Hulk Hogan | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #455

Theo Von・2 minutes read

Hulk Hogan reflects on his wrestling career, sharing anecdotes about his experiences, challenges, and personal life, while also discussing his faith, family background, and interactions with other celebrities. He also addresses the use of steroids in sports, legal issues with the federal government, and his relationship with individuals like Michael Jackson and Prince.

Insights

Tie-dye "Be Good to Yourself" teas in aqua, creamsicle, and indigo are now available at theovanstore.com.
Mr. Hulk Hogan, a renowned entertainer, athlete, and movie star, will be a special guest on the upcoming show.
Hogan admires Ric Flair's resilience and dedication to wrestling, contrasting their career approaches and techniques.
The speaker, embodying the iconic character Hulk Hogan, reflects on the evolution of his wrestling persona, emphasizing emotional storytelling and audience connections.

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Recent questions

Who is Hulk Hogan's special guest on the show?
Mr. Hulk Hogan
What is the significance of Hulk Hogan's wrestling persona?
Emotional connections with the audience
How did Hulk Hogan's wrestling career differ from Ric Flair's?
International market presence vs. regional focus
What challenges did Hulk Hogan face in his wrestling career?
Extensive traveling and physical toll
What is the speaker's involvement in a wellness business venture?
CBD products for energy, sleep, and pain relief

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Summary

00:00

"Be Good to Yourself" Tie-Dye Teas & Hogan's Wrestling Journey

New tie-dye "Be Good to Yourself" teas available in aqua, creamsicle, and indigo at theovanstore.com.
Tour dates announced for Lincoln, California on September 15th at Thunder Valley, Las Vegas, Nevada on October 27th and 28th at Resorts World Las Vegas, Toronto, Ontario on August 31st, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 8th at Miller High Life Theater.
Special guest on the show is Mr. Hulk Hogan, a renowned entertainer, athlete, and movie star.
Hogan's friend, Ric Flair, known for his unique habits and behaviors, including his drinking preferences.
An anecdote shared about Flair's health scare and his immediate request for a six-pack upon waking up from surgery.
Hogan's perspective on Flair's consistency and dedication to wrestling, contrasting it with his own approach.
Discussion on the differences in their wrestling careers, with Hogan emphasizing his international market presence compared to Flair's regional focus.
Hogan's admiration for Flair's resilience and determination in the wrestling industry.
Hogan's journey in wrestling, transitioning from a music background to viewing wrestling as an extension of his art.
Reflection on the evolution of Hogan's wrestling persona, focusing on creating emotional connections with the audience through dramatic storytelling in the ring.

13:49

Wrestler's Journey: From Venice Beach to Japan

The speaker hails from Venice Beach, California, embodying a character with blonde hair, tanned skin, and a baby face persona.
Vince McMahon initially doubted the character's success, but the speaker persisted and eventually joined Ted Turner's NWO.
Transitioning to a red and yellow persona, the speaker later felt the need for an evil character, which garnered significant popularity.
The speaker spent 20 years in Japan, learning wrestling techniques and protecting himself from harm.
In Japan, the speaker's mystique was enhanced by his association with Hero Matsuda and a popular Japanese band, Pink Cloud.
Accompanied by wrestler Freddy Blassie, known for his brutal tactics, the speaker gained immense popularity in Japan.
In Japan, wrestlers are revered like celebrities, with sumo wrestlers even showing respect to pro wrestlers.
The speaker almost engaged in a real fight with a sumo wrestler who refused to lose to him in a match.
The speaker frequently traveled between the US and Japan for wrestling matches, enjoying the lucrative pay in Japan.
Despite numerous surgeries and health issues, the speaker maintains internal health but has faced physical challenges, including a significant height loss due to surgeries.

27:03

Evolution of Wrestling: From Physicality to Business

The speaker discusses the evolution of wrestling, mentioning the physicality and competitiveness in the early days.
They talk about the increase in wrestling events and the change in the intensity of matches after a deal with Vince Jr.
The speaker reflects on their experiences wrestling various opponents, including the pressure of being a top wrestler.
They mention the importance of merchandise and entrance music in wrestling, crediting Jimmy Hart for creating music for wrestlers.
The speaker details their close involvement with Vince Jr. and the business side of wrestling.
They recall their time in Minnesota learning from Vern Ganya and the valuable education they received.
The speaker discusses their interactions with fellow wrestlers like Randy Orton, John Cena, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Ric Flair.
They share anecdotes about traveling with Andre the Giant and the challenges of accommodating his size.
The speaker recounts a difficult experience with Andre the Giant in the ring, highlighting the physical toll of wrestling.
They express their dislike for the extensive traveling involved in wrestling and the toll it took on their personal life.

39:42

Wrestler's Transition: Health, Challenges, and Success

The speaker discusses transitioning from a wrestling persona to being a regular person at home.
He reflects on the need to separate himself from his wrestling character to avoid harm.
The speaker mentions the high mortality rate among wrestlers, with many of his colleagues passing away.
He talks about the impact of his back surgeries and the importance of maintaining his health.
The speaker shares his experience of booking a wrestling tour with Ric Flair and the challenges he faced.
He discusses the dangers of drug use in the wrestling industry, particularly the use of muscle relaxers like Somas.
The speaker emphasizes his consistency in training and healthy habits, contrasting with the destructive behaviors of some colleagues.
He highlights the competitive nature of wrestling, where teammates may try to take each other's positions.
The speaker explains how his wrestling character, Hulk Hogan, became so powerful that promoters had to use him despite any conflicts.
He recounts his return to WWE as Hollywood Hogan and his decision to put over younger talent like The Rock.

