John Bradshaw Layfield has shed light on the late Big Van Vader’s intense dislike for working with Hulk Hogan during their WCW feud in 1995.
Speaking on the Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL recalled a conversation he had with Vader in 1996, shortly after the powerhouse joined after leaving WCW. According to the former world champion, Vader made no secret of his feelings about his time opposite Hogan in WCW.
“It wasn’t frustration, it was way past that, he hated it, absolutely hated it,” he said. “When he came to WWE, he said, ‘I’ll never let anybody Hulk up on me again.’ He said that a few times, he hated it, absolutely.”
The feud between Vader and Hogan was a major storyline for WCW at the time, but Vader apparently felt it did little for his career. JBL was clear that Vader’s issue wasn’t personal animosity toward Hogan, but rather how the feud was booked.
“I don’t think he thought Hogan took advantage of him,” he explained. “He simply thought he was put in a bad spot. Here you have the guy who helped create WrestleMania, who’s creating the biggest storyline, maybe of all time, with the nWo, or about to, and Leon was put in a terrible spot, and he absolutely hated it.”
Vader’s legacy remains that of a dominant and respected performer, but his run with Hogan clearly left a bitter aftertaste.
Why Did Stevie Ray Not Join WWE After WCW Closed, According To JBL?
JBL spoke about why Stevie Ray didn’t join his brother Booker T in joining WWE when WCW closed its doors in 2001 and said that he isn’t sure why, as he thought Ray was an excellent worker, talker, and was well-liked and respected by the boys. In the past, Stevie Ray has said that he didn’t want to join because he still viewed them as WCW’s competition, despite WCW no longer existing.
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