When fans think of Hulk Hogan, they often picture his iconic mustache and hear chants of “Hulkamania.” However, the reality is that Hogan was more than just a wrestling superstar; he was also a master manipulator behind the scenes. His greatest victories took place not in the ring, but in corporate boardrooms, where he wielded an unprecedented level of control that ultimately ruined the careers of millions of wrestlers. At the core of Hogan’s influence was the infamous “creative control” clause in his contract, which allowed Hogan to veto any storyline or match outcome that did not suit his interests. While it may seem reasonable for a top star to have some creative input, Hogan’s abuse of this power turned it into a weapon that devastated wrestling.
One of the most glaring examples of Hogan’s political manipulation occurred at Starcade 1997. The event was intended to be a monumental moment in wrestling history, marking Sting’s long-awaited victory over the New World Order. Instead, Hogan’s refusal to allow a clear finish led to a controversial result that left fans disappointed and confused. What should have been a triumphant moment turned into a chaotic disaster, marking the beginning of WCW’s decline. Hogan’s political tactics were not limited to WCW. During his time in WWE, he sabotaged Brett Hart's popularity. Scheduled to defend his championship at WrestleMania 9, Hart was poised to become the face of WWE. However, Hogan's backstage influence led to him taking the spotlight, perhaps to push Hart further due to his personal insecurities. This egotistical act not only damaged Hart's career, but also showed that Hogan was unwilling to pass the torch to deserving talent.
The feud extended to Hogan's relationship with Shawn Michaels. WWE had originally planned a balanced feud, in which Hogan would win the first match at SummerSlam 2005, but lose the rematch. However, Hogan's refusal to honor the agreement left Michaels feeling betrayed. In response, Michaels turned their match into a spectacle that highlighted Hogan's selfishness, exposing Hogan's character flaws to the audience. Hogan’s influence extended to creating a roster of loyal allies rather than talent. In WCW, he signed friends like Brutus Beefcake and Earthquake to lucrative contracts, while pushing more deserving wrestlers to the sidelines. This nepotism not only stifled competition, but also missed opportunities for compelling storylines and matches that could have enriched the wrestling landscape.
A prime example of Hogan’s favoritism occurred at Starcade 1994, where he insisted on defending his title against Brutus Beefcake instead of facing the highly anticipated Sting. This decision reflected Hogan’s desire to maintain control of his narrative, sacrificing potentially dramatic matches for his own comfort.