Eric Bischoff - THIS is What Terry Bollea Is REALLY Like Away From the Hulk Hogan Character

[@davidcosdesign6785]

Was a Hogan fan in the early 80s . He is one of the reasons I started working out. 1990, Chatsworth, CA. Powerhouse Gym. There for my morning workout and in the corner was Hulk Hogan doing a circuit. In between sets, I approached him and said, Hulkster, because of you, I am here. " And he said, "No brother. Because of YOU, I am here." He shook my hand and we returned to our work outs. Never forget how large he was but at the same time, how humble. Respect.

[@raysullya.k.amassholehead817]

Awesome

[@wmsmith7346]

That's friggin awesome. Hulk was my childhood, ha. Always wanted to meet him.

[@donjohn2695]

Randy savage was ALWAYS my guy

[@deebo1103]

That's an awesome story.

[@rickymurray]

That’s super cool

[@whitneyreidfitness9645]

I brought Hogan to the Arnold Classic in 2015 as a sponsored athlete for our brand. We hung out for 3 days and he worked the booth for 6 hours a day. He is one of the most professional, generous and kind individuals I’ve ever met.

[@michaeladams7543]

I remember that! I had my booth Steelstretch there and he walked by and said hello. Met him at the gym Clearwater Beach Fitness by Luke Williams and he talked to me like we were best friends. Truly grateful 🙏

[@whitneyreidfitness9645]

@@michaeladams7543 man that awesome! What a great memory 💪

[@windycitypreacher6778]

Awesome I was there that year. He and Jimmy Hart were gentleman.

[@rassyconkerhead5548]

Did you take heaps of cocaine and swap wives?

[@kevinwalsh4652]

I met him at Gold's gym in Venice Beach in 1986, he's real, but if this dude doesn't get to exactly what Cruise DOES do regarding stunts, that busted ankle jumping across rooftops was real, he can fly a jet, give him some respect at least

[@PrimetimeD]

An anecdote to back up what Eric said about Hogan caring about fans. Buddy of mine and his family were on vacation in Florida and were going to visit Hogan's Beach Shop. 2 adults, 2 kids all decked out in wrestling shirts. The door is locked, and a manager comes to the door and apologizes and says that they're closed for inventory or something along those lines. Before he could close the door though, a recognizable voice could be heard saying, "Let 'em in brother!" Hogan proceeded to let my friends take pics with him and shop even though they were supposed to be closed. He was all smiles in the pictures too.

[@williamgee6654]

Now that is an American hero.

[@ducklife420]

hogan was working you. he does that to every customer

[@R2B2YT]

very kind gesture.

[@pussydestroyer87]

Hulk not turning down a dime brother!

[@ultimatemagic2125]

@@pussydestroyer87 just like your wife.

[@tony6626]

It's wonderful to hear that Hulk Hogan is such a great guy where it counts. Making people feel good about themselves is a powerful gift.

[@shawnrumley38]

You know what I've learned from this interview that if everybody had a friend half as good as Eric Bischoff the world will be a better place

[@giovannisocci8793]

Bischoff wanted to run with the big dogs and pretend or maybe he was one of them,but he paid them great money for them to let him in,he,Bischoff wasn t a great CEO,or as generous person towards the lesser talent, Lugar,Rey Misterio,Konnan,Bagwell.

[@dustinbailey9644]

@@giovannisocci8793 flawed person as well. Aren’t we all.

[@Matt67144]

@@giovannisocci8793 Did u just refer to the Total Package as a "lesser talent"!!!!!????

[@giovannisocci8793]

@@Matt67144 He got paid less than the top carders,and he was less talented,but he had that awesome steroid body.

[@Evil-Rod-Farva]

@@giovannisocci8793 he took a floundering company and made it wildly profitable and mainstream until he was handicapped creatively. Sure, he had Ted Turner’s money to help, but I don’t know how you could argue he wasn’t a good CEO when he made his owner’s, his employees and himself a lot of money. Is he perfect, no? Did he kill WCW? No.

[@disgruntledconservativevet1798]

I watched the WWF as a kid, and as I grow older it’s eye opening to see all the crap these guys put their bodies through to entertain their fans. I am extremely grateful for all they did.

[@galvanizedgnome]

I'm confident Tom Cruise can fly a fighter jet.

[@nicholasdunlap2275]

​@@galvanizedgnomeI'm actually pretty sure that with all the stunt hours he's put in all over the years, and with all his own stunts, I'm pretty sure he could at least fly a bit.

[@an0therdimensi0n99]

hulk said he has gotten considerably shorter as he aged because of his infamous leg drop finishing move, over the years it has compressed the discs between his spine down to nothing. even tho i thought that as a finishing move was trash, gotta respect what he did to his body for fans.

[@falsedragon33]

From their own words, they did it for the money. Doing stuff for the people without another motive is beyond rare, and they certainly weren't it.

[@ArcGlowingVision]

Tom is a certified pilot and has been one for decades + he's 5'9.

[@FamousAtticusJS]

I've met Hogan twice in my life in a real world setting (1st time at a restaurant in Orlando & 2nd time at a gas station in Tampa). Both times he was super nice to me and my kids. I was apprehensive to approach him at the restaurant and waited until he was finished eating, it was in the middle of the week at lunch time and the place was dead. HH was so cool about everything, he told me thanks for being a fan and more importantly for being a great father (I was out with my kids for lunch). He was with Jimmy Hart, we all spoke for a few minutes and were on our way. It was so cool interacting with someone that I grew up idolizing and the relief they weren't an asshole in real life. Years later I ran into him at a gas station in Tampa, we were both filling up our cars across from each other. I made some small talk and told him that years later I still talk about the time I met him at the restaurant and he recalled that meeting and asked how my kids were doing, so awesome! Everyone has skeletons in their closets and/or regrets in their life. That does not always speak on the person that you are or become. I will always be a HH fan!

[@jackburton4892]

Wow man that is really cool. Thanks for this story. Sounds like he's just genuinely a cool guy.

