Hulk Hogan Reveals Vince McMahon Sr’s Final Message to Him Before Firing Him From WWE at Midnight: “Don’t Come Back”

Did you know that there was a time when Hulk Hogan was not the Hulkster we all know and love? There was a time when he was just another wrestler on the roster. This was under the leadership of Vince McMahon Sr, the father of Vince McMahon. And it was during this time that Hogan got the boot for staring in a movie.  

Today, Hogan’s legacy, is globally known. But, during the time when he was a newcomer in the company, he and McMahon Sr never saw eye to eye. This is what led him to getting fired at midnight. Could you imagine the WWE without the Hulkster?

Hulk Hogan got fired for acting in Rocky III

Hogan has appeared in several Hollywood movies, the most famous of which was Rocky III in 1982. Although just an extended cameo in the movie, the role did wonders for the somewhat famous Hulkster. However, Vince McMahon Sr was not happy about this.

While on the Joe Rogan Experience #2024 w/Hulk Hogan and Tony Hinchcliffe podcast, Hogan talked about his time on the WWE. While talking about Rocky III, Rogan was shocked to hear that Hogan was fired for taking the role. Rogan also did not know who McMahon Sr was.

Hogan said he called McMahon Sr at midnight to inform him about his travel plans for the movie shoot. However, McMahon Sr did not like it. He told Hogan, “Don’t come back. You’re never gonna work here again. Never.” This was shocking to both Hogan and Rogan. Not knowing what to say, Hogan ended up saying, “Okay!”  

At the time, Hogan was new to his career in the WWE. There was no Hulkamania yet, and he was just a decent draw. Despite telling McMahon Sr that he would do the movie and head back, Sr. had other plans.

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According to Hogan, McMahon Sr. wanted Hogan to go down South with Ric Flair to shoot the Jim Crockett show. Hogan said he had no interest in any of this. 

Termination from the WWE and the return and rise of Hulkamania

Once his scenes for the movie were done and now without a job, he moved to the American Wrestling Association from 1981-1983. He quickly got over with the fans and was a favorite of the promotion. While Hogan was happy with AWA, Vince McMahon bought the company from his father in 1982. Now, the new owner of the WWE wanted to expand which is when he hired Hogan once more.

Hogan made his return to Vince’s playground on December 27, 1983. This was just a month away from the birth of Hulkamania. On January 23rd, 1984, at the historic Madison Square Garden, commentator Gorilla Monsoon coined the term “Hulkamania is here!”. And the rest is history. Hiring Hogan back changed the company forever and made the WWE what it is today.

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