Hulk Hogan Was Fired from WWF for Doing Rocky 3

Episode Summary

Main Topics

This episode details Hulk Hogan's early career turning point, specifically his firing by Vince McMahon Sr. from the WWF for accepting a role in Sylvester Stallone's Rocky III. The discussion meticulously covers Hogan's on-set experience with Stallone, including a physical encounter and a humorous contract negotiation. It further explores his subsequent successful run in Verne Gagne's AWA, where he unexpectedly became a babyface, culminating in his pivotal re-recruitment by Vince McMahon Jr. for the WWF's global expansion.

Key Discussion Points

• The Rocky III Firing: Hogan vividly recounts how Vince McMahon Sr. fired him over the phone for taking the Thunderlips role in Rocky III. Despite their close friendship, Vince Sr. declared Hogan would "never work here again" after Hogan chose the film over a mandatory TV taping in Charlotte, marking a dramatic, career-altering dismissal from the WWF.
• Behind the Scenes with Sylvester Stallone: Hogan details his initial meeting with Stallone, during which his recently broken nose led Stallone to request a "hit." Hogan, reluctant, delivered a "50 percent" blow that caused Stallone's lip to bleed and face to hit Hogan's cowboy boot, much to Stallone's excited approval for the film's realism.
• Hogan's Unorthodox Negotiation: Lacking an agent, Hogan humorously recalls his negotiation with Stallone for Rocky III. Offered $10,000, Hogan counter-offered for $15,000, ultimately settling for $14,000. This snapshot highlights his naivety in early Hollywood, signing the contract without much scrutiny.
• The AWA Rebirth and Babyface Turn: Post-WWF firing and Rocky III's release, Hogan joined Verne Gagne's AWA. Initially attempting a "bad guy" persona, performing interviews with his back to the camera, he surprisingly became a fan favorite. A match against Jesse Ventura saw the crowd boo Ventura and cheer Hogan, solidifying his accidental babyface persona for three years in Minnesota.
• Vince Jr.'s Recruitment for Global Domination: The episode concludes with Vince McMahon Jr.'s strategic move to re-sign Hogan. Jr. visited Hogan's Minnesota home at 5 AM, securing a handshake deal that initiated Hogan's legendary run and the "worldwide takeover" of the WWF, demonstrating Jr.'s vision for wrestling's global expansion.

Notable Moments

• Interesting Story/Anecdote: Hogan shares a bizarre anecdote about Andre the Giant, who would "fix" Hogan's frequently broken nose simply by standing behind him and pushing it back into place, a unique and primitive remedy used often after matches in Japan.
• Surprising Fact/Revelation: It's revealed that Vince McMahon Sr., not Jr., was the one who fired Hogan for accepting the Rocky III role, a surprising detail given Jr.'s later industry reputation. This act underscored the stringent, old-school business practices of the era.
• Memorable Exchange: During the Rocky III tryout, after Hogan legitimately (but moderately) struck Stallone, Stallone playfully retorted, "You're a fake wrestler, you know bosses can kick a wrestler's ass anytime." Hogan's internal response highlighted the comedic tension of the moment.

Key Takeaways

Listeners will gain unique insights into the uncompromising business of 1980s professional wrestling, particularly Vince McMahon Sr.'s decisive firing of his top star over a movie role. The episode highlights Hogan's unexpected journey through adversity, from being fired to becoming an accidental babyface in the AWA. It offers a rare glimpse into the raw origins of a wrestling legend's Hollywood debut and the foundational handshake deal that launched WWE's global dominance, making it a crucial piece of wrestling history.