[@britishbulldogsvsthehartfo5677]

Replace gas station with filthy washroom at the gas station and gloryhole and then the story becomes real.

[@FamousAtticusJS]

@@britishbulldogsvsthehartfo5677 Sounds like you had a different encounter than mine.

[@FamousAtticusJS]

@@jackburton4892 he was at least the times that I've met him.

[@britishbulldogsvsthehartfo5677]

@Losah Tattletales No, that was you dressed as the Bulldog sucking dick fo crak yo.

[@davidjones8299]

Thank you, Eric, for putting that into perspective. I was judging him harshly. Now, I understand. And I owe the man an apology. My spine is jacked up now too. I'm medicated all the time and I have a spinal cord stimulator installed. We are not our true selves when we're in that much pain. My wife is a saint. It's been 10 years since my car accident and I was told I would only get worse, never better. I'm 50 years old, was forced to retire from the Air Force and I move like a 90 year old man. I'm one of nicest people you could ever meet. But, if my pain level is up, I could be acting like a complete jackass and not realize it. My wife and true friends tell me that I'm being an ass. I then apologize and take my pain medication. Which also sucks because it's addictive. Which is why I let the pain run away on me. I don't want to take that pill. But, I have to.

[@hello-b7s]

Living in the same area as Hulk, I can confirm without a doubt that he is a super nice person. Whenever I have seen him out, he always made time for his fans, no matter the time or place.

[@MikeFL2TX]

My aunt works for the City of Clearwater and a few weeks ago he had came into her office for something (permitting) and while there took pictures with everyone that wanted one. My aunt told him about my daughter being a huge wrestling fan (she’s almost 12). A week or so later he came back to her office and asked who the lady was that had a niece that loved wrestling. When they brought him to my aunts desk, he took out one of his posing pictures and personalized it for her, To Natasha, Love Hulk Hogan. I’d post a picture, but can’t. It was a surprise to receive in the mail became had no idea being we live in TX now.

[@worldwidestuff5567]

Can confirm- I used to see him around all the time never saw him dodge a fan or do anything other than be a really nice guy.

[@breadfan9]

Unless of course you re black

[@andrewft31]

@@breadfan9both Virgil and Kamala had nothing but nice things to say about Hulk, Kamala said that when he worked with Hogan, Hulk would give him some of his money to make sure that made the same amount.

[@breadfan9]

@@andrewft31 glad they forgave them, but other black people wont

[@jasonpresley690]

I ran into Hulk Hogan at Gold’s Gym at Venice Beach. I went up and asked to shake his hand. He was so nice and genuine. Even introduced me to Brutas Beefcake. A moment I will always cherish

[@V12BenzAMG]

I always tell people that when I went to his beach shop near wrestlemania in florida a few years back, there was a line of people waiting and Hulk Hogan never rushed anyone in line, loved hearing their stories, and seemed genuinely interested and excited to hear each person's "..when I was a kid..." story. I had a great chat with him and he signed a 12" figure I played with as a kid in the 80's..he LOVED that I brought my actual childhood toy instead of a new boxed toy just to get his signature for resale...it was his idea to sigh his name on one leg and HOF on the other...genuinely a great guy and totally opposite of the hate you usually see about him...he even had Jimmy Hart come over and sign it even though his handler tried to rush me off haha he told the guy "dont rush him off, we're not done talking"

[@JoeyMartz]

That's cool, brother. Esp the part about him not letting his handler run you off.

[@CrackDCat]

Signed a 12" figurine with 20" Pythons! XD

[@anthonyrestaino745]

So cool i loved Hogan as a kid still do bro

[@csnide6702]

I've heard that before... I've heard many folks say he was in that store most days & was always approachable.

[@MOOKRULZ]

ehem 24 Inch pythons. @@CrackDCat

[@royfrye2871]

Eric explained it perfectly. Some wrestlers are still despised today and are actually great guys

[@Mdsub101]

I met Hulk at his bar in Clearwater. He was really nice & very generous with his time.

[@britishbulldogsvsthehartfo5677]

Hogan soaked his feet in your beer for hours and then you drank it.

[@sallengage6267]

@@britishbulldogsvsthehartfo5677 r u stupid

[@pinnacleproductions6275]

Every time I watch this podcast I think about how much better it is than any wrestling podcast in existence. You do such a great job with real interviews. So professional and insightful!

[@jaw0608]

Thanks for standing up for Hulkster, Eric. He went through a really bad time, but anyone who saw how he carried himself as top guy knows he has a kind heart.

[@michaelrubin9547]

lies ,hulk is an ass

[@DaveMoth]

For what it's worth also he's apologised numerous times.

[@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4]

go watch the 1 hour video of all the lies he's told over the years

[@curthennig9448]

@@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4 I thought that video was 6 hours long.

[@leonardoyi3183]

@@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4 i guess you have never told lies...

[@scottbaron121]

I grew up near "Hogan" in the 80's. Had a couple of run-in's with Terry back then. Probably near the absolute height of his popularity. He was super kind and helpful to my brother and I. I'll never have a bad word to say about the guy.

[@RyTrapp0]

@godcandy777 No one cares about proving anything to you

[@michaelbush1374]

​@@RyTrapp0The Hogan haters are pretty vocal man.

[@mattdorrough9944]

I think this is my first KZbin comment. I met Hulk Hogan 10 years ago when I just happened to be at the same restaurant as him and his wife and another couple. I asked the waiter if he would ask if Hulk wouldn’t mind that I just say hi to him since I’ve been a fan of his since the early 90s. He couldn’t have been any nicer to me and it was such a great moment for me. He turned a simple “hi” into a couple minute conversation.

[@randlemarsh]

I'm sure. Imagine being obsessed with someone that doesn't know of your existence.

