Former WWE & WCW star Lex Luger was completely shocked when Hulk Hogan turned heel to join the New World Order at Bash at the Beach 1996.
On a recent edition of his “Lex Expressed” podcast, Luger recalled Hogan’s heel turn which would mark the launch of the New World Order. He said,
“It blew my mind. I thought that he was so set with the red and yellow, and ‘Take your vitamins and say your prayers.’ I thought he was going to ride and die with that. … The Hulkster is a really sharp businessman, and I think he could sense that [he’d] run [that] thing out.
“I was like, ‘Gosh, is he really going to do this?’ I knew he had creative control. I was in a couple [of] meetings when the Hulkster … [would] go, ‘Ah, I don’t think that’s going to work for me.’ … He didn’t do that very often. Hulkster’s all business.”
Luger later reiterated that Hogan could have turned the idea of a heel turn down but made the smart call by agreeing and launching arguably wrestling’s most iconic faction.
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The Shocking Heel Turn of Hulk Hogan at Bash at the Beach 1996
In the world of professional wrestling, unexpected twists and turns are part of the game. However, there are certain moments that stand out as truly shocking and game-changing. One such moment occurred at Bash at the Beach 1996 when Hulk Hogan, the face of professional wrestling for decades, turned heel and joined the New World Order (nWo). This move sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling industry and forever changed the landscape of sports entertainment.
Former WWE and WCW star Lex Luger recently discussed this monumental event on his podcast, “Lex Expressed.” Luger expressed his complete shock and disbelief when Hogan made the decision to turn heel. He had always associated Hogan with his iconic red and yellow persona, preaching about taking vitamins and saying prayers. Luger believed that Hogan would stick with this character until the end. However, he soon realized that Hogan was a shrewd businessman who could sense when it was time to make a change.
Luger recalled being in meetings with Hogan where he would occasionally reject creative ideas, asserting his creative control. But this time, Hogan made a different choice. He agreed to the heel turn and the formation of the nWo. Luger admired Hogan’s business acumen and recognized that this decision was a smart move for his career.
The heel turn of Hulk Hogan at Bash at the Beach 1996 marked a turning point in professional wrestling history. It was a bold move that propelled the nWo to become one of the most iconic factions in wrestling. The nWo’s rebellious attitude and anti-establishment persona resonated with fans, leading to a surge in popularity for WCW and a heated rivalry with WWE.
To further understand the significance of this moment, it is essential to recognize the impact it had on the wrestling industry. The nWo storyline blurred the lines between reality and fiction, creating a sense of unpredictability and excitement for fans. It also showcased the power of a well-executed heel turn, proving that even the most beloved characters could become villains and captivate audiences in a whole new way.
The video embedded above provides a glimpse into the historic moment when Hulk Hogan turned heel and joined the nWo. It captures the shock and disbelief of the audience as they witness their hero betraying everything he stood for. This moment would go down in history as one of the most memorable and influential in professional wrestling.
As wrestling fans, we can look back on this moment with a sense of appreciation for the impact it had on the industry. It serves as a reminder that in the world of professional wrestling, anything can happen, and the unexpected can lead to some of the most exciting and memorable moments in sports entertainment.
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