In a recent episode of 83 Weeks, Eric Bischoff, former WCW president and architect of the New World Order (nWo), expressed a definitive opinion: the classic red and yellow version of Hulk Hogan would not have survived or thrived during the nWo era. Bischoff emphasized that Hogan’s transformation into the heel “Hollywood” persona was indispensable for the success of the faction and WCW itself.
The End of Hulkamania and Wrestling’s Paradigm Shift
Eric Bischoff recounts that the iconic “Hulkamania” character, symbolized by Hogan’s red and yellow attire and heroic persona, had effectively run its course by the mid-1990s. While Hulk Hogan was one of wrestling’s biggest stars throughout the 1980s and early 90s, Bischoff believes the industry and WCW needed a radical change to maintain relevance and compete with WWE’s Monday Night Raw.
When asked directly whether the red-and-yellow Hogan could have survived the nWo revolution, Bischoff was blunt: “Absolutely not.” According to him, without Hogan’s heel turn—the shocking betrayal when he aligned with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to form the nWo—WCW would never have gained the momentum it did, nor could it have mounted a credible challenge to WWE’s dominance[1].
Why the Heel Turn Was Crucial
The nWo storyline was groundbreaking because it blurred the lines between good and evil characters, introducing an anti-heroic tone rarely seen on this scale in mainstream wrestling. Hogan’s decision to abandon his all-American good guy image and become “Hollywood” Hogan—decked out in black and white and adopting a sneering villain persona—shook the business.
Sources close to WCW creative pointed out that “Hogan’s heel turn gave a new breath of life not just to him but to the entire company.” A WWE insider added, “Without Hollywood Hogan, the nWo would have been just another faction. His star power and the shock of the betrayal ignited the Monday Night Wars and changed pro wrestling forever.”
Bischoff’s Role in Convincing Hogan
Convincing Hogan to make the heel turn was reportedly one of Bischoff’s most challenging tasks behind the scenes. Interviews reveal that Hogan initially resisted the idea, valuing his heroic image. However, Bischoff’s persistence paid off as he managed to sell Hogan on the idea that the red-and-yellow character had peaked and that a radical change was essential for his legacy and for WCW’s success[2].
The success of this gamble was unprecedented—WCW Nitro overtook WWE Raw in the ratings for 83 consecutive weeks during the Monday Night Wars, largely buoyed by the compelling nWo storyline and Hogan’s reinvented persona[3].
The Legacy of Hollywood Hogan vs. Hulkamania
The implications of Bischoff’s statement underscore the transformational nature of Hogan’s career. His red-and-yellow Hulkamania days were iconic but ultimately dated in the rapidly evolving wrestling environment of the late 1990s. The nWo era ushered in a more edgy, reality-based style of wrestling entertainment that required its stars to show dimensions beyond the traditional hero archetype.
Eric Bischoff reflected, “The Hulkamania character had an expiration date. Hollywood Hogan was a risk, but it paid off in every way you could imagine.” His assessment shows a keen understanding of wrestling’s need for evolution and the risks required to innovate in a competitive market[1][4].
Behind-the-Scenes Perspectives
According to sources familiar with WCW’s backstage atmosphere at the time, the decision shocked many insiders. A former WCW creative team member commented, “There was skepticism over whether fans would accept Hogan as a villain. But Bischoff’s vision was clear — the industry was ready for a paradigm shift, and Hogan’s turn was the spark that lit the fire.”
In recent conversations with wrestling veterans, including those associated with WWE, it’s acknowledged that Hogan’s heel turn was not just important for WCW’s rise but also influenced how WWE modified its storytelling to stay competitive.
Hogan and Bischoff: A Lasting Partnership
Beyond the nWo saga, Bischoff and Hogan maintained a close professional relationship that shaped much of pro wrestling’s late-90s landscape. Even years later, both have teased new projects that build upon their shared nWo legacy[7][8]. Their partnership remains a reminder of how game-changing decisions can redefine a wrestler’s legacy.
The transformation of Hulk Hogan from the beloved red and yellow hero to the villainous Hollywood Hogan exemplifies the cyclical nature of wrestling personas adapting to audience tastes and industry demands. Eric Bischoff’s candid admission that Hulkamania could not have survived the nWo era highlights a pivotal moment in wrestling history — a moment where risk met reward, and the wrestling world would never be the same.