[@nemosthebandit]

I once saw Hulk Hogan walk into a restaurant in Venice beach and I followed him inside. He was already seated and drinking a beer by the time I found him. I asked for an autograph and he graciously signed my sketchbook. I was in my 20’s at the time but in that moment I was 10 again. Every once in a while I’ll flip through that book and read “Stay Strong!” and it makes me smile from ear to ear. He didn’t have to do that. The fact that he did created a moment in my life that I’ll never forget. To me he’ll always be a hero.

[@wadewoodsfilm]

In the height of the NWO, with my own eyes, saw Randy Savage, who was a baby face at the time, dis a group of 9-10 year old kids to get to the hotel bar. He literally said “Not now, I’m going to the bar.”. Hogan walked by 5 minutes later and as the kids ran towards him, he stretched his arms out and talked to them and signed their stuff. Class act.

[@JoeyMartz]

Maybe Randy was stressed about Hogan's backstage politicking...Hmm. or perhaps it was the day Hogan took the belt back post Randy's one day reign... lols. ----EDIT: *SARCASM, FOLKS* some people are fucking *dense*

[@HonkeyKongLive]

@@JoeyMartz only on the internet will you find people trying to turn a story about Hogan being nice to fans as still his fault lmao

[@JoeyMartz]

@@HonkeyKongLive touché, sir. Lols

[@monkeymagic8610]

@@JoeyMartz Zach got more likes than both Ur comments together.. He won 🤭

[@JoeyMartz]

@@monkeymagic8610 - okay. he "won" a KZbin comment (I even conceded to him). Your observation skills are tremendously impressive...

[@willsei]

I was a Hulk Hogan fan since I was 5 and watched everything from Wrestlemania to Main Event. I had stage 3 kidney cancer as a kid when I was 4 and it was so bad that I became a Make A Wish candidate and while I got my wish I really regretted not having Hulk come and visit me after I got home. When I was in Clearwater, FL about 2-3 years before the reality show and the divorce, we were in my uncle's boat and went past his house and he was outside of the back of his house (which was outside of his home gym, which you could see from the water) I stopped the boat and yelled "Hogan, thank you for everything! You're the man!" He walked forward and yelled "No, YOU are!" and pointed to me and smiled ear to ear. That man could've acted like he didn't hear me or walked off, but he was SO kind. Everyone in his neighborhood said the same. Terry is a great guy (I know, I heard the tapes) so for the rest of my life I will remember that small interaction with him and hope he is well and in less pain than the last time I saw him on TV or on the radio. He is still my hero as a kid and I just want to meet him as well as a ton of other wrestlers and figures like Bischoff and McMahon to thank them for all of their tireless work over the years to entertain those of us that love wrestling like I have since I was just a little kid going through chemo and radiation daily.

[@donnieclements1808]

I had the privilege of hanging out with hulk not long after his divorce, He was the kindest and most humble person you’d ever meet. He told me something’s that he never said on social media or in person. He was just a good dude.

[@Mr.Goodkat]

What'd he tell you?

[@Shadow-Rider-88]

It was a big surprise to see Bischoff talking in such a positive way about Hogan. Didn't expect that. Respect to the both of them.

[@daerth4423]

I really like the magician analogy. Never met Hogan before but I know several people who have and all of them had a positive experience.

[@Rob-dp3vr]

I suggest that we all take the time to cherish Hulk, and do our part to spread good words about him, and push away the negatives. Because he is getting old, and his health is declining. You don't see many elderly people his size. His days are numbered. Let's respect him, and send him to the Lord with kindness and compassion. When we hear he is gone, it will hurt. On different levels to different people. But we have the chance now to help reestablish his legend. He is a good man.

[@bushmann1973]

Amen

[@MOOKRULZ]

Well said .

[@deadmansgulf911]

Eric has my respect for not throwing his friend under the bus. People these days are so quick to distance themselves from people they know to save themselves from the mob.

[@StandWatie1862]

And being the most boring interview. He never shoots

[@tobimobiv1]

@@StandWatie1862 shoot means telling their views and opinions or their truth so to speak. Or are people only being honest when they have something negative to say about someone in your opinion?

[@StandWatie1862]

@tobimobiv1 Every Bischoff interview. "I don't know I wasn't there or can't remember."

[@williamhermann6635]

@@StandWatie1862 Then why do you watch his interviews? It takes more energy to bitch about it than to keep scrolling.

[@StandWatie1862]

@@williamhermann6635 I don't. I make a comment and leave you fruity feltcher.

[@Dryintheplacetobe33]

Bravo Eric Bischoff! Everyone could benefit from watching this. I was a wrestling fan as a kid and this guy was coming in when I stopped. I’m glad I watched this and gained a lot of respect for him. I always heard Hulk was as accommodating to the masses as anyone. Sorry to hear he’s in such physical pain. I’m sure he wouldn’t change a thing. What an entertainer/athlete he was and is still I guess.

[@richhansel3068]

Great interview. I'm 49 years old, was and always will be a Hulkamaniac! He helped shape the person I am today.

[@TrollAlert-xv6qg]

Wow get a life mayne

[@RepublicConstitution]

I'm 46 and have had to watch the rise and fall of all my childhood idols. But knowing how hard life is, I've forgiven all of them for their flaws.

[@tennesseejack1690]

Thanks for posting this, it was a great watch. I grew up as a Hulkamaniac and since then I've heard many people who worked with him say ugly things. At the same time, I've known several people who have met him and, as Eric states here, every single story I hear from a non-wrestler in my real life who has met Hulk is always a positive story with a pleasant, kind exchange. Meanwhile I've met wrestlers myself who were incredibly rude, babyfaces even. Because of that I've always wondered which version of Hulk is real and this clip really helps put that to bed.

[@Mr.Goodkat]

Who were the rude babyfaces you met? what happened?

[@1980Triumph]

"ince then I've heard many people who worked with him say ugly things." - name them because you can literally search others speaking on him and the majority speak positive. It is amazing how this fake hate narrative is spoken of as fact

[@DaveMoth]

Some really interesting behind the scenes insight regarding Hogan from Eric here. Can't wait for the full interview to drop James.

