Hulk Hogan Recalls Wrestling During the “Mafia” Era of Japan

Published 07/28/2023, 4:15 PM EDT

One of the most iconic names in the world of pro wrestling, Hulk Hogan rose to fame very early in his career. With his impressive physique and unmatchable charisma, Hogan quickly rose to the top. Apart from being a top name in WWE, he also became equally popular in Japan and Hollywood.

After a stint in Rocky 3, Vince McMahon Sr. would fire Hogan. The revered wrestler then found his way to Japan and wrestled in NJPW. Soon enough in Japan, The Hulkster became a top name, and came to be known as ‘Ichiban’. Recently, while speaking on Theo Von’s podcast, Hogan revealed a shocking secret about Japan’s wrestling industry.

What shocking news did Hulk Hogan reveal about Japan’s wrestling industry?

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Speaking on Theo Von’s podcast, the duo discussed a variety of topics, including the crime-filled landscape of Japan’s pro-wrestling industry. Detailing this, Hogan revealed how during the 60s and 70s, the Japanese mafia used to run the wrestling industry there.

Speaking on his rising popularity in Japan, and how he did it, Hogan would stumble over the mafia rule in the wrestling business. He claimed that, during his early years of wrestling in Japan, he would cut music albums with Japanese bands to get himself over. He also brought in the legendary Freddie Blassie, who used to wrestle Rikidozan.

Hogan said, “I brought Freddie Blassie with me I don’t know if you know. And he used to wrestle against Rikidozan in Japan who was a mafia guy because all the wrestling in Japan is run by the mafia.”

He would claim how he used to wrestle during an era when the entire industry in Japan was run by the mafia. The Hulkster said, “The tv, the signs, everything is all mafia. At that time. I hope they are not listening.” Hogan would joke and claim that he hoped the mafia did not hear him now.

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Rikidozan was one of the popular and infamous faces in the Japanese wrestling industry. However, he also had an acquaintance with the mafia and was a known troublemaker, often causing bar fights and trouble while drinking. Hogan would use his example to justify the gravity of the mafia rule in Japan’s wrestling business.

Nevertheless, Hogan also highlighted the time when his life was at risk at one point in Japan

Hulk Hogan once feared for his life in Japan

In 1983, The Hulkster visited Japan to face off against Antonio Inoki. However, after the match was conducted, things went absolutely against Hulk Hogan. Hogan would legitimately knock out Inoki during their battle for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and end up winning the title.

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During an interview with Bubba the Love Sponge Clem of BTLS Clips, Hogan revealed how the Japanese did not take well Inoki’s loss, and started sending death threats in Hogan’s direction. He said, “ I have to change hotels, I start getting death threats.”

He further revealed that they took his passport from him. And he constantly had to change hotels, until when he arrived at the hospital, attended a press conference, and retrieved his passport. Hogan would only then travel back home.

It was indeed a traumatic experience, however, for The Hulkster, he managed it well.

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Were you guys aware of the mafia’s influence on Japanese pro-wrestling? What did you make of Hogan’s revelations? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Shounak Chakrabarti is a WWE writer at EssentiallySports who brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for detail to his analysis of professional wrestling. With a deep passion for the sport that dates back to his childhood, Shounak has immersed himself in every aspect of the industry, from the career trajectories of WWE superstars to their personal lives and beyond. As a journalism graduate, Shounak is a firm believer in the power of digital journalism to provide fans with a unique perspective on pro wrestling.

Edited by:

Amal Joyce

Hulk Hogan Recalls Wrestling During the “Mafia” Era of Japan

What shocking news did Hulk Hogan reveal about Japan’s wrestling industry?

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Hulk Hogan once feared for his life in Japan