Tony Schiavone: "My thoughts on Bobby Heenan 'ruining' Hulk Hogan joining the nWo"

Tony Schiavone remembers the fan reaction to Bobby Heenan's comments when Hulk Hogan turned on the fans and joined the nWo back in 1996.
FULL SHOW: • The Night After Hogan ...
#tonyschiavone #wcw #nwo

[@xDeadmanX1070]

What's sad, Bobby Heenan would be amazing today with all the podcasts and youtube, he would have owned this space. It's basically built for his strengths.

[@respect_the_curv]

Absolutely. W comment

[@doubledown0411]

I agree 100%. Gorilla Monsoon would be great too, tho he'd be approaching 90 by this point.

[@MikeyMike-uu3fe]

Heenen would have 815K Subscribers if he had own podcast today

[@vsavage9773]

Heenan was simply the best pro wrestling advocate and personality of all time.

[@richardgadberry8398]

Yeah, but whose side is he on?!

[@ShadowAngel606]

Most overrated actually. Usually overrated by marks who weren't even alive back then and just follow what Meltzer or r/squaredcircle tells them to believe.

[@yomamasofat77]

​@@ShadowAngel606nobody who was alive back then thought he was overrated. That's just you.

[@hellion7514]

@@ShadowAngel606Stand back everyone, we’ve got a hot take here! 😐

[@ShadowAngel606]

@@hellion7514 It's not really a hot take. Heenan as a good manager, altough i'd still put at least Gary Hart above him. As a commentator he was horrible though. He was like this unfunny grandfather who laughs over his own jokes, which are mostly boomer jokes with references to 1950's and 1960's shit barely anybody even understands (It was really bad in WCW, in 1996 and 1997 he talked about some 60's TV show or long forgotten one-hit wonder band to compare wrestlers to them) Absolutely atrocious and to think he replaced the greatest colour commentator of all time, Jesse Ventura (both in WWF and WCW...), was and is just sad.

[@Rj-pw7zs]

Bobby didn't give it away. He was a heel commentator being a heel.

[@williammitchell4417]

Corny would have done the same. Like Mussolini with extra CHEESE!!!

[@engagedswitch]

Exactly it was Bobby the brain hennen and being Bobby the brain hennen Bobby had been trying to put an end hulkamania for the past decade almost so yeah it's not a big surprise and I mean it's just Bobby the brain hennana and being Bobby the brain hennan Thank you for reading this and I hope everyone is having a good day had a good weekend and had a good Lord's Sunday God bless you and your family God bless you Jeremy Scruggs

[@Computerguy81]

I disagree. It was obvious by the reaction of the other commentor's, that Bobby had gotten a little too excited in the heat of the moment and said something he shouldn't have.

[@williammitchell4417]

@@Computerguy81 Corny said it best... It's a WORK!!!

[@therealityofitall4819]

Nah, Bobby damn near ruined a perfect moment.. Everybody makes mistakes and Bobby did it there..

[@Dizzle0919]

Bobby's line was appropriate, he always said Hulk was a snake and was proven right.. loved it.

[@lenwennerberg1631]

Ho Kogan was always all for himself, going all the way back to when he dropped the leg on Sheik for his first title reign. He was fooling no one. And that POS had lust in his eyes. Absolutely.

[@undertakerfanz628]

That's just typical of something Bobby would say he didn't ruin it for me

[@kenross2892]

He spoiled it for me. I remember clearly. I wasn't mad about it, but I do remember thinking why is The Brain forecasting this. Either way, I've always thought he knew, so I'm much more forgiving now knowing he didn't have knowledge, which does fit with his skepticism toward Hulkamania back in those days.

[@undertakerfanz628]

@@kenross2892 looks like your Barber spoiled it for you too

[@TheCorpsehatch]

Anyone that knows the history of Bobby Heenan and Hulk Hogan knew that Heenan did not give anything away.

[@ExperienceEric]

@@kenross2892 BS. The minute Hogan walked out I suspected something was up, well before Heenan said anything. The timing and the way he strolled out gave more away than anytime Heenan said.

[@therealityofitall4819]

He kinda did spoil it.. He made people think about who side Hogan was on instead of letting us the viewer assume Hogan was there yet again here to save the day.. I like Bobby Heenan but he damn near messed up a perfect moment..