[@Ricardo-go7yu]

Well said Eric. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we are all more alike than different. The best thing to ever happen in pro wrestling was to pull the curtain back so every person could get the respect they all so richly deserve. I really like Eric a whole lot. What a good man. And all these amazing stories I am reading here about Hulk. I like him more than ever.

[@jamespaul6315]

Hogan is a legend. He isnt perfect but Ill always have some love for him and hope he really has got himself together.

[@arifinrohan8595]

Being able to listen to Eric share his opinion on Pro Wrestling is a treat.

[@DavidMccallister65]

Maximum respect to Eric for standing up for his friend. It's SO easy for everyone else to sit back on the couch and criticize and hate and throw shade when they're not the ones living it.

[@timthegem]

There's no doubt that Hogan nailed his best friend's wife out of the glowing kindness of his heart. Bubba encouraged him to do it, right? What kind of monster would he be to say no?

[@DavidMccallister65]

@@timthegem like I said, it's easy to sit back on your couch and throw shade.

[@namikstudios]

@@timthegem there's no issue with Hogan having consensual sex with someone. Mr and Mrs "Love Sponge" were fine with it, so it's not like he was going behind his friend's back or anything like that. In fact they were the ones going behind his back by filming it! The real problem wasn't the sex at all, it was Terry's unacceptable racist comments.

[@Project2013B]

@@timthegem So when are you publishing your book on how to be holier than thou?

[@thedangerwich5476]

@@Project2013B it’s okay to criticize your wrestling hero. He’ll live, he’s a grown man. He made his bed.

[@craigsaimes4063]

I met Jimmy Mouth of the South in Home Depot once. What a humble man he was when I told him I grew up watching him on TV. All he could say was thank you and God Bless you. Called me sir and let me take a selfie of him and I. Totally grateful be was 72 at the time. Was an awesome experience

[@thedisconnect5769]

No matter who says what as a kid I grew up on hulk Hogan. My mom and me were the only ones who watched wrestling every time it was on. Hulk Hogan was legit my hero as a kid and as an adult seeing what he's perservered through and seeing his flaws and his mistakes and how he owned them all and did his best to make right by it dammit he's still my hero :) WHATCHA GONNA DO BROTHER WHEN HULKAMANIA RUNS WILD ON YOOOOOOUUU

[@niall3973]

Cool interview. It's nice to hear a favourable view on the Hulkster after hearing in the past few years many YT videos rip into him. Sure he's done some great things and some not so great things, but I'll never forget how much joy he brought to my life when I was a kid. His character back in the WWF days taught kids good morals I feel. Loyalty, faith, perseverance, and many more. Unique one of a kind character. Thank's Terry

[@stevenolsen5418]

Eric B is so well spoken and articulate. Enjoy every word when this man speaks . He forever staked his claim in this business . Thank you for the incredible interview clips.

[@imogenaris1697]

Wow. Outside of my childhood, I've never been a fan of Terry. I can't get past the fact that he buried many of his peers, but at the end of the day, he's still a human being, & it's good to hear about this side of him. This interview sheds a lot of light on several points. Bischoff is an interesting man to say the least, but this is the most honest, intelligent interview I've heard him give, ever. It's eye opening to hear they had this type of relationship- that's significant trust there. Lesson learned- DON'T GET MARRIED in this country, if at all

[@1980Triumph]

who did he bury?

[@guitarguru.3572]

I was a 100% red and yellow blooded Hulkamaniac as a kid in the 80s. I haven’t watched wrestling in years, but I’m willing to bet that the type of reaction Hulk got when “Real American” started and he walked to the ring is yet to be rivaled. I’ll never forget how intense Hogan vs Sgt Slaughter at Mania 7 was for a kid who still wholeheartedly believed that wrestling was real.

[@goodday2760]

*cough* Stone Cold *cough*

[@guitarguru.3572]

@@goodday2760 I definitely remember that people loved Austin. Here in WV, you could see at least 20 people per day with a 3:16 shirt on in my high school. Around that time, I really was more into girls and enjoying the freedom of my drivers license, so I missed out on wrestling for a few years.

[@goodday2760]

@@guitarguru.3572 Ah, West Virginia. You had a guy there for quite some time whose words people wanted to twist to make him look like a Confederate, much like Hulk Hogan.

[@guitarguru.3572]

@@goodday2760 yeah I must have completely missed all of that. I just know that he was huge in the 90s. I stopped watching wrestling around the time the NWO got started up in the WCW and didn’t start back up until several years later. I’ve tried watching more modern stuff, but I just can’t get into it.

[@goodday2760]

@@guitarguru.3572 Did you think I was talking about Stone Cold? I was referring to the late federal Senator Byrd, who apologized for being involved with the KKK. If I'm not mistaken he's well known outside West Virginia. Then came the scandal of Hulk Hogan being allegedly racist, though I think it's BS, around 2015 - which in my opinion was when wrestling was at its lowest point. As for Austin, his persona of a redneck probably caused some people to think he's a racist, like someone who you may or may not remember, Ahmad Johnson. A black wrestler who believes not only that Austin was a racist who vandalized his car, but that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is ashamed of being half-black. Austin also is known to have used the word "n****r" on occasion. But no huge controversy like with Hulk Hogan. Well, I've written all this since you seemed willing to hear it. If you want to talk more about how wrestling has changed I can do so. But otherwise I've said all I wanted to say.

[@rhysobrien2439]

Such a true statement, E. "Always judge people by how they treat people that can't benefit them.". You can tell a lot about a person (more specifically a man in my experience) by how they treat women, children and people in the service industry. I always try and be polite and kind to anybody that is doing me a service out in the world, whether they be bagging my groceries, serving me fast food or helping me out in any way. They could be having a shitty, terrible day. And if I can be kind to them and treat them like a human being instead of a slave that's only there to meet my demands then maybe I can make their shitty day a little better. I know when the roles have been reversed, historically, I feel good when somebody has been kind to me at work.. It costs nothing to be kind, and if everybody in the world thought that way, it would be a much happier place.

