Hulk Hogan Once Implied NFL Players Aren’t as Tough as WWE Superstars: ‘Can’t Take a Day off Because You Twisted Your Pinkie’

The greatest thing about professional wrestling is that anyone with prowess is welcome to compete, even in the biggest promotion. Over the years, the WWE Universe has seen a lot of talents enter the 3 letter organization from different sectors. Hulk Hogan, though, dismisses the notion of hiring an NFL player amid the conversation of him joining the organization. 

It’s not like there aren’t a lot of NFL stars that excelled in the WWE. The Man in Red and Yellow, who made a significant impact in making WWE the largest organization, claims that certain NFL stars didn’t have the toughness as WWE Superstars to break into the business.

During a 2014 interview with TMZ, Hogan was asked if he thinks Michael Sams could sign up for the WWE after being released from the NFL. He responded by saying, “He is kicked out from the NFL? Some of these guys have balance and a lot of coordination. You gotta be able to work hurt. You can’t be taking a day off from wrestling because you twisted your pinkie if you’re wrestling the main event at Madison Square Garden. He may be able to make it, man.”

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Hulkster made it clear that he didn’t believe that simply because an NFL player has a terrific body, that qualifies them for wrestling. Indeed, wrestling requires a unique skill set, and it takes years of dedication and hard work to break into the company. Additionally, it takes years to perform the fight safely without injuring either oneself or the opponent.

Why did Hulk Hogan reject the prospect of a top NFL player joining the company?

Hogan mentions other prominent NFL players who tried their hand at pro wrestling but failed, like Kevin Green and Lyle Alzado. He argues that attempting to fight in the squared circle requires a particular toughness.

But NFL-trained superstars like Bill Goldberg, Patt McAfee, and Baron Corbin have made names for themselves among the biggest names in the business. Thus, it isn’t an impossible thing, but one has to work quite hard to make their place in the company. Because, it is filled with a lot of talent.

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Which NFL superstars do you think can make it into pro wrestling? Tell us in the comments section.