“The End of Him and WWE”: Wrestling Legend Details Hulk Hogan’s Sudden Departure from WWE During His Prime

Hulk Hogan is one of pro-wrestling’s megastars who revolutionized the industry multiple times. However, over the years, stories have surfaced about Hogan’s politicking and how he used his creative influence to get his way. Legendary WWE commentator has narrated how ‘The Hulkster’ declined to show up at an overseas event because of personal reasons, leading to his departure from the company.

Hogan was the reason for WWE’s first boom period. Due to his stature, he enjoyed quite a few luxuries when it came to his booking and creative direction. And when he returned to the company in 2002, he expected more of the same.

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who worked with WWE during that time, details how Hogan decided not to travel to Australia for a show despite being advertised.

Jim Ross shoots on Hulk Hogan for Australia absence

Conrad Thompson asked Jim Ross to shed some light on the story of how Hogan had declined to travel, as he thought he couldn’t handle two long flights and wanted to be home for his birthday. 

Conrad said on the Grilling JR, “so this is the first time he would have been there for the WWE, our show in Australia in like 16 years, and then he asked to be pulled out. And I don’t know if that was just, you know, one of those creature comfort things, cash, creative, whatever it is. He disappointed some folks, and I guess that’s the end of him and WWE”.

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To this, Jim Ross replied, “Pretty much. Yeah. The commitment, the booking was significant. In the sense that of the timeframe that you mentioned Conrad, so he should have kept his booking. If he agreed to go. And he was advertised. It’s a no brainer. And we’re sorry, you’re missing your birthday? Yeah. We’ll buy you great big old cake. You gonna have it when you get home”.

This certainly left a lot of fans who attended the event disappointed. One can safely say Hogan’s actions didn’t go down well with WWE higher-ups.

This incident could have played a part in the former WWE Champion’s departure from the company for a second time in 2003.

While ‘The Hulkster’ was known for pulling such moves, there was no denying his star power. He remains one of pro wrestling’s biggest star to this day with a worldwide appeal.

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