Hulk Hogan reveals what Donald Trump was like in the 1980s (Exclusive)
Hulk Hogan's association with Donald Trump goes back to when The Hulkster was WWE's marquee name in the 1980s. In an exclusive interview, Hogan gave an insight into what the United States presidential candidate was like in those days.
In 1988 and 1989, WWE staged WrestleMania in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The events took place at the Boardwalk Hall convention center. However, the venue was marketed as Trump Plaza because Trump sponsored the shows and his casino and hotel were located next door.
Speaking to Sportskeeda Wrestling's Senior Editor, Bill Apter, Hogan only had positive things to say about the 2013 WWE Hall of Famer's attitude:
"Vince McMahon ran the Trump Plaza for WrestleMania 4 and 5. He was very gracious, nice guy. Huge wrestling fan. Just took a couple of pictures with him, talked just for a moment. But very cordial, seemed easy going, really had a twinkle in his eye," he said. [2:49 – 3:08]
Watch the video above to hear Hogan's thoughts on Rhea Ripley and which three WWE stars he would face if he could still wrestle.
Hulk Hogan compares Donald Trump to a wrestler
Between 1985 and 1993, Hulk Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events. Later in the 1990s, The Hulkster worked for WCW when The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin emerged as two of WWE's biggest box-office stars.
Hogan recently gave a speech in support of Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention. Looking back, the WWE icon remembers how the 78-year-old had a special aura long before his political career began:
"Like in the wrestling business, if you've got that 'it factor,' you have an opportunity maybe if you work hard enough of becoming an attraction someday," Hogan said. "Just not a normal wrestler or just not a normal champion, you can become an attraction that will change the business or carry the company on its back, such as The Rock or Stone Cold. But it was a situation he had that twinkle in his eye. He had the 'it factor.'" [3:09 – 3:34]
Hogan also addressed speculation that he wants to run for president in the United States one day.
What do you make of Hogan's comments? Hit the Discuss button and let us know.
You can purchase Hulk Hogan merchandise at his beach shops in Clearwater and Orlando, Florida. Visit Hulk Hogan's Wrestling Shop to check out the latest available items.
You can also buy Hulk Hogan's Real American Beer merchandise and find out more details about the brand via therealamerican.com.
Please credit WrestleBinge and embed the YouTube video if you use quotes from this article, with an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.