[@daniello9155]

Totally agree Rhys. My dad taught me the same thing many years ago.

[@VendettaProduction01]

But doesn’t being nice to his fans because his character is built around this nice guy image benefit him in every way? Like don’t get me wrong it’s cool he is nice to his fans but I don’t think you can say there is no benefit to him being nice to his fans.

[@rhysobrien2439]

@@VendettaProduction01 if that were strictly the case then we wouldn't hear so many stories about famous people like actors, athlete and musicians treating their fans like garbage. I think sometimes they believe that they are better than, or above being kind to their fans. Like they're so special that they're owed adoration. I don't think he would have been thinking in a self-serving way when he was treating his fans with kindness and respect.

[@ronarmitagejr8758]

Judge no one. It's not our job to do that.

[@dirtyhiggins5484]

As someone who works in a restaurant, you wouldn't believe how many people really do treat you like their servant. Thank you for being kind to those doing you a service. Everyone should be like that.

[@michaeladams7543]

I met and became friends with Terry Hulk Hogan at Luke Williams gym on Clearwater Beach. I had no idea he'd be there and there he was! He actually came up to me and started talking about The Richfield Coliseum because I had my Cleveland hat on. He was my childhood hero and you're spot on Eric, he had nothing to gain by welcoming me to the gym. We talked for hours over the time I spent there. I have many pictures of us together and I'm forever grateful. So sorry to see The gym closed. But always got Monday night Karaoke at Hogan's hangout on the beach.

[@richardk6196]

I have had two celebrity encounters that have stuck out in a positive way in all my years. The first was actor Darren McGavin. The second is Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea). Interestingly, I commented on Mr. McGavin in a video about the TV show "The Night Stalker" less than a week ago. The KZbin algorithm at work! Anyway, I was due to take a flight from LAX to Tampa. The flight was canceled. I was bumped to the next flight, but the airline graciously bumped me to first class. It was a red-eye. The first thing I noticed there were tons of kids at the gate. He didn't refuse a single child for a personal pose. I thought to myself, okay-Pretty cool of him. Whelp, I get seated right in front of him for the flight. I had my camera and asked him if he'd mind if I took a photo. I was hesitant because of how many pictures he took at the gate. He politely said, "Go for it". Then when I put the camera up he acted like he was going to attack it. Now, I'm like he has a good sense of humor too. The last bit is that the guy he was seated next to talked his ear off for well over an hour. I mean he was just listening......For like well over an hour. Then at one point, Hulk said, "Excuse me I've gonna get some shuteye.....Big day ahead". It was almost like he was asking if the guy was cool with it. I don't know how you could handle fans over the course of many hours as well as he did. When he went through his bad time, I was quick to share my story with people about him. Thank you Terry (AKA Hulk) for making everyone around you feel so important that day.

[@tonyjones1560]

I met Superstar Billy Graham (one of my childhood heroes) not long after he won the belt off the great Bruno Sammartino. He was parking his rental cars two blocks away from arenas and walking in disguise because the heat was nuclear. He couldn’t have been nicer to me…

[@bobbysmith5642]

It is normal to see him out and about in the Tampa area. He is an all around nice guy!

[@CarpeDeump]

Finally, what I've been saying for years, just said a lot better than I could ever do myself. I've never seen Hogan treat a fan poorly. I don't care who you are, or even if you were forced to do it, no way could you go through with all of those Make-A-Wishes if you weren't a good person at heart. He was at the lowest point of his life. Not that I excuse anything he did, but I understand how his circumstances combined could have pushed him over the edge to act in a way he normally would not, had he not been in that state. P.S. I think Tom Cruise can actually fly a jet, lol. Also, Hogan's matches in Japan were completely different than in the U.S. If anything, I blame Vince for how Hogan wrestled in America. By the time he got to WCW, he was expected to follow the same script everyone had seen before. Like if Stone Cold or the Rock changed companies, fans would still expect the stunner and rock bottom. Look up his matches in Japan. They're solid and he did a hell of lot more than what he did here in the states.

[@robbernath]

He also had a different finishing move in Japan, a crooked elbow arm block/smash called the "Axe Bomber." If he had been able to use that same maneuver in North America as well, he certainly wouldn't have needed as many back surgeries as he's had.

[@ericdodge9220]

I'm an occasional wrestling fan. I've heard of the stories ripping Hogan but even at 44, everytime his music hits I get goosebumps. Thanks for the memories Hulkster.

[@bluestripetiger]

Real American, American Made, or Voodoo Child-the man is a legend that revolutionized the business. Thanks Hulkster for all the memories through the years! 💪

[@hoagsmash4188]

SO much respect for Bischoff here. Especially since I've been low in life. What a good friend, good man. Much respect to Hulk as well, as I've been a Minnesotan all my life, known wrestlers or family of wrestlers, and I can't recall anyone having bad words about Hulk.

[@brad3042]

Nice to see that you got the Bisch to sit in on an interview. I used to watch 83 weeks but have been slacking for a while. I don't believe everything that he says but he's been consistent in his stories for a long time.

[@mbrandau]

I was 11, 1983 or 84, WWF local show at our high school in Bellport, Long Island. I went up to Tito Santana on line, my turn and he turns around and says no more and walks away. I was devastated. I looked around and there was Rocky Johnson in the distance, saw the whole thing. He motioned for me to come over, gave me a pep talk, shook my hand and signed an autograph for me. Later, driving home, behind us was Greg the hammer Valentine. Combing his hair at the light. I waved and he waved back with a smile. To this day, at 51, I remember those 2 interactions like yesterday. I always say, it takes very little effort for someone to make a life long, positive memory for a kid. Those are my memories.

[@shawnoandrew]

Hulk knows it's the fans that made him so he gives them the time of day. It's the right thing to do.

