In the annals of professional wrestling history, few moments have captured the essence of the sport’s cutthroat nature as vividly as the infamous incident involving Hulk Hogan, The Iron Sheik, and Verne Gagne. A recent expose has shed new light on a shocking bribe offer made by Gagne, which aimed to compromise the integrity of a pivotal match between Hogan and Sheik in January 1984.
A Recipe for Disaster
Verne Gagne, the owner of the American Wrestling Association (AWA), was known for his cunning business acumen and willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the wrestling world. As Hogan’s star continued to soar, Gagne saw an opportunity to capitalize on the rivalry between Hogan and The Iron Sheik, who had been engaged in a heated feud since their match at the 1983 WWF (now WWE) Payback.
According to sources close to the AWA, Gagne offered The Iron Sheik a substantial sum of money to intentionally injure Hogan during their scheduled match at the AWA’s ‘Super Clash of Champions’ event. The plan was a brazen attempt to discredit Hogan and create a narrative that would ultimately benefit the AWA.
A Bribe Worth Millions
The exact figure of the bribe offer remains unclear, but insiders claim that Gagne was willing to part with a substantial amount of cash to ensure Sheik’s cooperation. At the time, a legitimate AWA champion could earn up to $100,000 per year, a staggering sum for a wrestler in the 1980s. The bribe offer would have likely exceeded this amount, making it a lucrative proposition for The Iron Sheik.
A Close Call for Hogan
The plan was set in motion, and Sheik was allegedly told to target Hogan’s leg during the match, with the intention of breaking it and sidelining the Hulkster. Fortunately for Hogan, the plan was foiled, and the match continued without incident.
“We were told that Sheik was approached by Gagne with a substantial offer, but the truth is, Sheik was more interested in winning the match on his own merits,” said a close associate of The Iron Sheik. “Sheik was an excellent wrestler, and he knew that his skills were more valuable than any amount of money.”
The Fallout
Verne Gagne’s brazen attempt to bribe The Iron Sheik had far-reaching consequences. The AWA’s reputation was tarnished, and Hogan’s trust in the AWA was irreparably damaged. Gagne’s actions also raised questions about the integrity of the AWA’s championship system and the legitimacy of its titleholders.
The incident also had a profound impact on Hogan’s career, as he would go on to leave the AWA and join the WWF (now WWE), where he would become an integral part of the promotion’s success.
A Legacy of Betrayal
The bribe offer made to The Iron Sheik serves as a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of professional wrestling. In an industry where the line between sports and entertainment is often blurred, the pursuit of success can lead even the most respected figures to engage in questionable behavior.
As one wrestling veteran noted, “The bribe offer made by Gagne is a dark chapter in the history of professional wrestling. It’s a reminder that even in the most unlikely of circumstances, the desire for power and money can lead people to do unsavory things.”
In the end, the bribe offer made to The Iron Sheik was a desperate attempt to thwart Hulkamania, but it ultimately ended in failure. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one’s values and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport we love.