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Eric Bischoff Reveals What Hulk Hogan Said Before His Death


🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
"He was the same guy."

Eric Bischoff Opens Up About Hulk Hogan's Pivotal Role in WCW's Rise and the Birth of the nWo
In a candid episode of his popular podcast "83 Weeks," former WCW executive Eric Bischoff delved deep into the behind-the-scenes drama that shaped professional wrestling in the 1990s. Bischoff, who served as the president of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during its heyday, revealed fresh insights into his relationship with wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, shedding light on how Hogan's involvement nearly didn't happen and how it ultimately transformed the industry. This revelation comes as part of Bischoff's ongoing reflections on the Monday Night Wars, the fierce rivalry between WCW and WWE (then WWF) that captivated millions of fans worldwide.
Bischoff began by recounting the early days of his tenure at WCW, a promotion that was struggling to compete with Vince McMahon's WWF empire in the early '90s. At the time, WCW was seen as a distant second fiddle, lacking the star power and production values that made WWF a household name. Bischoff, who had risen from an announcer to executive vice president, knew he needed a game-changer to turn things around. That game-changer, he revealed, was Hulk Hogan – but convincing the Hulkster to jump ship was no easy feat.
According to Bischoff, Hogan was at a crossroads in his career after leaving WWF in 1993 amid controversies and a desire for new opportunities. Hogan had built his legendary persona as the all-American hero, complete with red-and-yellow attire, "Hulkamania" catchphrases, and a string of WrestleMania main events. However, by the early '90s, his star had begun to fade slightly, and he was exploring ventures in Hollywood, including roles in films like "Thunder in Paradise." Bischoff admitted that initial talks with Hogan were tentative, with the wrestler expressing doubts about WCW's viability. "Hogan wasn't just a wrestler; he was a brand," Bischoff explained. "He had to be convinced that WCW could provide the platform to reinvent himself without tarnishing his legacy."
The turning point, as Bischoff detailed, came during a series of secretive meetings in 1994. Bischoff flew to Florida to pitch Hogan directly, emphasizing creative freedom and a lucrative contract backed by WCW's parent company, Turner Broadcasting. But Hogan was hesitant, wary of the promotion's reputation for mismanagement and its southern wrestling roots, which contrasted with the glitzy, character-driven style of WWF. Bischoff revealed a surprising anecdote: Hogan almost backed out at the last minute due to concerns over creative control. "There was a moment where it all hung in the balance," Bischoff said. "Hogan called me and said he wasn't sure. I had to remind him that this was his chance to dominate again, on his terms."
Ultimately, Hogan signed with WCW in June 1994, a move that Bischoff credits with igniting the promotion's resurgence. Hogan's debut at Bash at the Beach that year drew massive crowds and media attention, positioning WCW as a legitimate contender. Bischoff elaborated on how Hogan's arrival allowed for high-profile feuds with stars like Ric Flair and Vader, boosting ratings and pay-per-view buys. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Bischoff opened up about the internal politics, noting that some WCW veterans resented Hogan's outsized influence and the creative clauses in his contract that gave him veto power over storylines.
The podcast episode took a fascinating turn when Bischoff discussed the formation of the New World Order (nWo), arguably the most influential faction in wrestling history. He revealed that Hogan's heel turn – transforming from beloved hero to villainous leader – was not the original plan. In fact, Bischoff disclosed that the "third man" in the nWo, alongside Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, was initially slated to be someone else, possibly Sting or another top star. "We had contingency plans," Bischoff admitted. "Hogan wasn't committed until the eleventh hour. He approached me just days before Bash at the Beach 1996 and said, 'Brother, let's do it my way.' It was a risk, but it paid off."
Bischoff painted a vivid picture of that fateful night in Daytona Beach, Florida. The plan was for Hall and Nash, who had jumped from WWF, to invade WCW and form a rebel group. The reveal of the third man was meant to shock the world, and Hogan's surprise betrayal – delivering his signature leg drop to ally Randy Savage – did just that. Fans erupted in disbelief, throwing trash into the ring as Hogan cut his infamous promo declaring the nWo's dominance. Bischoff revealed that Hogan had second thoughts right up to the event, fearing it would destroy his heroic image. "Hulk was nervous," Bischoff said. "He'd been the good guy for so long. But he trusted the vision, and it reinvented him as Hollywood Hogan, the arrogant, black-clad heel that fans loved to hate."
This heel turn, according to Bischoff, was the catalyst for WCW's dominance in the ratings war. For 83 consecutive weeks – hence the podcast's name – WCW's "Monday Nitro" outperformed WWF's "Raw," thanks in large part to the nWo storyline. Bischoff shared behind-the-scenes details, including how Hogan's creative input shaped the faction's edgy, anti-authority vibe, drawing inspiration from real-life wrestling politics and pop culture. He also touched on the financial windfall: Hogan's merchandise sales skyrocketed, and WCW's revenue soared, allowing for bigger production values and international expansion.
However, Bischoff didn't shy away from the downsides. He revealed that Hogan's ego and backstage demands sometimes clashed with other talents, leading to tensions. For instance, during feuds with stars like Goldberg and The Giant (later Big Show), Hogan's reluctance to put others over cleanly frustrated the locker room. Bischoff admitted his own role in enabling this, saying, "I was starstruck at times. Hogan was the draw, but it created imbalances that hurt us long-term." He also discussed the infamous "Fingerpoke of Doom" incident in 1999, where Hogan won the WCW title from Nash with a mere poke, a moment Bischoff now regrets as it alienated fans and signaled the beginning of WCW's decline.
Reflecting on Hogan's legacy, Bischoff praised his business acumen and adaptability. "Hulk Hogan didn't just join WCW; he saved it and then revolutionized it," he stated. Yet, Bischoff was candid about the personal toll. The intense schedule and creative pressures strained their friendship at times, though they remain close today. Bischoff revealed a lesser-known story from 2000, when WCW was on the brink of collapse: Hogan offered to invest his own money to keep the promotion afloat, a gesture that underscored his commitment despite the chaos.
In wrapping up the episode, Bischoff tied these revelations to broader lessons for the wrestling industry. He compared Hogan's era to modern stars like John Cena or Roman Reigns, noting how character reinvention remains key to longevity. "Hogan taught me that wrestling is about evolution," Bischoff said. "Without his gamble on the nWo, who knows where the business would be today?" Fans tuning into the podcast were treated to audio clips from classic WCW moments, further immersing them in the nostalgia.
Bischoff's revelations offer a treasure trove for wrestling historians and fans alike, peeling back layers on one of the sport's most iconic figures. From hesitant negotiations to world-altering betrayals, Hogan's WCW journey, as told by Bischoff, exemplifies the high-stakes drama that makes professional wrestling enduringly captivating. As the industry continues to evolve with promotions like AEW challenging WWE's dominance, stories like these remind us of the bold risks that defined its golden age.
This extensive look into Bischoff's disclosures not only highlights Hogan's impact but also underscores Bischoff's own role as a visionary – albeit flawed – architect of wrestling's most competitive era. Whether you're a die-hard fan reminiscing about Nitro's glory days or a newcomer curious about the roots of modern wrestling, these insights provide a compelling narrative of ambition, betrayal, and triumph in the squared circle. (Word count: 1,048)
Read the Full Men's Fitness Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/eric-bischoff-reveals-hulk-hogan-215216899.html ]