The Rocky films starring Sylvester Stallone as the “Italian Stallion” Rocky Balboa have a special place in sports movie history. The Iconic films have set the standard for combat sports representation in the media and combat world. The Rocky saga is one that has stood the test of time, with Balboa being an almost household name in America and even internationally. The references span long and wide with the film series boasting a successful reboot with Michael B. Jordan taking over from Sylvester Stallone. The films have provided viewers with unforgettable moments. One such iconic scene featured the famed WWE legend, Hulk Hogan.
In the third installment of the Rocky series, which came out in 1982, Hulk Hogan plays a menacing wrestler who famously manhandles Rocky. The iconic scene came under the purview of discussion between Joe Rogan and Hulk Hogan himself. On another installment of the highly followed podcast, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’, Joe and the ‘Hulk’ do a deep dive into this iconic scene. An amused Joe bombards Hulk Hogan with questions about the scene as the wrestler answers. But during the discussion, Hulk Hogan made a pretty serious revelation regarding his cameo. While the cameo won hearts across the globe, it lost Hulk Hogan his job.
Hulk Hogan exposes a behind-the-scenes event that changed his life
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Hulk Hogan went on to explain the grim details behind the cameo. He said, “I told Vince Sr I got this crazy call to come out and do a Stallone Movie”. The ‘Hulk’ flew out to meet Stallone and after getting in the ring with the movie star for a quick session, Stallone apparently told Hogan, “I want you in the film”. After negotiating a deal for 14,000 dollars, the wrestler informed Vince McMahon Sr, who supported everything so far. Hulk said, “I called him in Fort Lauderdale and said brother I’m leaving tomorrow to go to LA to do the film. He goes ‘No you’re not. It’s midnight now. You have to be in Charlotte at noon for T.V with Crockett’”. Surprisingly, Vince Sr expressed his opposition, an outcome the ‘Hulk’ wasn’t expecting. He continued, “I said no I told you I’m not gonna do that. I said I’m going to go do this movie and as soon as I’m done with the movie I’ll come back. He goes don’t come back. You’re never going to work here again, never. So I went okay”.
The news shocked Joe Rogan as well as fans as it now introduced the question of how Hulk Hogan found his way back into the WWE again. ‘The Hulk’ went on to narrate how he spent his time in Japan after the movie and how he had a good gig set up for him. After meeting another promoter with whom Hulk began to get paid a fair amount, he met Vince McMahon Jr., the current face of the WWE, especially among the younger generation. He elaborated, “That’s when Vince Jr. came back and said, hey brother, I want you to come back to New York. We had a talk. He came to my house in Minnesota at 5 in the morning. We shook hands, and we did that whole worldwide takeover. Vince called the shots, and I went out and did the dirty work, flying around and going to all these places I shouldn’t go”.
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Joe Rogan expresses relief at the new turn of events
Luckily for Hulk Hogan and wrestling fans all over the world, the WWE Veteran became a part of the roster once again. His presence in the WWE is undeniable. He has earned his spot as one of the most popular and recognizable faces in the wrestling industry. Joe Rogan, too, seemed very ecstatic and glad about Vince Jr.’s decision. But he was even happier that Hulk Hogan took the career detour that he did. He said, “Good for you, sticking to your guns and doing that movie. I can’t imagine if you weren’t in that movie, that was such an important scene”.
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This important scene has etched Hulk Hogan’s persona into fans’ hearts. However, it isn’t just a movie that makes Hulk Hogan who he is. The countless years of entertainment and sway he had over television still resonate today. The veteran wrestler is a treasure to sports entertainment. This story just adds to the intrigue that Hogan possesses. It is refreshing to see podcasts pay respect to veterans. It gives them the spotlight they deserve. More importantly, it also gives fans a closer peek into their idols’ lives.
Watch This Story: Despite Being Polar Opposites Hulk Hogan Shared Something Similar With Brock Lesnar That Made Them Hate The Business
