In the 1980’s, Hulk Hogan was synonymous with the WWE as its biggest babyface and helped the company go national before it became the global entity it is today.
Whilst prior to company expansion, ‘The Hulkster’ had portrayed a villain in the promotion. However, after being positioned as the federation’s all American hero and greatest champion, with the massive mainstream popularity both he and the company experienced throughout the decade, most fans and critics alike considered a heel turn unthinkable.
Of course, an attitude adjustment did eventually did happen, but not in the WWE; rather its biggest competitor, WCW. In 1996, turning his back on the fans and company in storyline, Hogan ditched the overly familiar red and yellow colours of ‘Hulkamania’ in favour of black and white, representing a far darker character and the leader of the ‘New World Order’.
The very “Hulk Hogan” name that had made Terry Bollea a megastar was often disregarded in favour of this new persona that largely went by the alias of “Hollywood Hulk Hogan”. Interestingly though, 1996 was not the first time this nickname had been muttered on a wrestling television show.
Nearly a decade earlier, Hulk Hogan had starred in the WWE’s first-ever theatrical feature film, ‘No Holds Barred’. Regardless of the film’s successes (or failures), Hogan looked to be leaving the wrestling ring on a full-time basis and was Hollywood-bound, much like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson years later.
So it made total sense that a dastardly heel like Bad News Brown would use such terminology as a negative in a promo… Dismissing the larger-than-life fan favourite and using his recent movie star career move as an insult.
During an episode of ‘Superstars Of Wrestling’ dated October 14th 1989, the loner, known for never cracking a smile and not getting along with other wrestlers regardless of their affiliation, much like ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin many moons later, had some choice words for Hogan. Most notably though, he uses the “Hollywood Hogan” name numerous times…
“Take a look at these eyes, “Hollywood Hogan!” Take a look at this face, “Hollywood Hogan!” This is the face that’s gonna destroy you, “Hollywood Hogan!” This is the face that’s gonna put you out of wrestling, “Hollywood Hogan!” This is the face that’s gonna take away that WWF belt from you, “Hollywood Hogan!” This is the face that’s gonna make all those “Hulkamanics” hate your guts!”
The taped promo aired as an insert during a Bad News squash match on a syndicated television show that has not since resurfaced on the WWE Network or Peacock, so it makes total sense why it’s been largely forgotten. However, the questions of whether or not this was really the first time the “Hollywood Hogan” name was used or if Bad News Brown came up with the nickname remains unanswered.
Of further interest though, Bad News often referred to himself as “The Ultimate Warrior” during his time in Stampede Wrestling. But that’s a story for another day.
The Night Hulk Hogan Faced His Ultimate Challenge
The WrestleMania VI main event between Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior is still fondly remembered over thirty years on. Cheered on by a rabid crowd of fans from both sides, the unforgettable clash closed the Toronto event, which was the first WrestleMania outside of the United States.
If you use any of the quotes from this article please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Inside The Ropes.