[@hurdyb1]

I NEVER thought Bobby ruined it. Never ever.

[@ExperienceEric]

Nobody did back then because Heenan had screamed for years that Hogan was a con man all long. He was ALWAYS saying the people don;t know what a scumbag the guy really is. So it fir with all he had said for years.

[@therealityofitall4819]

For the causals He kinda did spoil it.. He made people think about who side Hogan was on instead of letting us the viewer assume Hogan was there yet again here to save the day.. I like Bobby Heenan but he damn near messed up a perfect moment..

[@ExperienceEric]

@@therealityofitall4819 Totally absurd, NO ONE cared or talked about this back in 1996, there was not one single person on earth who said "Bobby Heenan ruin it for me" back in 1996. It never even occurred to anyone back then because no one though Hogan would ever turn heel, its was totally unfathomable in 1996. Its only 15-20 years afterwards and totally out of context of the time that people begin to make this completely absurd argument.

[@KidInTheHall28]

I remember watching this on PPV when it happened, Bobby didn't spoil anything for me. I was shocked when Hogan dropped the leg on Randy.

[@Spoeism]

It added to it

[@joshuaizzo8893]

Yep, it was jaw dropping. I fully expected Hulk to whip Hall and Nash's ass

[@OikPoinFive]

But it was even: 2 on 2. The Outsiders beating up macho, luger. Sting was out for a moment. The face ALWAYS comes down when the friend is gtg beat on by many heels. Like 3 heels on 1. This was even: 2 faces vs 2 heels. We Don't need hulk. I could tell it was hulk heel turn. Bobby still spoiled it even if not intentional....

[@Spoeism]

how old are you?@@OikPoinFive

[@therealityofitall4819]

He kinda did spoil it.. He made people think about who side Hogan was on instead of letting us the viewer assume Hogan was there yet again here to save the day.. I like Bobby Heenan but he damn near messed up a perfect moment..

[@jakeschutz6342]

I don't think he ruined it at all. He was in character from days going back to the WWF where he always hated Hogan and never trusted him. I think Heenan asking the question was perfect character continuity given the relationship Hogan and Heenan had.

[@LeeDownOne]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Absolutely 👍🏻🤙🏻

[@sstrykert]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@richspeck8932]

Thank you. I've been saying this for years. Heenan always hated Hogan and called him the real bad guy

[@willbrittain3046]

Same

[@LongLiveRockAnRoll]

That was the moment Heenan was finally vindicated after all those years of hating Hogan 😅

[@TheJollyMisanthrope]

I don't recall it being a spoiler moment when it happened.

[@Clyde-S-Wilcox]

Cause it wasn't.

[@RedfishCarolina]

Heenan saying "Whose side is he on" just sounded like normal Heenan potshots at Hogan. It didn't spoil anything.

[@OikPoinFive]

Nope

[@RedfishCarolina]

@@OikPoinFive yep

[@therealityofitall4819]

He kinda did spoil it.. He made people think about who side Hogan was on instead of letting us the viewer assume Hogan was there yet again here to save the day.. I like Bobby Heenan but he damn near messed up a perfect moment..

[@perrycoffey5410]

No is a word stop talking like a hick​@@RedfishCarolina

[@brettdaprile6595]

Bobby played his part so perfectly. When hogan turned heel all I remember is hearing Bobby in character it was amazing

[@LRM5195]

Most people say it was perfectly in character for Bobby to say what he said. Anyone who had been a fan at that time was probably thinking “shut up Bobby, Hogan isn’t going to be the third guy.” NOW. With that being said, as someone who revisits that old stuff and doesn’t know jack about Bobby’s character. I can see how it comes off like he completely ruins the moment. Also, did Bobby know that Hogan was actually going to be the third guy? I wonder if even he was shocked when it actually happened.

[@targetthyself]

Heenan has had a blood feud with Hogan for almost 15 years at that point. You would have been oblivious, and Heenan was completely in character. Anyone who says otherwise already has knowledge of the turn and are taking him out of context. I was watching this PPV after mowing 10 lawns at age 8 and I thought nothing of it, and loved the fact Bobby was being realistic with who his character was, it was exactly what he should have said.

