The relationship between Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon is one of the most complicated in entertainment history. McMahon has described their relationship as close, but it was also rife with betrayal and manipulation. Despite their personal relationship, Hogan’s actions often hurt McMahon, especially when Hogan moved to a rival company.
The wrestling industry in the 1980s was rife with problems. Wrestlers were treated as independent contractors, without health benefits or safety nets. Jesse the Body Ventura attempted to form a union for better pay and protection, but Hogan’s betrayal derailed these efforts. Rather than support his fellow wrestlers, Hogan informed McMahon of Ventura’s plans, which had disastrous consequences for the entire roster. Hogan’s decision to inform McMahon of his unionization efforts was a staggering level of betrayal. Not only did this act undermine his fellow wrestlers, it also cemented his position as a McMahon insider. As a result, WWE never had a union, leaving wrestlers vulnerable and exploited.
The financial consequences of Hogan’s betrayal were profound. While Hogan made more money than the entire Wrestlemania 3 roster combined, his fellow wrestlers struggled to make ends meet. This blatant greed and selfishness created a toxic atmosphere that stifled collaboration and camaraderie in the locker room. Hogan’s contracts often included creative control clauses, allowing him to dictate storylines. This power was used to manipulate outcomes in his favor, often to the detriment of other talented wrestlers. A prime example was Wrestlemania 9, where Hogan stole the spotlight from Bret Hart, who had just had a stellar match against Yokozuna. Bret Hart’s response to Hogan’s actions was one of utter contempt, calling Hogan a “fake.” This sentiment resonated with many wrestlers who felt overshadowed and disrespected by Hogan’s behind-the-scenes antics. The environment became increasingly hostile, with wrestlers like Shawn Michaels openly expressing their frustrations during matches. Hogan’s political tactics did not stop at WWE. In WCW, he ruined Sting’s crowning moment at Starcade 1997 by explicitly refusing to lose. This manipulation not only damaged WCW’s reputation, but also showed that Hogan’s ego continued to undermine the wrestling industry.
Even as Hogan’s reputation began to fade, the consequences of his actions remained. The wrestling community remained divided, with many still grappling with the fallout from Hogan’s controversial decisions and McMahon’s willingness to tolerate them.