[@davidt5200]

I lived in Tampa Florida around the same time Hulk Hogan did. And if you seen him out and about around town he was always signing autographs taking photos with fans constantly. Unless he was actively eating dinner with his family he would take the time out of his day to entertain and speak to his fans. A really good dude.

[@FilmDudePaulCollins]

I knew someone who met The Hulkster when Hogan was in Toronto and was the champion at the WWF. Apparently, I was told Hogan was sleeping in a rental van with a mattress (possibly to save money on hotel bills). My friend said the Hulkster was friendly and cordial every time met him.

[@consciouslyaware2219]

I'll bet a dollar that if that story is true,it was on Hogan's 1st run in the WWF before he did the Rocky movie and not after he was champion and running with Vince Jr. Because Vince made sure Hogan had the best of the best because Hogan was his golden goose and he wouldn't let him hang out to dry like that...

[@britishbulldogsvsthehartfo5677]

Sounds reasonable, your biggest draw is in a van in a foreign country where he could get carjacked and shot in the middle of the night. The WWF champion got 13% of the gate for every show. I'm sure Hogan could afford to stay in a Motel 6 in Canada of all places.

[@FilmDudePaulCollins]

@@britishbulldogsvsthehartfo5677 Things were not as violent as it is now. Toronto was a safe place in the 1980's. America, on the otherhand is VIOLENT...kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGnYaXyZbsuVhas

[@citi360]

@@britishbulldogsvsthehartfo5677 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@tokesalotta1521]

The lady who played Cersei Lannister, the evil Queen Mother on "Game Of Thrones," said that when the cast had autograph sessions, all the fans would avoid her. Point being, that behavior isn't unique to professional wrestling

[@brent57]

As a kid who grew up in the 80s and 90s, these interviews are priceless. I always liked Eric Bischoff. But I have a tremendous amount of respect for him after watching this.

[@bigtimer6074]

His smirk walking down the isle made him millions 😂. What a showman!

[@DWtechfan]

I always thought the racism stuff with Hogan was way over exaggerated because he’s a celebrity. The fact is, anyone in Hulk’s situation at the time he made those infamous comments was something you can slip up and say. That doesn’t make it right but the man apologized and people totally forgot about the decades of goodwill towards fans and the make-a-wish stuff he did over comments not even 5 minutes in length. How can less than 5 minutes erase literally decades of his good image? So, Bischoff was 100% correct here.

[@bdot187um]

While I absolutely agree with everything you said but then again people have the right to feel some kind of way especially after in some folks eyes he kept putting his foot in his mouth with the half assed apologizes & the I'm sorry I got caught, had hulk been upfront about it took full accountability & show the fans especially those who were hurt by his comments then the goodwill would have been overwhelming.

[@michaelsmiley15]

The comment about Tom Cruise as he gets older the more accomplished he actually gets he became a certified helicopter pilot for the last mission impossible movie he earned his pilot's license while filming top gun 2 and there are things he did for the new mission impossible movie coming out this year that have raised the bar to such the extent that people are concerned about his overall well-being

[@paulmallon9292]

Cruise is probably a bad example but we all know what he means with the analogy.

[@namikstudios]

Johnny Depp would have been a better example. If you've seen him interviewed you'll know he is about as far removed from a character like Jack Sparrow as you can possibly get. Very quiet, softly spoken, seemingly almost shy even. But when he's put in front of a camera and given a character to play he transforms into a completely different person.

[@arriuscalpurniuspiso]

I miss when Cruise played real acting parts rather than stunt shows.

[@RIGiantsGuy]

Yeah, that was a bad example! He does his own stunts and does fly those planes!

[@iyziejane]

Yeah and I'm sure actors like Arnold and Stallone got identified with their characters just as Hogan did. If someone looks that huge and strong, and plays a super strong character on screen, it makes sense they will get identified with their character more.

[@TheMeJustMe75]

I used to work with a guy that met Hulk and actually got to talk with him for a bit. He said Hulk Hogan was just very kind and took the time to get to know my old coworker as a person. Hulk ended up giving him a personally signed picture with a message. This interview makes me think of Glenn Jacobs (Kane). I met Glenn right before he ran for Knox County Mayor. He was just super nice and personable towards me. He sat and talked wrestling with me for a few minutes and then we talked about real life. After he became mayor, if he saw me he would always wave or say hi to me directly.

[@coreysmorgan8488]

I'm not a Hulk fan AT ALL, that being said, it's actually NICE to hear someone saying something POSITIVE about Terry. He isn't all bad.

[@BrianTaylor-AlwaysInTao]

I never thought I would respect Eric Bischoff as much as I do right now. I swear to God if Terry Bollea ever dies and of course I hope he never does, but if he does it needs to be Eric giving the eulogy.

[@nerdgiant4101]

Good or bad Hogan helped put wrestling in a lot of households.

[@markant9534]

He flopped in the 90`s aside from two great years with the NWO, the hulkamania thing out-stayed it`s welcome, it belonged in the 80`s, Hollywood Hogan had good chemistry with Hall and NAsh which saved Hogan`s ailing career.

[@nerdgiant4101]

@@markant9534 ok whatever you say.

[@consciouslyaware2219]

@@markant9534 .. You guys just can't stop trying to take shots at this guy even on a video where people like you are being exposed for the fraud in your shots that you take at him. Hogans career was not ailing throughout the 90s. Hogan was on top in 1990 he was on top in 1991,it wasn't until 1992 when his career started taking the turn down hill and that was all due to the fallout of the steroid scandal that was ongoing at the time..In 1993 he was pretty much absent and in 1994 he was on top again in WCW...In 1995 his career started taking a dive again because the product was stale and old...In late 1996 he was on top all the way up till mid-late 1998 when WCW started going to hell and couldn't find its way because there were more chiefs than Indians...Either way you slice this pizza,Hogan ruled the 80's and the 90's because in each decade,the business changed because of what he was doing or involved with.."The Outsiders" gimmick was good,But when Hogan came in to help form the NWO,it was much better...And for the record,DX was technically a knockoff of the NWO because the NWO was formed over a year before DX was and Mcmahon has always had the shamlessness to mimic other promotions and what worked for them...