[@LRM5195]

@@targetthyself Kevin Nash still holds it against Bobby. Not sure why, giving the character and past comments but Nash seems like a grumpy old fart anymore anyways.

[@MiketheratguyMultimedia]

@@chuckles9767 One of my absolute favorite Ventura comments was in response to Hogan doing an eye rake or something at a PPV, I think one of the old Manias. The comment, which was said with what sounded like completely legitimate disgust, was "I DON'T KNOW HOW THE FANS CAN CHEER FOR THIS GUY, HE'S AS DIRTY AS THEY COME".

[@Nothereman9999]

That only holds water if Bash at the Beach 96 was the ONLY thing you ever saw in wrestling. You don't watch wrestling in the 90s and order a PPV if you don't know what's going to some extent.

[@MiketheratguyMultimedia]

@@chuckles9767 Positively! I love Heenan but Ventura and Monsoon were always my favorite commentary team. Ventura sold everything like he honestly, truly believed it.

[@MichaelTaylor-qp2xf]

"Who's side is he on?!" was a great, classic, off-the-cuff, un character call from Bobby Heenan and helped sell the moment when it happened rather than ruining anything.

[@brian_b_music]

Bobby Heenan had been telling a consistent story about Hogan since the 80’s. He tried to warn us😂

[@Markworth]

I remember this from the time. Anyone saying Heenan gave it away is either a genius, or using hindsight. Typical fan at the time was at least trying to be a mark, and the expectation was Hulk doing his usual save the day routine. Heenan not trusting Hogan was 100% in character.

[@Dasbro4life]

How can Tony not remember who was in the match when Hogan turned heel?

[@joes4194]

Because it was a bigger deal to you than him. For you, it was a gigantic deal. For him, it was work.

[@Dasbro4life]

@@joes4194 lol 🎣

[@TheRuns2]

It's been > 25 years. And he has a current promotion to work.

[@gezeo750]

Bro they got guys that can't remember what happened in matches they worked.

[@user-qt2rl6iz8z]

It ust be recent, as on his show about 5 years ago he covered the ppv and could recall it all.

[@WheelzGaming88]

First off, it's on record from Eric that the backup plan was always Sting. Where does Conrad get the idea that Luger was discussed as the third man if Hogan got cold feet?

[@JR-qq7vu]

He meant Sting. If Hogan got cold feet, he meant that Sting would have been the one to get hurt in the match and carted off (instead of Lugar) and Sting would have come back and turned on Lugar and Savage thus being the 3rd man.

[@evergray5063]

Watching it live, I remember hearing him, say it, but it just came across as Heenan hating hogan like always, I didn’t for one second think Hogan was there to turn heel. Me and my buddies brain almost exploded after that leg drop.

[@tyvillianheartthrob1856]

It was brilliant because it gave the viewers a sense of doubt.

[@2SloppyJoe]

Who ever would've thought that Heenan was actually the babyface in his rivalry with Hogan.

[@douglasmurphy3266]

Dusty knew, Schiavone knew the *options* they had so he can claim he didn't know, and they kept Heenan out of the loop on purpose which he absolutely hated. They wanted to get a spontaneous reaction out of Bobby so he made sure he gave them one.

[@andthebeatgoeson69]

One of thebest double turns of all time. Bobby knew how to set up the moment, just like JR

[@michaelkeller5927]

It wasn't a double turn lol

[@therealityofitall4819]

He kinda did spoil it.. He made people think about who side Hogan was on instead of letting us the viewer assume Hogan was there yet again here to save the day.. I like Bobby Heenan but he damn near messed up a perfect moment..

[@BlindSideNZ]

Mike, Tony and Bobby. Was such a good commentary panel in WCW earlier days.

[@Shaner373]

it sounded like Dusty knew based on his reaction to Heenan

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

Yes my thoughts exactly

[@chapingaryjr]

I agree dusty could of known

[@sampleoffers1978]

Dusty gives that impression reacting to Heenan in some audio versions, but that was their cue TRADITIONALLY(for the spoonfed cores) to just sell Hogan more, yet they all might of panic glitched or ignored it in moment

[@Shaner373]

@@sampleoffers1978 and you know this how?

