet the standards outside the ring to be able to represent the WWF. I would have fired him thirty years ago,” Backlund said, adding, “He was saying one thing and doing another.”
Backlund’s comments shine a light on a capacity inconsistency in Hogan’s public persona, suggesting that the Hulkster’s in the back of-the-scenes moves didn’t fit the values he projected in front of tens of millions of enthusiasts. Backlund, who prided himself on being a role version for young lovers and upholding strong personal ethics, implied that Hogan’s impact, even as undeniable, got here at a fee to the integrity of the enterprise. The accusation of Hogan being -faced, “announcing one thing and doing another,” factors directly to the comparison among Hogan’s individual in front of the camera and his actual-lifestyles moves backstage.
Though Backlund’s critique may also improve eyebrows, particularly among fans who idolized Hogan in the course of the 1980s, it’s essential to understand the larger-than-life position Hulk Hogan performed in WWE’s meteoric upward push. Hogan’s reputation helped catapult WWE into mainstream success, reworking it into a worldwide entertainment powerhouse. Hogan’s photo, with his iconic red and yellow attire, boundless charisma, and “say your prayers and eat your vitamins” mantra, became synonymous with professional wrestling.
Yet, Backlund’s comments underscore a essential anxiety in professional wrestling: the conflict between public photograph and personal conduct. Hogan’s rise to reputation got here at a time while wrestling become transitioning into a greater enjoyment-pushed spectacle, and Backlund’s remarks endorse that Hogan’s off-display screen conduct may also were greater reflective of this shift than the pure wrestling way of life Backlund loved. While Hogan became instrumental in shaping WWE’s destiny, Backlund’s critique invites a deeper communication approximately the requirements of behavior expected of wrestling’s biggest stars, particularly the ones tasked with representing the logo on a global stage.
Amid this controversy, some other revelation concerning Hogan’s wrestling career has additionally resurfaced. WWE govt and on-display persona Bruce Prichard recently discussed how Hulk Hogan’s opponent at WrestleMania VII turned into in the beginning speculated to be a totally one of a kind rival. Prichard explained that Vince McMahon had intended to pit Hogan against Tugboat, his on-display screen buddy, at the occasion, earlier than ultimately transferring to the Sgt. Slaughter feud that fanatics recall today. According to Prichard, the plan turned into for Tugboat to show heel, betraying Hogan and putting in a high-stakes conflict between the former allies.
While Tugboat turning heel may want to have notably altered the storyline, the selection to go together with Sgt. Slaughter as a substitute in the long run gave fanatics a memorable suit tied to a politically charged storyline. Still, this “what if” moment serves as a fascinating footnote in WWE records and further underscores the constantly evolving nature of the wrestling business.
In the cease, Backlund’s scathing critique of Hogan won’t diminish the Hulkster’s legacy, however it definitely provides a layer of complexity to how enthusiasts view one of wrestling’s most iconic figures. For all of Hogan’s success, Backlund’s perspective offers a reminder that being a champion isn’t just about what happens inside the ring—it’s about living up to the values that the title represents.
h/t to TJR Wrestling.
