On a recent edition of his “Tuesday with The Taskmaster” podcast, former WCW booker Kevin Sullivan weighed in on WWE’s rumored celebration of the 40th anniversary of Hulk Hogan winning the WWE Championship from The Iron Sheik, which took place on January 23, 1984.
Sullivan noted that WWE should be cautious about such a celebration. He said,
“Wrestling wouldn’t be wrestling if there was no Hulk Hogan, but the bad thing is, with everything going excellent for [WWE], … do you want to take a chance on making a mistake and getting something coming back on you?”
WWE reportedly plans to celebrate the milestone by introducing new merchandise items and collectibles for Hogan. An appearance by Hogan on WWE RAW, SmackDown, or NXT is also possible.
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WWE Rumored to Celebrate Hulk Hogan’s 40th Anniversary as Champion
It has been reported that WWE is planning to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hulk Hogan winning the WWE Championship from The Iron Sheik on January 23, 1984. However, former WCW booker Kevin Sullivan has expressed caution about such a celebration.
Sullivan, who is known for his contributions to the wrestling industry, recently shared his thoughts on WWE’s rumored celebration on his podcast, “Tuesday with The Taskmaster.” He emphasized the significance of Hogan’s impact on wrestling, stating, “Wrestling wouldn’t be wrestling if there was no Hulk Hogan.” However, he also raised concerns about potential risks for WWE, saying, “Do you want to take a chance on making a mistake and getting something coming back on you?”
While Sullivan’s comments highlight the importance of Hogan’s legacy, they also shed light on the potential backlash WWE might face by honoring him. Hogan has been a controversial figure in recent years due to his past racist remarks, which led to his suspension and removal from the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015. Since then, Hogan has made efforts to apologize and redeem himself in the eyes of fans and the wrestling community.
Despite the controversy surrounding Hogan, WWE reportedly plans to celebrate this milestone by introducing new merchandise items and collectibles featuring the legendary wrestler. Additionally, there is speculation about Hogan making an appearance on WWE’s flagship shows like RAW, SmackDown, or NXT.
The decision to honor Hogan’s 40th anniversary as champion is undoubtedly a complex one for WWE. On one hand, Hogan played a pivotal role in shaping professional wrestling into the global phenomenon it is today. His larger-than-life persona and charismatic presence captivated audiences around the world and helped propel WWE to unprecedented heights during the 1980s and 1990s.
However, it is essential for WWE to navigate this celebration with sensitivity and awareness of the potential repercussions. The wrestling industry has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity in recent years, and any celebration of Hogan must acknowledge and address the controversy surrounding his past actions.
As fans eagerly await further details about WWE’s plans, it is crucial to remember that Hogan’s legacy is intertwined with the history of professional wrestling. Regardless of the controversies, his contributions to the industry cannot be denied. WWE now faces the challenge of finding a balance between honoring Hogan’s achievements while also acknowledging the need for accountability and growth.
In conclusion, WWE’s rumored celebration of Hulk Hogan’s 40th anniversary as champion presents both opportunities and challenges. While Hogan’s impact on wrestling is undeniable, the controversy surrounding his past actions requires careful consideration. WWE must approach this celebration with caution, ensuring that it reflects the values and progress of the industry while paying tribute to Hogan’s contributions.