[@sampleoffers1978]

Listen...to...it...literally...or pick fight with me I'm right here@@Shaner373

[@Nothereman9999]

Considering Heenan ALWAYS talked about Hogan as a snake in the grass since 1982 I'd find it weird if Heenan acted like Hogan was gonna save the day. He was always the one who called out Hogan being fake so why change that?

[@Jack-b5o6r]

Let’s just take a moment to acknowledge how much Bobby Hennan did for this industry ….. also thank you Tony for your contributions as a life time fan I’m so thankful nuff said

[@traviskemp6222]

He didn’t ruin it. I watched it live with my family who were all big wrestling fans, no one even noticed him saying it because we were excited hogan was coming to save the day. Heenan was playing the paranoid role, he accused dusty Rhodes before the match of being the third man as well.

[@OikPoinFive]

But it was even: 2 on 2. The Outsiders beating up macho, luger. Sting was out for a moment. The face ALWAYS comes down when the friend is gtg beat on by many heels. Like 3 heels on 1. This was even: 2 faces vs 2 heels. We Don't need hulk. I could tell it was hulk heel turn. Bobby still spoiled it even if not intentional....

[@traviskemp6222]

@@OikPoinFive No one thought it could be Hulk. Macho just got low blowed and the match/company was in peril. So when Hulk came down, as a kid, I thought it was hulk bringing justice to the bad guys, so when he dropped the leg on savage, it was shocking. I don’t remember anyone saying Bobby ruined it until decades later revisiting it. It didn’t have an effect on the angle and didn’t effect business. It didn’t ruin the surprise of the turn.

[@larrystilltheeman39]

He may have giving it away but I didn't know. Heenan was always talking bad about Hulk Hogan. The line totally went over my head.

[@60BloodyChamp60]

This is 1 of the things people started repeating on the internet to sound smart. It didn’t ruin anything for anybody. Like everybody replying has said, that was what everybody expected Heenan to say.

[@aaronpoliwoda8054]

From what I’ve read in the past, it didn’t sound like Bobby was told Hogan was turning ahead of time.

[@kesschristopher]

Hogan’s turn by itself was great because I’m sure few people would have ever expected it. Even if Tony and Heenan had been muted, it would have been great. But Bobby’s questioning of Hogan, especially given their history in WWF, turned this moment into one of the best ever in wrestling. Heenan’s gloating about finally being right just added even more. It’s an awesome moment still, decades later.

[@anthonynelson2267]

Britt Baker’s comment resonates more with me than anything else said here! She is spitting on (even if in jest) the legacy and professionalism of someone that is still more relevant than she is or ever will be! She should have learned from that information, yet she proved why that company, if not for a guy that is already a billionaire, would not be number 2 in the industry. As far as building a product it’s still no where close to TNA, which had to start from scratch!

[@tre33911]

Bobby added to the moment he always said not to trust Higan since the 80s

[@jayb-clay2724]

Hogan turning heel made Bobby the biggest baby face ever because he told us about Hogan for years and even tried getting guys to destroy him and NOBODY would listen. Miss you Bobby.

[@ModernDayRenaissanceMan]

Bobby was being Bobby. He was perfect.

[@finklesteinkid537]

If I'm not mistaken, the 3rd person was originally intended to be Sting

[@wjc9600]

No it was intended to be Hogan, but Hogan was on the fence up until the moment. Sting being the 3rd man was going to be a plan B.

[@ervinghenderson4780]

​@@wjc9600correct. Hogan initially didn't want to do it.

[@therealityofitall4819]

​@@ervinghenderson4780Made Hogan the biggest heel in the business.. AND SOLD MORE Merchandise as a Heel.. He made a great timely decision..

[@kellyallen8528]

Bobby Heenan is literally the greatest worker in wrestling ever. It's a normal question if you actually didn't know because everyone was waiting on their third partner.