[@nerdgiant4101]

@@consciouslyaware2219 Most of the "people" that crap talk Hogan on here weren't even alive back then. Never saw a single match of his live. They only focus on the scandals and don't look at what he did for wreslting. Him and Vince made wreslting what it is. Don't have to like it but it's facts. Just look at the crowds and cheers he got back in the day, deafening! He sold seats and made the company money. But those "people" will also say oh some other wrestler would have taken that spot and been just as big. Maybe? I seriously doubt it though.

[@consciouslyaware2219]

@@nerdgiant4101 ...Exactly bro...Im just so DONE with all the naysayers who are usually people under the age of 30-35 that knows as much about Hogan as I do about being a billionaire...If you don't like him,then dammit don't like him everybody has a right to their opinion...But stop waiting for another video about this dude to post somewhere just to continue burying him with something that you heard somebody else say..99% of the Hogan haters never even met or said hello to the guy,but they can form such abrasive opinions about him based off what others say...GTFO

[@ryankempton7241]

The more I hear from Eric, and the way he speaks and his genius, the more I enjoy and appreciate him…after especially the story of the young lady he walked down the aisle who lost both her parents early in life, purely awesome!

[@paulsmith9192]

The one wrestler I always wanted to meet.We know he has a bad past.but,he did soo much for make a wish and never turned down an autograph for kids.he was one of the reasons I watched wrestling.wish,Hogan would do a podcast and interviews

[@trevorwhatever2050]

When I was like 6 yrs old, I met the Hulkster at the campground in Disney World while he was filming one of his movies. I don't fully remember the whole thing but to this day my mom talks about how nice and genuine he was. He stopped and took a picture with us while he was just walking through the campground by himself.

[@mach1sports]

Met hulk a few times. Nicest guy you’ll ever meet.

[@bjmallen4966]

As a professional magician, that is a brilliant analogy. When done well, both wrestling and magic cause a suspension of disbelief. Not because we want people to believe we have these powers, we just want to shake the shackles off the brain for a moment and return that sense of wonder most haven’t experienced since childhood.

[@RyTrapp0]

So are we gonna get a comparison of being a magician to being a wrestler in your act now? lol

[@jamesblevins5088]

Hulk Hogan couldn't have went out and had a 5 star Japanese style match. He did have a completely different style when he was in Japan though. He proved that he actually knows how to wrestle! Vince only ever wanted him to do about 3 basic things but in Japan he does actual wrestling holds. It's crazy to see. Watch Hogan Vs. The Great Muta.

[@JusCuz410]

He drew more $$$ with that WWF style and it was about working smarter, not harder. We should achieve that while at work.

[@jamesblevins5088]

@@JusCuz410 He could have dramn the same money if he had done more in the matches. He was working smarter instead of harder. I understand that from his point of view. The product wasn't has good though and has a consumer that isn't good.

[@DrewLove777]

Mr. Bischoff, I MUST thank you for this particular interview. At 49 I have been a lifelong fan since, Saturday Nights Main Event. Hulk Hogan and Randy the Macho-man Savage changed my life. Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling was our local organization.

[@barbariansinbattle1687]

Hulk Hogan was my idol growing up. He really opened the floodgates for wrestling's popularity. I still will never forget the hype of the WWF growing up, always watching. When National Lampoon's European Vacation came out, the still image of him wrestling at the end credits pumped me up big time. That was the 80's, that was America. It was an awesome time growing up as a child. Thanks Hulk.

[@tonys1025]

Wow , this was amazing !! God bless them both !! Loyalty is a lost virtue this day and age !

[@jameslonano5659]

Nice to see that Bischoff had Hogan's back at his lowest point and when he really needed a friend. Bravo Eric, hats off to you.

[@onionsavoya1506]

Hulkamania is who i am. Its my breakfast Its my prayers Its my vitamins When Hulk Hogan lost his identity The world lost its Hulkamania... And that is tragic beyond scope. I Am a Hulkamaniac I fight for the right of Every Man I am a real American I fight for what's right I fight for my life! And so should you!

[@paystyles5429]

“Vitamins”

[@obijuana]

I remember on an episode of "Legends of Wrestling" Dusty Rhodes paid Hogan ultimate respect for what he did for the business, even going as far as to call Hulk Hogan a "national treasure". High praise from the American Dream.

[@RyTrapp0]

Isn't it wild that the industry can't seem to respect him today? I can only imagine it's just a heavy amount of jealousy, because, as imperfect as he may have been, there's a big ass list of other guys that were pretty terrible in the business. But man does everyone just love to take a shot at Hogan. The worst thing he's done is tell some tall tales? Maybe 'overruled' some decision making cuz he's the top dude(not like that's exactly unheard of lol)? I don't know, for someone that gets so much negativity, the negative stories sure are tame.

[@robbernath]

Full circle in a sense since HH has said in interviews that his favorite wrestler growing up was.... Dusty Rhodes (real name: Virgil Runnels).

[@zayneclark3771]

Hulk Hogan/Terry Bolea is a legendary man. Not just a wrestler or Icon but a "Great Man" who gave millions of fans and their families happy moments for decades, that is legendary.

[@nateinky01]

I love the hulk. I was lucky enough to meet him one time as a kid when he was in WCW startung the NWO. I wish him the absolute best no matter what. He deserves a good life.

[@Cultofpersonality09129]

Guys bash Hogan, but He was the ONE that made wrestling on a world wide stage. What he does outside of the ring, or what he says doesn’t matter. Tom Cruise is one of the best Actors of all time and he’s a nut case in real life.

