“Not a Real Athlete”: Vince McMahon Went Against His Father Before Hulk Hogan’s History-Making Moment in 1984

Hulk Hogan is easily one of the most recognizable faces in the sports entertainment industry. After years of struggle and hard work, Hogan reached a position that only many dream of reaching. During his prime, Hogan was also the face of the company and earned several accolades.

The 69-year-old achieved fame all over the world, especially in Japan. His physique and charisma were unmatchable, and thus he was always seen in the upper card, fighting championship matches. However, before reaching the peak, he had his own fair share of struggles.

In 2019, WWE Legend Stone Cold Steve Austin met with Hulk Hogan, and interviewed him. The interview saw, Hogan opening up about several things, including Bob Backlund trying to snatch away the opportunity of Hulk Hogan winning his first world title.

Hulk Hogan claimed that they were in Madison Square Garden in 1984, and he was supposed to win the title that night. Prior to his championship match, Hogan and Backlund would team together and have a tag match. However, after the tag match, Backlund would come backstage and chide.

Hogan explained, “… Backlund went up to Vince Sr. and said, ‘I don’t want to work with Hulk anymore.’ And he drew a line in the sand. He didn’t want to be my partner. He didn’t want to be around me. And Vince Jr. goes, ‘Don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about it. Bob’s just in shock because he doesn’t have the belt. He thinks it’s a shoot,’ ya know? “

However, Backlund would pose as a barrier in his path of glory, and instigate the McMahons by claiming that Hogan was “not a real athlete.”

This agitated Hogan, because he believed he was the only one on par with Backlund, and deserving of winning the championship.

Despite all the problems, how did Hulk Hogan win at the Madison Square Garden in 1984?

The crowd went crazy went Hulk Hogan became the first man to escape the camel clutch, and defeat The Iron sheik in 1984. However, Hogan had to earn his victory that night. In the same interview, he revealed that after Backlund had instigated Vince McMahon Sr., Hogan took it into his own hands, and made both the McMahons understand.

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However, it was his threat to them, that made Vince McMahon Jr. make his father understand the gravity of the situation, and it made things work in Hogan’s favor.

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