[@stevewardlaw]

I think there's more to this than you are letting on. I felt, and I've watched it/heard it many times, Heenan understood the significance of this moment better than most and went into business for himself to be tied to it. He shouted OVER Schiavone the instant Hogan dropped the leg with the spiel about Hogan betraying WCW and being the third man, etc. You can tell from the excitement in his voice he knows it's an historic moment he's calling. Sting had not taken enough "damage" in the match and had to oversell punches from Hall/Nash to set up the ring being clear. Savage tried to screw it up by not laying in the center of the ring, forcing Hulk to shorten the leg drop, and Hogan got caught up in the moment and threw Randy Anderson (the ref) away too soon before the legitimate three count. What's incredible to learn here, is Bischoff didn't even trust his announce team with the shocking twist, which created a more authentic reaction from Tony. What's funny is, all these "mistakes" made it all somehow more perfect and "real". Savage not cooperating with a finisher no one would ever expect to happen makes sense. nWo tossing the ref away fit their attitude anyway. The intensity of Hall and Nash posing with Hogan was perfect. And, Heenan delivered the perfect final line with hopelessness and despair in his voice, "What's next for WCW? What do we do now...?"

[@ravenstrahd5234]

Heenan didn't ruin a thing. Heenan having heat with hogan made it even better. Heenan was a real weasel. He played the heel role perfectly. Thats what Heenan was loved for.

[@rundmc12]

I watched it live at a friend’s house, we didn’t even acknowledge what Bobby Heenan said, it was waiting to see what happened next and then the jaws dropped. It was perfect.

[@tommymcdougall6563]

Schiavone didn't remember who was in the match which was the scene of the biggest angle of all time? That's brutal. Unacceptable.

[@shadowlazers]

Agreed .he could common sense his memory into action..who else could it be? But maybe altymers kicking in?

[@robertcoggeshall3071]

Heenan questioning hogan is in character. It went all the way back to heenan managing bockwinkle in the awa- hogan was a big challenger for the belt before heading to the wwf.

[@megamouthspike1930]

Hulk Hogan brought Bobby Heenan into the WWF in 1983. The two of them were friends for decades.

[@eddy5097]

Heenan would always act like Hogan was a heel when he was the biggest Babyface He was bringing back that type of commentary

[@creoleDJ]

I loved how Heenan had to regain himself after the shock (“HE’S THE THIRD MAN!”) and went back into his usual self (“See?! What have I been telling y’all all these years about Hogan?”)

[@ddave7026]

He didn't ruin anything, but those of us that know Heenan and Hogan's connection since the WWF, basically connected the entire narrative ...Good guys are indeed fallable. Done so well

[@dary0097]

He didnt ruin it he was in character

[@willowfalls7528]

It's always been one of my favorite things that in the end, Bobby The Brain was proven to be right about Hogan, and that in the end, Archie Bunker was proven to be right about Meathead.

[@kckc6578]

I remember being a teenager watching BAB’96 on PPV but it was scribbled so I could only listen” those that know, know” But I remember thinking for weeks leading up it made no sense that Hogan wasn’t brought back to be involved with this match. I remembering guessing thinking it was Bret Hart, Yoko, all kinds of guys as the 3rd man. But as soon as Hogan walked out and Bobby said but who’s side is he on…… it all clicked. But it was still the most shocking thing I seen as a wrestling fan. It was so weird seeing WWF new generation guys standing with Hulk Hogan. The wrestling world was turned upside down

[@kevinjacobs6390]

There was a wcw hotline back then when they were wondering who the 3rd man was. I called it and it was Bobby Heenan and he said he thought the 3rd man was Hulk Hogan

[@Peanutgames2013]

When Bobby said that I was like damn Heenan still hates Hogan, lol, then HISTORY happens.

[@Bork19]

I remember Eric saying something like “at first I was a little upset at heenans comments but then I reminded myself that this can happen when you don’t loop in your commentators”

[@mitube4u]

I started watching WWE/F from after the first Wrestlemania. I've listened to Heenan's commentary from Wrestling Challenge to Prime Time Wrestling (USA Network) to various different PPV Shows to finally WCW. And in all those times I've listened to Heenan commentate, he had always hated Hogan, always had a negative thing to say about Hogan. So when Heenan questioned Hogan's loyalty at the Bash at the Beach he was simply being the same Heenan that had always hated Hogan. I was not spoiled at all and I was shocked that Hogan turned heel. It still registers as the most shocking event I've seen in wrestling minus Owen tragic death.

