'Dinosaurs' in WWE - Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Sting

Going by the title of my article, you may be confused what ‘dinosaurs’ I’m referring to. Although the title seems hilarious, and obnoxiously misinterpreted, it was the word used by a certain legend to refer to the old timers, who refuse to bow out of the wrestling industry. That legend was none other than Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart, when he was asked about certain individuals who were past their heyday about two decades ago, but are still lingering around, even though they’re not relevant in the business anymore. When Bret said those words, everybody agreed. Yet, there are certain people who think they’re still ‘in the spotlight’, about 20 years after they became old news.

Professional wrestling business can be addictive, and when you know that your time is over, you have trouble moving on with your life. Some of the greatest names in the business have had that trouble, to have been in the spotlight for the majority of their careers, and hence having issues moving on. When guys who’re into their sixties still think they can perform in front of the crowds, that’s when you know it won’t end well. There was a movie regarding this issue not so long ago called ‘The Wrestler’, which starred Mickey Rourke. It was about someone who couldn’t come to terms that his time was over, and lingered around the business which finally consumed him completely. Sadly, it also holds true in reality as well.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan is arguably the biggest name in professional wrestling, but his time was up two decades ago. Hogan was the centre of attention back in the 80s and early 90s, but that was when his time ended. With the NWO, he changed his character, which was only interesting for a couple of years. Hogan is the one name almost all the old school fans are familiar with. But it’s hard for a wrestling fan to see an old guy trying to walk with crutches to the ring, thinking he is still the star attraction and making himself the centre of attraction.

Hulk Hogan was always criticized as a selfish, money hungry performer who wouldn’t think twice before placing himself over a younger talent. As a matter of fact, many young performers from WCW left the company because of Hogan. But it escalates to greater heights when a 60-year-old, nearly-crippled Hogan makes his intentions clear about becoming a world champion once again. Not only does it affect the fanbase of the company and its product, but it completely turns off the fans who’ve been following professional wrestling for years.