“He’s Not Perfectly Healthy”: Hulk Hogan’s Health Issues Raised Major Questions Backstage in WWE When He Returned in 2002

Hulk Hogan is a pro-wrestling legend and was the first global representative of the Golden era. In addition, he was equipped with everything a wrestler needed. His charm, flamboyance, and enormous size were the perfect blend. Additionally, his superhero gimmick helped him to cement himself as the biggest WWF (now WWE) Superstar.

Even though Hogan gained immense popularity working with the WWE, at one point he left the company and moved to WCW.

On a recent episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross and Eric Bischoff talked about Hogan’s professional career. Ross also mentioned Vince McMahon’s commitment to defy the odds and re-sign Hulk Hogan to the WWE.

Ross brought up the fact that Hulkster was making his long-awaited comeback, and that, given his numerous injuries, he wasn’t performing at the top of his ability. He talked about how they were of Hogan’s injuries, “He’s not a young kid, he’s not perfectly healthy, he’s had all those back surgeries.”

Mr. McMahon, though, was still confident Hogan would be a great addition to the roster. In contrast, the talent wasn’t confident about his stardom and abilities.

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Ross on the podcast stated, “He’s always gonna be Hulk Hogan, and Vince and I understood that. And we sit at each other a lot. But a lot of talents thought he, he can never be the same.”

He added, “And you know, we did, and here’s the funny thing about it. We never have asked him to be the same. There’s he had to. He had limitations. So be smart, recognize his limitations, and book him accordingly. It’s not that hard.”

Moreover, he claims that Mr. McMahon was certain that Hogan would still pop in the ring and grab many eyeballs and it was worth the risk.

When he was at his peak, Hulk Hogan earned millions from Vince McMahon

Hulkamania undoubtedly contributed to WWE’s rise to prominence at a time when it wasn’t yet considered the greatest wrestling institution in the world. Along with being a professional wrestler, he also had several film and television appearances in the 1980s. Notably, Rocky 3 strengthened his reputation and propelled him to become the most popular wrestler of the decade.

Hulkster was the highest-paid wrestler given his position at Vince McMahon’s organization. It is said that his salary reached a high of $10 million since he was a superstar who attracted a huge following.

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He had all the traits that the 1980s wrestling industry required and was undoubtedly the promotion’s eye-catching character.