WWE veteran defends Hulk Hogan, says he might have told the truth on Logan Paul's podcast (Exclusive)
Hulk Hogan received criticism following a discussion on Logan Paul's podcast about his creative influence in WCW. Vince Russo, a former WCW and WWE head writer, believes people should give The Hulkster the benefit of the doubt.
Hogan worked for WCW between 1994 and 2000. As the promotion's top star, his contract included a clause stating he had the final say on his character's storyline direction. Speaking on IMPAULSIVE, the wrestling icon surprisingly claimed he never used his creative control card while under contract with WCW.
The comment prompted many people to speculate that Hogan lied. However, Russo told host Dr. Chris Featherstone on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing With Russo that the two-time WWE Hall of Famer was likely telling the truth:
"In Hogan's mind, when he talks about, 'I never played my creative control,' what Hogan can be saying is, 'I never put an angle out there and made sure that it happened.' I don't know if creative control is the same thing of saying no to, 'No, I don't like that idea. That doesn't work for me,' or using creative control to put the belt on yourself, to put you over an opponent. You see what I'm saying, Chris? It's a very, very fine line." [1:58 – 2:39]
Watch the video above to hear Vince Russo provide details on his difference of opinion with Hulk Hogan at Bash at the Beach 2000.
Vince Russo elaborates on Hulk Hogan's creative power
When Hulk Hogan joined WCW, he had already headlined WWE's WrestleMania event eight times and become a household name in the United States.
Vince Russo had no issue with someone of Hogan's star power receiving more creative privileges than other wrestlers. He also addressed whether the six-time WWE Champion would have refused to lose to an opponent like Sid Vicious:
"So when Hulk says, 'I had creative control but I never used it,' he may be telling the truth," Russo continued. "Argument's sake, they wanted Hulk to do a job [lose] for Sid and Hulk said, 'Oh, no, I'm using my creative control. I'm going over Sid,' that's a totally different story than pitching something to Hulk and Hulk saying he doesn't like it. So, technically, it's quite possible he never did play his creative control card." [2:40 – 3:11]
Dutch Mantell, formerly known as Zeb Colter in WWE, recently shared a different take on Hogan's creative control comments.
Do you think Hulk Hogan is telling the truth? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Please credit Sportskeeda Wrestling's Writing With Russo and embed the video if you use quotes from this article.