[@kevinhartman7465]

It wasn’t until years later I found out Brain said that or that he, Tony, and Dusty didn’t know, so I wouldn’t call it a spoiler. He was in character. But, could he have said something different like “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I’m cheering for Hogan”? Maybe. Something like that can still lead to his “What have I been saying all these years” line after the match.

[@binxboi7156]

Brain was an in blood feud with Hogan for more than a decade, of course he’s gonna doubt anything he does. He was totally in character.

[@josephnicolino8529]

Bobby didn't ruin it, he was the biggest Hogan hater in wrestling spanning fifteen years and three promotions. So why would Heenan start cheering Hogan then.

[@SonOfKong33]

Funny how Heenan actually was one the biggest advocates for Hogan in shoot interviews....

[@timothyvonclasen1115]

If you watched the internet news groups at the time, it had been speculated several days before the pay-per-view that Hogan was the third man. And watching him on TV (as I did live) you look at his eyes as he's walking to the ring. He's STILL not convinced that this is going to work or end well. But kudos to Hogan, the minute he put a foot in the ring, he threw himself totally into the role, and it did work.

[@Chronoic]

I'm sorry but Bobby did give it away. We (Me and my family, and friends) didn't know who the 3rd man was, when Hogan came out we were excited and was caught in the moment (we forgot about a 3rd man) and when Bobby said "Who side is he on". Me and all my family/friends watching it was like.... "Wait, Hogan is the 3rd man, because the 3rd man hasn't shown up". I was 9 years old and that one line from Bobby made me know Hogan was the 3rd man. Bobby was a HoF and great commentator/manager and I wont take that away from him, but he did give it away, when he said that line.

[@rdesi78]

It's not that we think they "Knew" but the line "Whose Side is He On?" put the idea in our mind that Hogan could be the 3rd Man. If Heenan said something like "Oh Here Comes Grandstanding Hulk" or "Oh Here Comes Mr. America Coming to the Rescue" and THEN Hogan turned it wouldve been more shocking.

[@arkhaminmate3727]

This was one of the biggest moments in Wrestling history! No one in the house could believe the Hulkster told the fans to stick it brother!

[@Christian-ft9ml]

I watched that moment back 100 times. I wasn't even born yet, so I never got to see it live, but I'm interested in wrestling history. At no point watching it did it cross my mind that Heenan gave anything away. Hogan was only seconds away from the heel turn anyways, and nobody I talked to who was alive at the time ever complained about Heenan spoiling shit. Hell, the thought hasn't even entered my mind until seeing this video. Either way, I think it still came off as a complete shock to the fans, and it was a successful heel turn. From what documentaries have said, Hulk wasn't getting over as a face in WCW, partially because the southerners didn't like a top face from a northern promotion coming in and getting pushed to the moon. Hall and Nash also said that Sting was the 2nd choice in the NWO documentary, since Hogan was initially reluctant to make the heel turn. Hall also went on to say that Hogan's circumstances, and being treated as an outsider by fans, helped him get over, and even accepted by WCW fans for the first time. Hall was also very complimentary of Sting as a performer, but thought that he never could have made the nWo work with his own circumstances as the face of the company. To an extent I'm inclined to agree, since Hogan's reasons for turning are far more believable that Sting's would have been.

[@nstavola7329]

Maybe he didn't give it away but it certainly hinted at the possibility which took away some of the shock.

[@Dee-Wayne]

2:05 Correct and Bobby Heenan followed up on that by even saying: "What have I been saying all these years". If anything Bobby Heenan saying who's side is he on was the est way for fans to brace themselves for the biggest heel turn in wrestling history. Who else babyface wise could make that big of a impact turning heel?

[@BarbaPamino]

I remember watching it live and when Heenan said that I barely registered it as a give away. Still shocked as anyone when Hogan dropped the leg on Savage.

[@Lunzatis_Palemoon]

A lot of people took what Mr. Heenan said as a charcter with a grain of salt because whatever his character said couldn't be trusted. Even the kids knew that back then. That was great character work by Mr. Heenan. The King had a similar character when he was paired with JR on Raw for years. People would often rolo their eyes at what the King said about the baby faces but it was all in good fun. Anyone who thinks Mr. Heenan ruined that moment hasn't watched a lot of him and it's quite apparent.

