Within the Nineteen Eighties, there was no greater star within the wrestling industry than Hulk Hogan, who won over the hearts of fans whether he was loved or hated by his co-workers and peers. It’s no secret that Hogan has ruffled feathers with talent in almost every promotion he’s worked for, and WWE Hall Of Famer Bob Backlund was definitely no exception, as he claimed in 2015 that he would’ve fired Hogan if he was given the chance, despite his popularity.
“Hulk didn’t meet the standards outside the ring to have the option to represent the WWF. I might have fired him thirty years ago. He was saying one thing and doing one other.” He stated on the “Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling Podcast.”
Backlund was a performer who honored integrity and sophistication each in and outdoors of the ring, and felt that Hogan’s behavior and attitude on-screen didn’t align along with his personality behind the scenes. Hogan and Backlund have truly never liked one another, with their real life rivalry being well documented and followed for over 30 years within the wrestling business. Though their feud could have began as a consequence of “The Hulkster” being the largest name in wrestling after Backlund dominated the scene throughout the late Seventies, a lot of the latter’s frustration got here from Hogan’s “outside activities,” which he states was unpopular with the locker room. Backlund also believed that Hogan was a poor selection for the younger generation to look as much as. Even though it’s never been confirmed, Hogan claims that Backlund tried to sabotage his WWE Championship victory over the Iron Sheik in 1984 by telling Vince McMahon and his father that he was not an actual athlete and didn’t deserve the title.
For those who use any of the quotes in this text, please credit “Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling Podcast” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.