52:32

"Hogan's Wrestling Journey: Triumphs and Challenges"

Hulk Hogan recalls the crowd's reaction at WrestleMania 18, where they cheered him despite the expectation of boos.
Hogan discusses his personal struggles and the importance of seeking therapy, promoting BetterHelp for online therapy services.
Factor, a ready-to-eat meal kit service, is highlighted for its convenience and nutritious options, with a 50% discount offer.
Liquid IV, a powdered hydration brand, is recommended for its sugar-free and efficient hydration benefits, with a 20% discount offer.
Hogan reflects on the unpredictability of wrestling matches and the importance of adapting to the crowd's reactions.
Hogan shares insights on his wrestling career, including the challenges of balancing work and family life.
Hogan explains his unique position in the wrestling industry, owning the rights to his character and trademarks.
Hogan recounts his initial introduction to the wrestling world and his eventual return to the ring after multiple attempts to retire.
Hogan details his meeting with Vince McMahon Sr. and the circumstances that led to his iconic wrestling persona.
Hogan reflects on his career trajectory, from humble beginnings to becoming a wrestling legend with a powerful character.

01:06:31

From Cons to Wrestling: Hulk Hogan's Journey

Tony Altamore, partner of Captain Lou Albano, taught the speaker how to perform cons, including slipping and falling in a grocery store to earn money.
Tony Altamore suggested the speaker become Hulk Hogan to represent Irish Americans, providing red dye for the speaker's hair.
Marvel Comics threatened to sue the speaker for infringing on the Hulk Hogan name, leading to a settlement where the speaker paid one-tenth of one percent of his earnings.
In 2005, the speaker negotiated to buy back the Hulk Hogan name from Marvel Comics for a fair market value of 750 grand.
The speaker has been sober for 14 months, attributing his decision to his relationship with his girlfriend and past issues with alcohol.
The speaker's childhood experiences motivated him to succeed and avoid a life of poverty, leading him to pursue a career in wrestling.
The speaker transitioned from a music career to wrestling, facing initial skepticism from others but ultimately proving them wrong.
The speaker had the opportunity to tour with Blackfoot and Mother's Finest in his music career but chose to pursue wrestling instead.
Despite initial doubts from others, the speaker was determined to become a successful wrestler, even after facing ridicule from his bandmates.
The speaker's interactions with wrestlers in bars and altercations in the past did not deter him from pursuing a career in wrestling, despite the perceived risks involved.

01:18:58

Speaker's Journey: Fear to Faith and Family

The speaker recalls initially being scared of someone but gradually getting used to their presence due to a local band playing at the bar.
The speaker's father worked in construction his whole life and suffered from sunburn due to working in the Florida heat.
The speaker's father, of Italian descent, met the speaker's Panamanian mother in the Panama Canal.
The speaker, of Nicaraguan descent, mentions being cautious of sun exposure due to their heritage.
The speaker's family lacked affection, especially from the father, until the speaker found success in music and wrestling.
The speaker supported their brother's children after their brother and his wife were tragically killed.
The speaker accepted Christ as their savior at 14 but strayed from their faith for a while before returning to it.
The speaker attends Indian Rocks Christian Church with their partner and values having faith.
The speaker mentions a friend who found the Lord after serving time in prison and now has a ministry.
The speaker is involved in a wellness business venture with Tyson, focusing on CBD products for energy, sleep, and pain relief.

01:32:10

Athletes, Steroids, and Legal Battles: A Witness

Steroids were commonly used by athletes before becoming illegal in 1990, with prescriptions obtained from doctors.
Wrestlers, including the speaker, used steroids and other substances like Somas, perks, alcohol, and cocaine, creating health risks.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) doctors can help manage testosterone levels post-30 to counteract biological decline.
The speaker knew numerous professional athletes, including baseball, football, and hockey players, who used steroids.
The federal government targeted Vince McMahon for steroid distribution, leading to legal issues and trials.
The speaker became a government witness to avoid prosecution, testifying truthfully and avoiding New York for five years.
The government's case against McMahon was based on false accusations, with the speaker refusing to testify against him.
The speaker met Michael Jackson at Disney World, where security guards made them move to accommodate him.
Michael Jackson apologized for the inconvenience caused by the security measures.
The speaker expressed admiration for Michael Landon, known for his roles in "Highway to Heaven" and "Little House on the Prairie."

01:44:37

Hulk Hogan's Minnesota Memories and Prince's Influence

Mean Gene Okerlund was a significant figure in wrestling, brought to New York by Hulk Hogan, who shared stories of their time together in Minnesota.
Hulk Hogan reminisces about his time in Minnesota, playing at bars like The Caboose and encountering Prince, who performed at First Avenue.
Hulk Hogan expresses gratitude for Prince's music and reflects on the impact of his work, acknowledging the importance of their respective contributions.

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