[@JayStar-yj9pu]

Bobby Heenan was Hogan's longest-running nemesis which I believe began in the A.W.A.. The night "Crow" Sting finally put "Hollywood" in his place, I thought Heenan was gonna lose bodily function control with elation.

[@kaodik]

I happened upon this and i noticed ethan page. Awesome!!!

[@DrRobGilles]

I will never say anything bad about Bobby Heenan. As far as I’m concerned the brain is on my Mount Rushmore of pro wrestling with Vince McMahon- promoter Hulk hogan- best draw 1A Steve Austin- best draw 1B Bobby Heenan- personality/manager/ entertainer/ bumper/ color commentator There was literally nothing that Heenan couldn’t do that was essential to the business. The guy would draw more heat for your baby than anyone. He managed some of the best talents ever. And he could irritate you in the same sentence that he could make your laugh your ass off. Rip Bobby. There will never be another

[@CarlosMedina-wu8ug]

Bobby didn't say anything about Hogan he hadn't already been saying for years. Honestly, if he had said anything else, THAT would've been the red flag. He was consistent, and he didn't ruin a thing.

[@larrywadejr.1010]

When Bobby said "who side is he on", you can hear Tony gasp like oh no.

[@jason41144]

He didn't ruin it at all. Anybody paying attention knew that was part of Bobby's character. He was always saying Hogan couldn't be trusted. Bobby was the "heel" commentator.

[@chrisbridges655]

He didn't ruin it. Heenan for decades have been an enemy of Hogan. Of course he would think Hogan could do something so bad. It gave it a realistic feel.

[@CatsClaw44]

This is revisionist history. I don't remember anyone complaining about Heenan "spoiling" the surprise.

[@patbrooks9823]

The internet was an infant when this happened. There weren't enough people on to really make a noticeable dissaproval.

[@FrankWebber-n4b]

If anything, Heenan's comments actually make the moment, I remember commenting myself about exactly that, and how kewl that it was, because of those comments

[@JayStar-yj9pu]

I have a personal theory which equates Scott Hall's first Nitro appearance to... Zeus' (fresh outta jail) entrance in the film 'No Holds Barred'. All surrounding the attire.

[@SNESmapper]

The only one ruining this iconic moment is Tony for not remembering who was wrestling in that match. Like seriously man?

[@dbix11]

I love heenan but let's be honest he did plant the seed for 99% of people watching that believed hulk was incapable of ever being a heel. Hogan turning heel was the greatest thing he could have done for his career and the business of wrestling. Simply Amazing

[@NikkiWrightVGM]

For Tony saying they never knew he sure sounded fishy when he responded "WHAT ARE YOU- talking about." as if Bobby said something he wasn't supposed to and Tony was covering his butt.

[@tyvillianheartthrob1856]

Bobby Heenan saying "Who's side is he on?" Was brilliant commentary because it gave viewers a sense of doubt.

[@joshuasteward6097]

Not only was Bobby in character saying that, but it was obvious by how late in the show it was and how big a name Hogan is. I would have used Sting though. Then it's less of a WWE invasion. And, more impactful to WCW fans.

[@thejohnkaufman]

Not only is Heenan questioning Hogan something that's 100% in character, Heenan would make comments after Hogan turned that suggested Hogan was just using the nWo for his own means. In the eyes of Heenan, there was basically nobody worse than Hogan in pro wrestling Hogan could have gone into the middle of the ring and said that he cured cancer, brother, and Heenan would have declared that Hogan stole it from someone or was otherwise taking credit-- or it was some kind of elaborate scheme.

[@christopherriley9372]

Conrad is wrong, had Hogan not join the nWo it was Sting who would have joined instead. Eric Bishoff, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall all have stated that in multiple interviews about this situation.

[@brianleach6813]

So much excitement with Live tv in the mid to late 90's. Wrestling, SNL, Emrald Live NFL, NBA. It was awesome. It was like you had to be there watching live so you didn't miss a thing. Cable tv was a must. If you lost the remote on a Monday, you tore the entire house apart looking fo it.😅

[@tightsandnewsbabesfan8749]

another 90's fanboy stuck in the past

[@seanjewell9629]

Bobby made it believable. He was the best part of the whole thing.

