In a recent episode of the “83 Weeks” podcast, wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Fame member, Eric Bischoff, delved into the transformation of Hulk Hogan from his Hollywood Hogan character to the well-known babyface image replete with red and yellow attire.
Here’s a quick rundown from the predictably riveting podcast edition:
Bischoff gave his thoughts on whether it would have been viable for Hogan to retain elements of his Hollywood persona when he made a comeback in his iconic red and yellow getup. Eric brushed aside this possibility, saying, “Not at all. Going by the Hollywood Hogan saga, it was a case of death by 1000 cuts and we had already witnessed 999.” While he conceded that the transition back to red and yellow was, at best, anti-climactic and momentarily intriguing in WCW, he stressed that it was incredibly effective in WWE. “This was effectively Hulk Hogan’s homecoming in red and yellow, which held profound nostalgic value – the very factor that has always been a rage, every time,” he observed.
In his view, Hogan reverting back to red and yellow in the WWE, where his journey began, was the most captivating aspect. Comparing this to his return to red and yellow in WCW, he said, “In essence, it made perfect sense.”
Bischoff also spoke about whether Hogan was planning to don a completely different persona after the NWO. Dismissing this idea, he stated, “Not really. At that time, everyone, me included, was mentally and emotionally exhausted. The burning question – ‘What next?’ was taking its toll.” He speculated that Hogan might have been considering a total retreat from the business. He inferred, “Given the roller-coaster relationship he shared with Vince (McMahon), it’s not inconceivable that he might’ve pondered a return to WWE. My sense is that he was largely okay with hanging up his boots.” This could have added to Hogan’s desire to conclude his career in his iconic red and yellow attire.
He concluded by hinting at another probable reason for Hulk wanting to return to his red and yellow attire involving his son, Nick. “Perhaps, it was an act aiming at potential closure,” he speculated.