“I Felt Bad for Vince”: Hulk Hogan Deprived Billionaire Vince McMahon of Something Precious Upon WWE Return

Hulk Hogan is certainly one of the biggest stars that WWE has ever created. His matches with Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage built the star’s credibility in the wrestling world. Not only did he stay the top star in WWE for an entire decade, but his return to the company saw a renaissance period for the mega-star.

Vince McMahon was a great supporter of Hogan’s reign as the top star. His insistence on making Hogan the poster child for pro wrestling paid off and his company saw unimaginable heights. But Jim Ross, the wrestling veteran, reveals their relationship after Hogan returned to the company in the ’00s.

Jim Ross talks about the time Hulk Hogan returned to WWE

On the Grilling JR podcast, JR opened up about Hogan’s return to WWE, saying, “Vince kept trying to recreate the dynamic that Vince had with Hogan, hence all the saw second chances, next starts, and Hall of Fame. Here’s another reason we can bring him back, etc, etc. Vince kept trying to recreate that idyllic relationship they once had.”

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“They were not willing to say, ‘We can never have it the way we used to, but we can have it better than we have it now if we both try.’ That was always where the jury was out… That was what the issue was, compromise, because when you get to compromising and you change things, the talents say, ‘Well, the compromise is making me weak’, but you have to give it a chance.” 

“I felt bad for Vince at times because he really wanted the relationship to get back on somewhat of an even-keel. It may not be what it used to be, but he wanted to make it better than what it is, and I’m not sure we accomplished that,” Ross added.

The relationship between Hogan and McMahon

As we all know, McMahon bought the company from his father in 1983. And his first change of plans was to expand his company from the territory’s rule. But to show the world the magic of pro wrestling, he needed a soldier. And he chose not just anyone, but the finest of them all, Hulk Hogan.

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Projecting him as the greatest American Hero, McMahon molded the perception of Hogan in a way that showcased the strength of the leader of the Hulkamaniacs. The bond between McMahon and Hogan runs deeper than just wrestling, as both know each other’s families and friends. While there may have been many ups and downs, their friendship remains steady to this day.