5 controversial moments of Hulk Hogan’s career

Hulk Hogan will go down as one of the greatest WWE superstars in history, if not the greatest. The Hulkster was at the epicenter of the professional wrestling boom during the 80s, and his contributions during the Rock n’ Wrestling connection, as well as the Golden Era of professional wrestling, cemented his legacy as the reason for WWE receiving mainstream attention.The Hulkster’s advice of “eating your vitamins, saying your prayers and drinking your milk” caught on with the younger generation, as most of the superstars of this generation grew up idolizing the Immortal One.However, Hulk Hogan was also notorious for his backstage politics, as well as his personal and professional conduct outside the ring. Most of the wrestling legends have alleged that Hogan used his influence and his creative control to hang on to the top spot, and when Hogan and Vince had their differences, Hogan jumped ships to the then WWF’s rival promotion, WCW. Hogan would stay with the organization till 2000 when he allegedly walked out of the company as he realized that WCW was going through financial problems.In this article, we take a look at 5 controversial moments of Hulk Hogan’s professional career, as well as his personal life.

#5 Recreating MSJ incident with Kurt Angle

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Every now and again, the professional wrestling fans dwell on the past. One of the most polarizing incidents in professional wrestling history was the Montreal Screw Job, and while most of the fans side with Bret Hart, it was also the incident that blurred the lines between reality and kayfabe. While the wrestling fans became more interested in knowing the backstage stories and incidents, it once again raised the issue of “how much is too much” in professional wrestling.

More than a decade later, Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels finally buried the hatchet, which also closed the curtains on a heated debate that lasted for more than a decade. However, when Hogan signed up with TNA, he along with the TNA management decided to dig up the buried memories, as Kurt Angle was portrayed as the protagonist, while the Hulkster played the part of the evil boss.

TNA also used Earl Hebner, the same referee who “screwed” Bret Hart in the match, and the outcome didn’t please the fans to say the least. The fans turned on Hogan and the TNA management, and voiced their displeasure about TNA mocking and rehashing storylines from the past.

#4 The Fingerpoke of Doom

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When you ask the ardent fans about the reasons why WCW folded, one of the main reasons would be the infamous “Fingerpoke of Doom” incident. During the Monday Night Wars, WCW teased a huge match between Kevin Nash and WCW’s trump card, Bill Goldberg for the WCW Heavyweight championship on free TV.

As the fans tuned in to witness the much-hyped confrontation between the two on WCW Monday Nitro, Goldberg was arrested (kayfabe) and escorted out of the building. This, however, led to another huge potential showdown between former stable mates and partners, Nash and Hulk Hogan.

A returning Hogan teased a face turn, and just when it looked it like Nash and Hogan would go toe to toe for the richest prize in WCW, Hogan “poked” Nash as Nash crumbled to the mat. Hogan pinned Nash to become the new WCW World Heavyweight champion, as the fans booed them out of the building. The entire ordeal was then revealed to be a set up, as Nash and Hogan embraced each other amidst a chorus of boos from the fans.

The “Fingerpoke of Doom” is credited to be one of the major reasons why WCW went out of business, and the trio of Hogan, Nash and Eric Bischoff were blamed for the poor execution of the storyline.

#3 The Bash At The Beach incident

Hulk Hogan Vs Jeff Jarrett Bash At The Beach 2000 by TimeToRockNRoll

By this time, Hulk Hogan was seen as an old man trying to relive his past glory, as the fans understood that Hogan was using his creative control clause to keep the younger talent down. During the Bash At The Beach PPV in 2000, Jeff Jarrett was supposed to defend the WCW World Heavyweight title against Booker T, who was tipped to become the new face of the company, but Hogan allegedly inserted himself into the match with Jeff, and used his influence to win the world title.

In what is still debated to be a work or a shoot, Vince Russo, the head booker of WCW told Jeff Jarrett to “lay down” for Hulk Hogan and let him pin Jeff for the title. After Hogan left the building, Russo cut a scathing promo on Hogan, and vowed that Hogan would never be seen inside a WCW arena again. Hogan later filed a lawsuit against Russo, while Russo claimed that the whole thing was a work, and Hogan was informed about the promo, although not the intricate details of the promo.

Russo’s “worked shoot” did more damage than good, as the fans grew tired of the constant mockery of their intelligence by the WCW management. This was also credited as one of the main reasons why WCW went bankrupt, as the fans grew disenchanted of WCW’s product.

#2 Comparison with O. J. Simpson

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Hulk Hogan was always marketable, as he is credited to be one of the smartest businessmen, although not genuine. With his whole persona catering to the younger generation, Hulk Hogan became an icon, who always told the kids to take their vitamins and drink their milk. However, Hogan went through a messy divorce nearly a decade ago, and was in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

First, Hogan’s son was involved in a car accident which left his friend in a permanent vegetative state, as Hogan comforted his son by saying that his friend, “had it coming”, and implied that God didn’t love him. After it was revealed that Hogan’s ex – wife was dating a 19 year old, Hogan let out his infamous rant, during which he said he understood why O. J. Simpson did what he did, and that it was fortunate that he didn’t go on a similar killing spree!

#1 The steroids scandal

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It is often said that no – one or nothing can bring the McMahon empire down, not even the government, and there is a good reason for that. During the early 90s, Vince McMahon and the WWE had to go through a trial, as the government tried to bring Vince McMahon down due to the prevalent use of steroids in professional wrestling and WWE in particular.

One of the major names on the government’s radar was Hulk Hogan, who admitted to taking steroids for a better part of two decades. He also testified in court, and said that he, along with Vince McMahon took steroids, although he made it clear that Vince McMahon never asked any performer to “use”. In the end however, Vince McMahon and the WWE came out victorious, but were looked down upon by the media.

Hogan’s reputation also took a major blow, as the parents didn’t trust the Hulkster anymore. In the end, it turned out to be the most controversial moment in Hogan’s career.

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