Credit: WWE.com
Ronda Rousey recently shared candid reflections on her personal interactions with the late WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, highlighting both his impact on her wrestling approach and the complicated nature of his legacy. The former UFC Champion-turned-WWE Superstar opened up about valuable advice Hogan gave her and the inspiration she found in his storytelling style during her recent appearance on “The Lapsed Fan” podcast.
Hogan’s Storytelling Philosophy: Quality Over Quantity
Rousey praised Hogan for his grounded, story-driven wrestling style rather than relying on flashy, high-risk maneuvers. She recalled a piece of advice Hogan once gave her that has stuck: “Keep your boots on the ground, kid.” This wisdom, as she explained, was Hogan’s way of encouraging her to protect her body by focusing on storytelling and minimal but impactful physicality rather than doing excessive stunts inside the ring.
This approach contrasts with many modern matches that emphasize rapid-fire, high-risk maneuvers. Hogan’s focus was on conveying emotion and drama in a simple way, making every movement count. Rousey recalled how former WWE producer Brian Kendrick gave her a tape of a classic Hogan vs. Undertaker match to study. In it, Hogan did very little physically but achieved something rare he got The Undertaker to take a knee for the first time ever. This moment underscored how powerful subtlety and storytelling can be in wrestling.
Inspiration Beyond the Ring and Social Media Nod
Rousey also indirectly referenced an infamous tweet by Hogan regarding “marks” wrestling fans who get too deep into the scripted nature of the business. She posted a video on Instagram featuring a Hulk Hogan doll and a caption that appeared to tip its hat to Hogan’s tweet from 2011 about the blurred lines between reality and wrestling storylines.
Interestingly, Hogan himself responded to the post with words of support. According to sources close to WWE, this exchange highlights the respect that often transcends generations, even amidst the controversies and complexities surrounding Hogan’s public persona.
Wrestling’s Complicated Heroes: Hogan’s Dual Legacy
Hulk Hogan’s legacy in professional wrestling is a mix of enormous contributions and personal controversies. As an iconic figure who helped popularize wrestling worldwide in the 1980s and beyond, Hogan’s impact on the sport is undeniable. Yet, his past has been marred by several scandals that complicate how fans and wrestlers view him today.
Rousey’s reflections showcase this complexity appreciating the man’s craft and mentorship while acknowledging the challenging aspects of his history. “He was somebody who cared about the art of telling a story in the ring,” she said, “but his legacy has so many layers.”
Rousey’s Own Journey in WWE: A Reflection on Wrestling and Friendship
Rousey’s WWE career, marked by a mix of high expectations and unique challenges, also mirrors her desire to connect through wrestling on a more personal level. She mentioned entering WWE primarily to wrestle alongside close friends the Four Horsewomen and create memorable matches for their peers rather than chasing flashy spots or solely chasing titles.
Sources close to WWE indicate that Rousey’s wrestling tenure was shaped by both successes, such as winning the Raw Women’s Championship, and frustrations around creative directions that didn’t always fulfill her aspirations for authentic in-ring storytelling. Her insights on Hogan’s style and advice reflect her own philosophy of preserving longevity and focusing on the emotional core of wrestling.
Industry Reactions and the Road Ahead
According to a WWE insider, Rousey’s recent comments on Hogan and wrestling storytelling have sparked varied reactions backstage. Some wrestlers respect her perspective as rooted in experience and strategy, while others remain cautious in publicly discussing Hogan’s controversial legacy.
The insider noted, “Ronda’s view is respected because it’s honest and comes from a place of learning, but Hogan’s story has many shades. It’s something people in the locker room are still processing.”
As for Rousey’s own future in wrestling, while she has recently hinted at stepping back from professional wrestling, her reflections on legends like Hogan and her own experiences keep fans hopeful for potential future storylines or appearances.
Ronda Rousey’s introspective comments shed light on Hulk Hogan’s enduring influence as both a wrestling legend and a complex figure. Balancing respect for his contributions with acknowledgment of his controversies, Rousey’s perspective offers fans and the wrestling world a nuanced take on how to honor important figures while learning from their full legacies.