WWE legend Hulk Hogan recently shed light on a lesser-known aspect of his illustrious career: the invaluable experience he gained from playing in a band before stepping into the wrestling ring. In a candid conversation on the “LIVE The Outbound Life” podcast, Hogan discussed how his musical background played a crucial role in his ability to perform confidently in front of live crowds, a skill that many young wrestlers struggle to master.
Hogan’s Musical Beginnings
Long before he became a household name in professional wrestling, Hogan was a bass guitarist in various bands across Florida. He believes this early exposure to live performances helped him acclimate to the pressures of wrestling in front of large audiences.
“Sometimes these wrestlers will be at the Performance Center, working with Shawn Michaels and whoever is there, and as soon as they get in front of a crowd they’re like … way behind the curve. This is a whole learning curve,” Hogan explained. He emphasized that playing in a band for over a decade provided him with the “seat time” necessary to avoid faltering under the spotlight.
The Importance of ‘Seat Time’
Hogan likened the concept of “seat time” to the practice routines of race car drivers. Just as drivers need extensive practice to handle high-pressure races, wrestlers need significant experience performing in front of live audiences to ensure they don’t “poop the bed” during major events.
“What I had was, playing music for ten years and being in front of live audiences and live crowds — small, very small, it wasn’t very big at that time — you had a rapport with the crowd and you weren’t afraid to walk up to a microphone and talk or to be over-animated and have fun on stage when you’re playing, really get into it,” Hogan shared. “Being in front of that crowd, I wasn’t spooked the first time I went out to wrestle. I wasn’t … [thinking] ‘Oh my god, there’s people out there.'”
Preparation for the Big Stage
Hogan’s insights underscore the importance of gaining comfort and confidence through smaller, less intimidating performances before tackling major venues like Madison Square Garden. He believes this gradual buildup is crucial for wrestlers to avoid major blunders in high-stakes situations.
“Before you go and start wrestling in Madison Square Garden, you better put in some serious seat time, otherwise you’ll poop the bed when you get there,” Hogan advised. His message is clear: wrestlers need to hone their craft in smaller settings before they can successfully handle the pressure of large, live audiences.
The Impact on Young Wrestlers
Hogan’s experience and advice are particularly relevant for young wrestlers today, many of whom train extensively at the WWE Performance Center. While they receive top-notch coaching from legends like Shawn Michaels, Hogan points out that nothing can replace the experience of performing live.
Stephen’s Insight
Hulk Hogan’s reflections provide a fascinating glimpse into the often-overlooked aspects of a wrestling career. His journey from musician to wrestling icon highlights the value of diverse experiences and the importance of gradual exposure to the pressures of live performance. For aspiring wrestlers, Hogan’s advice serves as a reminder that true mastery of the craft requires not only technical skill but also the confidence that comes from experience.