[@kennethgriffin7921]

honestly heenan did give it away. if the rock turns on roman at wrestlemania vs cody this year and right before it happens mochael Cole says "who's side is he on" then you know it's coming lol

[@joshmradio]

Why would Heenan ask that question though?? Why question who's side he is on? I will never not think Bobby ruined it. Good thing it worked.

[@BrandanTheBroker]

Heenan never trusted Hogan, he was always cautious of Hogan and his intentions. Even when Hogan was heel he wouldn't back him, he'd back Hall and Nash but never Hogan. THAT'S CHARACTER WORK!

[@totttrax]

That does look like uncle Lazer 😂😂😂😂

[@respect_the_curv]

What tony says makes total sense. As a fan you're thinking Hogan is gonna come down and help them then the real 3rd guy would come down and jump him. Sounds right to me

[@Wormanatti]

History got it right! Hollywood Hogan was perfect for the heel turn. Hollywood was so great it made me hate the red & yellow clown gimmick. The struck gold with the NWO. The look, theme music, logo, selling the drama was it

[@drewc771]

Agreed he didn't ruin it. As conrad and tony said, It was a very natural and consistent thing for Heenan to say based on his character.

[@joshuacampbell289]

Am I the only one who knew it was Hogan as soon as they didn’t pick him as one of the guys to fight for WCW

[@lyricsanonymous9036]

I know he did, but i don't even remember him saying it...I didn't register with me at all

[@ColorsBright]

I watched it live when it happened. As soon as Hogan came out I told my 2 friends sitting next to me, HOGAN IS WITH THEM!... They looked at me shocked, like it was something that couldn't even be imagined.. Then as Hogan was walking out Bobby said "who's side is he on?" But My friends and I didn't even pay attention to it because Bobby was always against Hogan... So, Did Bobby give it away? Answer: Hell No

[@mattcasdorph]

It's funny that you all made all the points that I made. I came across a video talking about Heenan and claiming he spoiled it. Heenan literally joined the Horsemen, managing them in their feud with Hogan. Heenan always had it out for Hogan. It's great Heenan kept that "distrust" clear back when he managed Andre against Hogan. I also suspected the commentary team didn't know because bischoff mentioned before that he wanted an authentic reaction from the commentary team and wouldn't fill them in with certain angles. I believe the original idea was for Sting to flip and join NWO. But Hogan decided to do it.

[@UNCNCAAChamps]

I think you actually could tell by the way Hogan was walking down the aisle that he was turning.

[@kennyfleck8630]

Heenan made it MORE of a surprise because anyone that was a hulkamaniac as a a kid immediately scoffed, like "typical weasel" and got even more pumped for Hogan to run wild on the outsiders, lol

[@richuncle9689]

Tony, one of the greatest announcers to walk the earth

[@lproof8472]

Heenan didn’t give it away. I was watching it love and had no clue until the drop.

[@GV213]

I watched it live. Heenan didnt ruin it. Once hogan entered and tore off his shirt, the camera went to nash. Nash looked scared. I thought another hogan saving the day. I did not expect the turn.

[@jeff-ds2pr]

"Who's approving this wardrobe?" Poor kid doesn't realize how much freedom wrestlers had back then, not being controlled by the office control freaks in the WWE where you're not even allowed to chew gum walking down to the ring without permission from Big Brother.

[@KokoTheGorilla69]

He's a dork that spends all his money on toys, it doesn't really matter what he said about anything

[@tightsandnewsbabesfan8749]

what are you talking about you really believe the delusional bs coming out of your mouth typical smark always talking nonsense

[@MBM1117727]

@@KokoTheGorilla69 Who even is he? I have no idea.

[@faelirra]

Heenan was doing what Heenan had been doing with Hogan for over 10 years. Heenan character hated Hogan for this time, which dates back to the AWA days. Would call out Hogan as a cheat and everything else. Heenan not saying "Whose side is he on." would have been a biggest break in the Heenan character since said character had started.