At the peak of his powers, Hulk Hogan’s popularity transcended the wrestling business. Hogan headlined most major WWE pay-per-view events during the 1980s and was the most over babyface of his generation.
Jimmy Hart explained that Hulk Hogan had all the tools to be the flagbearer of a pro wrestling company. ‘The Mouth of the South’ added that The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin and John Cena also carried a load similar to HuHogan’s at the top of the card.
Hart then asked Brian Wohl to pick an active WWE star who was at the level of the iconic names mentioned above. Roman Reigns was the obvious answer. Jimmy Hart agreed that the reigning Universal Champion comes closest to the star power and impact of a prime Hogan:
Jimmy Hart reveals what Vince McMahon told him about the requirements to become the face of WWE
Jimmy Hart also revealed what Vince McMahon told him years ago about what looks for in main-event talent. McMahon has always favored larger-than-life personalities. He wants his main superstar to be recognizable to a casual wrestling audience.
The WWE Chairman wants the promotion’s central character to be famous enough to be identified by those who seldom watch TV. Those dreaming of emulating Hulk Hogan’s success need the confidence to engage in conversations with talk show hosts for one.
The WWE CEO needs his most prominent name to sell the most merchandise and capitalize on their on-screen push. Here’s what Jimmy Hart revealed about his chat with Vince McMahon:
Hulk Hogan was Vince McMahon’s go-to guy during the Golden Age of professional wrestling. It’s clear that WWE has similarly positioned Roman Reigns to be its next major mainstream sensation.
0 votes