[@LighthawkTenchi]

I grew up a Hulkamaniac, and when he got into hot water, I felt bad, but I remember that we all are flawed people, and from what I’ve learned, it sounds like he’s genuinely tried to make amends, and that’s certainly commendable

[@michaelbrick9730]

Terry was a cool person in high school and had the coolest chicks carry his books from class to class up and down stairs while he was on crutches recovering from a broken leg...he also, if I remember correctly a good base player in the band he was in...Go Knights. thanks Terry for you being a real person. Thanks Eric.

[@bearfoot25]

My dad was in school with him for a short time. There is rumored to have been a confrontation between he and my Dad at Picnic Island Beach but ill never know as he passed in 1979 when i was just 4. A family friend who worked at Publix on Gandy for YEARS used to always be the cashier for his parents. They got me an autographed pic of him with my name on it. Man that was just awesome!!! I never met him or ran into him in my time in Port Tampa but he was in the prime of his career then so that isnt surprising. Some day ill get to meet him and shake his hand. Robinson Knights for LIFE!!! Class of 1993.

[@Cheo_21]

Thank You Easy E , for letting us know who Hulk Hogan really is … awesome Dude ❤

[@cliffmkabela5953]

Out of all the actors he could've picked to make an example of, he picked the one actor who actually can do most of the things we see him do on screen

[@jaynation7789]

I was thinking the same thing lol. It is like sorry Eric, but Cruise actually can fly.

[@nitrorn1496]

And does all those insane stunts in M:I

[@alanboody7004]

@@jaynation7789 I looked up the height requirements to be a fighter jet pilot to confirm if Tom Cruise could be one only to learns my eyes alone disqualify me. RIP my fighter jet career.

[@TiltBrook]

The Tom Cruise analogy is TOTALLY plagiarized from the A&E documentary called: “The Unreal Story Of Professional Wrestling.” He simply switched out “Jerry Maguire” for “Top Gun”

[@robertafrazier3905]

That just shows even with the bad guy gimmick Eric bischoff shows that he's even human and that's where you differentiate being an actual human from a character

[@domls1317]

Eric Bischoff speaks the truth!

[@datacipher]

Lol… all of a sudden little James earnestly wants to know the truth about Hogan - and really have a thoughtful, realistic discussion - since he’s talking to a real grown-up professional for once, yet he has no problem jointing in with the absurd Hulk Hogan demonizing at other times! 😂😂😂

[@g-man2507]

Didn't Hogan lose an incredible amount of money during that divorce anyways? The 1960s era corruption of no fault divorce is garbage.

[@CrusaderMuscle]

I just met Hulk and it was one of the greatest interactions I've had meeting a wrestler. Hulk is a good dude. 👍

[@MilMaska]

"No. This is the pen is of Terry Bollea. Not the pen is of Hulk Hogan" - Hulk Hogan

[@johnv6806]

Terry doesn't have a 13 inch cock. Hulk has a 13 inch cock

[@Ontonaut]

“The penis mightier for $200” -Sean Connery

[@rapmeister1000]

Back in the mid 80s through early 90s, I was a regular at Hurricanes near BWI airport. The wrestlers hung out there whenever they flew into Baltimore. I also saw them in the airport when I traveled in several occasions. There was that one time that I actually had a short conversation with Terry, & he was one of the nicest, most humble guys I’ve ever met. When people started demonizing him because of a few outburst, or the characters he played; I’d ask if they’d ever met him off camera to know Terry, & not Hulk.

[@kennethkingdon-korab2174]

I needed this today. I've been questioning something about myself. How I keep alot of people at a distance and certain ones close. Eric talked about character and I keep questioning that in myself. Should I take a chance on this person after years of problems? Should I keep pushing through the loneliness and keep seeing people as an opportunity to do good, rather than a person that is? How a comfort zone can be easily maintained by picking the worse characteristics of myself and projecting them onto others? Am I just a work in progress, surrounded by the same? Thanks again Mr Bischoff, and god bless.

[@thelifeandtimes.ofazombiegirl]

I've heard Terry say that Hulk Hoan made him a better person. So much respect and nothing but love & support for that good, kinda hearted man always! I was the little girl on the playground at school hanging out with the boys on Tuesday talking Monday Night Nitro. I cherish those memories (and I can't leave out Thunder In Paradise!!!!) And amen that people wanna judge but not look at their mistakes and realize he's human too. We all make mistakes. I wish that everyone that's judged him so hard would watch this video.

[@karl.anthony]

Hulk is a legend, but is still human!! Anyone would be lucky to have a friend this loyal … especially someone in the celebrity world!

[@louismcgee8919]

😢😊 great to hear that one of your child hood heroes is actually a good guy. Bad to hear of all the pain he was in. Fabulous Clip.

[@dansokulski4039]

I will say, Bischoff has been a good friend to Hogan. He constantly goes to bat for him

[@activatebpm]

I wonder how much physically different Hulk would be today if he never used that leg drop finisher.....

[@aainvalba]

Yes more Eric interviews!

[@tokesalotta1521]

Years ago, in an interview, Kelsey Grammer said sometimes people would ask him something about psychology. I guess he played one for so long that some people thought either he really was one or had learned the equivalent of one from learning to act like one or something

[@IgnatiusAlpha]

This was fantastic. Really looking forward to the full interview so I can go back and watch it. I just discovered your channel a few days ago, subscribed, and have a whole bunch of videos queued up to watch. Keep up the great work and I hope to see more!

[@WEREWOLFCaT_STORIES]

Bischoff seems like a good loyal friend to have on your side when it gets real. Cheers brother.

[@Haydensdad0124]

Eric is an incredibly smart and genuine dude and seems like after the glitz and glam, he’d be someone you’d want to have a beer with

[@kmcewenguitar]

Eric is always so honest and articulate 🙏🙏

[@anomalistic3046]

No other wrestler has ever gotten people pumped up and motivated the way he did. I hope I meet him before he is gone.

[@mr.southsideofchicago740]

That’s your opinion. You don’t speak for other people.

[@anomalistic3046]

@@mr.southsideofchicago740 Maybe not for everyone but it is a fact! Even the late Bobby Heenan said the same thing!