“I Keep Changing Hotels”: Hulk Hogan Was Made to Run For His Life in Japan After Knocking Antonio Inoki Out in 1983
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Hulk Hogan is one of the most popular wrestlers on the planet, because of his International reach. Hogan was extremely instrumental in building WWF from a regional promotion to an International wrestling giant. Hogan’s look, physique, and mic skills aided him in developing into a complete star.
However, apart from wrestling in America, Hogan was extremely popular in Japan, where he was known as ‘Ichiban’, which meant number one. After years of training and hard work, Hogan could reach new heights of success.
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In 1983, Hogan traveled to Japan to face the legendary Antonio Inoki for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. The match saw Hogan legitimately knocking Inoki out and winning the championship. However, winning the title turned out to be a problem for Hogan.
Inoki being knocked out wasn’t taken well by the Japanese, who started sending Hogan death threats. During an interview with Bubba the Love Sponge Clem, of BTLS Clips, Hogan opened up about his time in Japan, after defeating Antonio Inoki.
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He claimed that after the match was done, he was taken in a taxi and taken to a different hotel while being chased by Japanese fans giving him death threats. Hogan said, “So, I have to change hotels, I start getting death threats.”
The 69-year-old further stated, “ I keep changing hotels about five days later, the office comes and gets me at some shitty hotel at the other side of Shinjuku and they take to hospital room,and there’s all this camera crews.” Hogan claimed that, after he was taken to the hospital, a press conference was called. He was soon given his passport back, and he went back home.
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Was Hulk Hogan a big star in Japan?
Hulk Hogan was one of the most popular personalities globally, especially in Japan. He earned his nickname, ‘Ichiban’ after performing in the country in several high-profile matches. Hogan wrestled in New-Japan Pro-Wrestling in the 1980s and became one of the most significant wrestlers there.
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However, in Japan, he switched his signature leg-drop move and became a more technical wrestler. Gradually, Hogan became a top star there and an important pop-culture icon. Hogan had even defeated Antonio Inoki in the NJPW G1 Climax winner, a match that was considered a major upset back then. Hogan proved it numerous times, as to why he is termed a legend.
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Sreeda U M