In the world of professional wrestling, few moments have been as iconic as Hulk Hogan’s infamous heel turn in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996. However, what many fans may not know is that Hogan’s transformation into the “Hollywood Hulk Hogan” persona was not the first time WWE explored the idea of turning the Hulkster heel. According to Bruce Prichard, a former WWE executive, the company repeatedly tried to turn Hogan heel before finally abandoning the plan.
The Origins of a Heel Turn Concept
During a recent episode of his popular podcast, Something To Wrestle With, Bruce Prichard revealed that he and fellow WWE executive Pat Patterson had pitched multiple ideas to turn Hogan heel over the years. The concept was first conceived in the mid-1980s, when Hogan’s popularity was at an all-time high. At that point, the idea was met with skepticism by Vince McMahon, who was hesitant to risk damaging the Hulkster’s wholesome image.
However, as the years went by, the idea of a Hogan heel turn continued to surface. Prichard and Patterson saw an opportunity to create a new, edgier persona for Hogan, one that would appeal to a growing audience of fans who were beginning to crave more complex, nuanced characters. According to Prichard, the duo presented their ideas to McMahon on several occasions, only to be met with resistance.
The Heel Turn Plan That Never Was
One of the most interesting aspects of Prichard’s account is the specific plan that was put in place for Hogan’s heel turn. According to Prichard, the idea was to create a character that was a combination of Hogan’s old persona and a new, more aggressive persona. The Hulkster would be portrayed as a confident, arrogant character who believed himself to be above the law. This would contrast sharply with his previous character, who was known for his All-American charm and humility.
However, as Prichard notes, the plan was ultimately too ambitious, and the WWE creative team struggled to bring the character to life. The idea was eventually shelved, and Hogan continued on as the beloved hero he had always been.
Why the Heel Turn Never Happened
So, why did the WWE ultimately decide against turning Hogan heel? According to a source close to the company, the decision was largely driven by a desire to maintain Hogan’s signature charm and likability. At the time, Hogan was one of the biggest stars in the company, and the WWE didn’t want to risk alienating his fans by turning him into a heel.
“Vince was always worried about losing Hogan’s magic,” the source revealed. “He knew that Hogan’s charm and charisma were a big part of his appeal, and he didn’t want to risk losing that by turning him heel. Plus, Hogan was a big draw, and the WWE was making a lot of money off of him. It was a risk they weren’t willing to take.”
A What-If Scenario
In the end, the WWE’s decision not to turn Hogan heel proved to be a blessing in disguise. Hogan’s continued success as a hero helped cement his status as one of the all-time greats, and he remains a beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling to this day.
However, it’s impossible not to wonder what would have happened if the WWE had taken the plunge and turned Hogan heel. Would Hogan have become a successful heel, or would he have alienated his fans and struggled to find his footing in the role?
One thing is for sure: the idea of a heel Hogan is a fascinating what-if scenario that continues to captivate wrestling fans to this day.
The Legacy of a Heel Hogan
Fast-forward to 1996, when Hogan made his infamous heel turn in WCW. The move was a masterstroke, and Hogan’s transformation into the “Hollywood Hulk Hogan” persona is widely regarded as one of the greatest moments in professional wrestling history.
But what if the WWE had turned Hogan heel first? Would the result have been the same, or would Hogan’s heel turn have been met with skepticism and resistance from fans?
According to Prichard, the result would have likely been a mixed bag. “I think Hogan would have been a successful heel, but it would have been a tough sell,” Prichard said. “The WWE was always a more traditional territory, and the fans were more likely to accept Hogan as a hero. In WCW, however, the fans were more open to seeing Hogan as a heel, and the character was able to take flight in a way that it wouldn’t have in the WWE.”
Conclusion
The idea of a heel Hogan is a fascinating one, and it’s hard not to wonder what could have been. As Prichard notes, the WWE’s decision not to turn Hogan heel proved to be a wise one, and the Hulkster remains one of the greatest heroes in professional wrestling history.
However, the legacy of a heel Hogan continues to captivate wrestling fans to this day, and it’s a reminder that even the greatest of all-time can sometimes be pushed in unexpected directions.