On a recent edition of “The Stakscast” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan thanked the late Andre The Giant for helping him learn the nitty gritty of the wrestling industry.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On learning from Andre: “He basically taught me this business. He straightened me out because when I got in the business, I was in my 20s and wasn’t serious, wasn’t focused. [I] just didn’t have … didn’t understand what this business was really all about, that wrestling was the smallest part of this business. The image, the promotion, the merchandise, the ancillary stuff, the licensing, how big this business could be. Andre was really the first sports entertainer.”
On Andre helping him in the ring: “What he had taught me over the years was don’t talk about the wrestling match. You just need to know who’s going to win or lose. This is an art form like dancing or playing guitar, you’ve got to listen to the crowd and listen with your heart because a lot of wrestlers will sit down and they’ll talk for 20 minutes about having a three-minute match on TV.”
Hulk Hogan Reflects on the Influence of Andre The Giant in the Wrestling Industry
In a recent episode of “The Stakscast” podcast, legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan expressed his gratitude towards the late Andre The Giant for teaching him the intricacies of the wrestling industry. Hogan, a WWE Hall of Famer, credits Andre for helping him understand the business beyond just the physical aspect of wrestling.
During the podcast, Hogan emphasized that Andre played a pivotal role in shaping his career and giving him a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the wrestling world. When Hogan first entered the industry in his 20s, he admits that he lacked seriousness and focus. It was Andre who set him straight and made him realize that wrestling was just a small part of the business.
According to Hogan, Andre taught him about the importance of image, promotion, merchandise, licensing, and other ancillary aspects that contribute to the success of a wrestler. He recognized that wrestling was not just about the matches but also about creating a brand and connecting with the audience on a larger scale. Andre was truly a pioneer in this regard, being one of the first sports entertainers who understood the potential of the wrestling business beyond the ring.
One of the most valuable lessons Hogan learned from Andre was to listen to the crowd and perform with heart. Instead of meticulously planning every move in a match, Andre advised Hogan to rely on his instincts and react to the audience’s reactions. Wrestling, according to Andre, was an art form comparable to dancing or playing guitar. It required a deep connection with the crowd and an ability to adapt in real-time based on their feedback.
Hogan shared an anecdote about how some wrestlers would spend extensive amounts of time discussing a three-minute match on television. However, Andre’s teachings made Hogan realize that it was more important to understand the flow of the match and connect with the audience emotionally rather than focusing solely on the technical aspects.
The influence of Andre The Giant on Hulk Hogan’s career cannot be overstated. Hogan’s success as a wrestler and his subsequent rise to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the industry can be attributed, in part, to the lessons he learned from Andre. The impact of their friendship and mentorship continues to resonate within the wrestling community.
In conclusion, Hulk Hogan’s gratitude towards Andre The Giant for his guidance and teachings highlights the profound influence that Andre had on the wrestling industry. Beyond being a larger-than-life figure in the ring, Andre understood the business side of wrestling and imparted his wisdom to Hogan. Their partnership serves as a testament to the importance of mentorship and the enduring legacy of Andre The Giant in professional wrestling.