WRESTLING NEWS
Hulk Hogan Scandals That Nearly Ruined His Career
By MARTIN DICKINSON
The steroid trial
During Vince McMahon’s steroid distribution trial, Hulk Hogan testified under immunity from prosecution that usage was "fairly common" among wrestlers working for WWF in the '80s and that he would call Vince's secretary to place his order. Surprisingly, the admission didn’t have much effect on his career.
Blocked a wrestling union
During the 1980s, Jesse "The Body" Ventura wanted to unionize wrestling and held a meeting to get the ball rolling, but the next day, Vince McMahon found out and punished him for it. Years later, Ventura found out Hogan had snitched because he thought his cushy position in the WWE could be in danger if there was a change in the balance of power.
Choke out on live TV
Promoting the first Wrestlemania, Hogan and Mr. T were on a talk show hosted by comedian Richard Belzer, who teased that wrestling is fake and insisted they show him a wrestling move. Hulk put him in a front chinlock, choked him unconscious, then dropped his limp body on the floor. Belzer sued him for $5 million, and they settled out of court.
Presidential run
In 1998, Hulk shocked viewers by announcing his dive into politics, telling Jay Leno, "I had a great career and the fans have been great. I thank them for sticking with me and this helps me segue into being the next President of the United States." Everyone soon realized it was just a publicity stunt, and he quickly became a laughing stock.
Holding back wrestlers
Many have accused Hulk of holding down other wrestlers from achieving his level of success. Surprisingly, he eventually admitted to the Orlando Sentinel, "Once I got in the spot, to keep the spot, that's where the politics came in [...] That's why I made more money than anybody, that's why I kept the belt longer, that's why [...] I had a 35 year run on top."