WWE Hall of Famer Discusses Hulk Hogan’s Support of Trump: An Unexpected But Predictable Partnership
Few names in the professional wrestling industry have the same resonance as Hulk Hogan’s. The legendary character has not only come to represent the professional wrestling business but has also made appearances in pop culture and politics. Hogan recently made news once more, but this time it wasn’t because of a bout or a sentimental comeback to the ring. Rather, it was his outspoken endorsement of Republican front-runner Donald Trump that ignited the media. But Jesse “The Body” Ventura, another iconic character in wrestling, is not surprised by this development.
At the Republican National Convention on July 19, Hulk Hogan gave a famously raucous address supporting Donald Trump. Hogan’s political stance was the subject of criticism and praise from a number of experts and fans following his presence. Former Minnesota governor and WWE Hall of Famer Jesse Ventura was one of the people who spoke out, and he didn’t seem that surprised by Hogan’s support for Trump.
During an interview with MSNBC, Ventura dissected Hogan’s political inclinations, drawing from their shared history in the wrestling industry. Ventura described Hogan as “anti-union,” a label that he claims has deep roots in their past interactions. “As far as Hogan goes, it doesn’t surprise me,” Ventura remarked. “When I was in wrestling in the ’80s, I tried to unionize wrestling, and it was Hulk Hogan who cut my legs out from under me. Hulk Hogan went to Vince McMahon, ratted me out, and subsequently, later on, cost me my job.”
Ventura’s words carry the weight of a long-standing grudge that dates back to the early days of their wrestling careers. The idea of forming a union among wrestlers, which Ventura once championed, was a controversial and bold move that could have transformed the industry. Wrestlers, who often faced grueling schedules and little job security, had much to gain from such a collective bargaining agreement. But according to Ventura, it was Hogan’s betrayal that derailed the effort.
Recalling the pivotal moment that led to the unraveling of his plans, Ventura shared a vivid memory: “I was in an elevator and ran into Gene Upshaw, the great tackle guard from the Oakland Raiders. And big Gene raised his finger up and looked at me and says, ‘You guys, you boys, need to form a union.’ I tried to do it, and it was Hulk Hogan who ratted me out to Vince McMahon, and subsequently I was fired.”
This information reveals a side of Hogan that stands in stark contrast to his valiant image outside of the ring. Although Hogan was adored by millions as the epitome of goodness—”The Hulkster” who easily defeated evildoers—Ventura’s story depicts him as a person prepared to put his own interests ahead of those of others. According to Ventura’s charges, Hogan’s choice to support Trump and join the Republican Party is in line with his long-standing antagonism to workers’ rights and unionization.
While Hogan’s political attitude continues to generate controversy, Ventura’s observations give a convincing story that connects the wrestler’s previous deeds to his current decisions. Ventura has been an outspoken opponent of both major political parties and has himself entertained the idea of seeking the presidency of the United States. His contempt towards the establishment is widely recognized, and he has always presented himself as an outsider, akin to Trump. Ventura’s political career, in contrast to Hogan’s, has been distinguished by a readiness to oppose rather than support the current quo.
It’s interesting to note that Hogan’s impact permeates every aspect of WWE’s present offering, going beyond the political sphere. Even though Hogan competed in his final WWE match in 2006, his legend lives on and continues to motivate upcoming wrestlers. The most recent instance is the recently established group consisting of Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers, who have taken the moniker “American Made”—a reference to Hogan’s well-known WCW theme song—into consideration.
Despite the fact that WWE has not formally acknowledged the relationship, the name is an obvious tribute to Hogan’s ongoing influence on the business. It reminds us that Hogan’s name and brand are still closely associated with the professional wrestling industry even after all these years. However, as Ventura’s disclosures show, the real person behind the character is significantly more nuanced and occasionally contentious.
Hogan’s support of Trump is expected to be a talking point in the political discourse as the 2024 presidential election approaches, not just among wrestling fans but also in general. But according to Ventura, this most recent phase of Hogan’s career is really the continuation of a tale that started a long time ago—a tale of treachery, loyalty, and the pursuit of power both inside and beyond the ring.
H/T: WrestlingNews.co for the above transcription.
