1987 was a truly monumental year for Hulk Hogan and wrestling.
It was a time when Hulkamania reached its peak, when wrestling captured the imagination of millions, and when the foundation for future wrestling eras was laid. Remember, brother, all the world needs is one Hulkster!
On this date in 1987, Hulk Hogan made a Memorial Day weekend appearance on SuperStars when he took on Cowboy Bob Orton
I say it every year, but I love the instrumental version of Real American in this videohttps://t.co/d3ITJthtn5 pic.twitter.com/NiwJ9utQQI
— Monsoon Classic (@MonsoonClassic) May 23, 2023
Quick Facts:
Dominating Champion: 1987 began with Hogan still reigning as the WWF World Heavyweight Champion, a title he’d held for three consecutive years. He was the ultimate babyface, the embodiment of American ideals and righteous justice. Imagine red, yellow, and blue fireworks everywhere!
WrestleMania III: The granddaddy of them all, WrestleMania III, took place in March 1987. This event cemented Hogan’s legend with his iconic match against André the Giant. The build-up was immense: an undefeated André threatening to end Hogan’s reign. The match itself was electrifying, packed with drama, and ultimately saw Hogan bodyslamming the 7-foot giant and retaining the title. This moment became wrestling folklore, with Hogan’s victory cry, “Brother!” echoing through the ages.
Heel Turn and The Mega Powers: Later in 1987, Hogan shocked the world with a heel turn, joining forces with Andre the Giant and “Macho Man” Randy Savage to form The Mega Powers. This betrayal was so epic, it sent fans into a frenzy! He traded his yellow boots for black, and the world wasn’t sure what to make of the “Dark Hogan.” This period saw intense rivalries with The Iron Sheik and Jake “The Snake” Roberts, with memorable cage matches and chair-throwing action.
Hulkamania Beyond the Ring: Hogan’s influence wasn’t limited to the ring. He was a pop culture icon, appearing in movies like “No Holds Barred” and starring in the animated series “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.” His bandana, red and yellow face paint, and signature leg drop were ubiquitous, inspiring legions of kids to say their prayers and take their vitamins.
Beyond Hogan: While Hulk Hogan dominated, 1987 also saw other rising stars like the Ultimate Warrior, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, and The British Bulldogs contributing to a vibrant wrestling scene. It was a time of colorful characters, over-the-top storylines, and unforgettable moments that continue to resonate with fans today.
Some Catch Phrases That Are Tattooed On Our Brains:
Hulk Hogan:
- “Brother!” – Of course, Hogan’s iconic signature, used with dramatic emphasis after bodyslamming giants or delivering leg drops.
- “Whattamaniac!” – Hogan’s playful description of Hulkamania in action, usually punctuated by a flex and a grin.
- “Train runs on schedule, brother!” – A cryptic threat to opponents, implying their inevitable defeat by the unstoppable Hulkster.
The Macho Man Randy Savage:
- “Oh yeah!” – His trademark war cry, delivered with an ear-splitting scream and often followed by a flamboyant finger point.
- “Snap into a Slim Jim!” – This catchphrase for Slim Jim snacks became a pop culture phenomenon thanks to Savage’s energetic endorsement.
- “Elizabeth is the cream of the crop!” – His endearing, if slightly possessive, way of referring to his real-life wife and manager, Miss Elizabeth.
The Iron Sheik:
- “To be the man, you have to beat the man!” – His self-proclaimed mantra, delivered in his thick Iranian accent and often followed by a camel clutch on his unfortunate opponent.
- “Jabroni!” – His insult of choice, a nonsensical term that somehow perfectly conveyed his disdain for weaker competitors.
- “Hulk Hogan afraid of Iron Sheik’s camel clutch!” – An outlandish boast he repeated endlessly, despite Hogan proving the opposite at WrestleMania III.
Other gems:
- “Don’t ask me nothin’, just gimme a match!” – Rowdy Roddy Piper’s gruff refusal to engage in pre-match chatter, preferring to let his fists do the talking.
- “Who are you?” – Koko B. Ware’s trademark question upon entering the ring, followed by his dancing parrot Frankie to further confuse his opponents.
- “It’s gonna be a massacre!” – The Ultimate Warrior’s pre-match declaration, delivered with an insane grin and a shake of his multicolored tassels.
Bicycle cards in my spokes, flimsy ramps, gravel under my skin, Star Wars, Atari, and chucks. We had it all. Claim to fame: Neighborhood’s largest snow tunnel network built during the blizzard of ’77.
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