WRESTLEMANIA VIII: WWF Champion Ric Flair vs Hulk Hogan [Rare Videos]

As with many happenings in professional wrestling, matches at events can change based on a number of different factors and circumstances. The "booker" (the person in charge of setting up matches) of the event may have an idea for a match, however, the willingness of the wrestlers, the health of the wrestlers, or simply a change of ideas, can completely change or eliminate a match altogether.

After Ric Flair won the World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Championship on January 19, 1992, in Albany, New York, a World Wrestling Federation Press Conference was held to announce Flair's challenger for the title in a match to later be held on April 5, 1992, at WrestleMania VIII. During the WWF Press Conference, it was announced by WWF President Jack Tunney, that Flair's challenger would be Hulk Hogan.

WWF Champion Ric Flair's Speech

Jack Tunney's Methodical Announcement 

Newly announced WrestleMania VIII Challenger Hulk Hogan's Speech

Reactions from Randy Savage and Sid Justice

This press conference, the announcement of Hulk Hogan as Flair's challenger at WrestleMania VIII, and the reactions of Sid Justice and Randy Savage could have been a set up for the double Main Event that actually took place involving the matches of Hulk Hogan versus Sid Justice and Ric Flair versus "Macho Man" Randy Savage. Vince McMahon and the powers at the WWF at the time are the only ones that know for sure if Ric Flair versus Hulk Hogan match was actually planned at WrestleMania, or a clever device used to set up the Hulk Hogan versus Sid Justice match.

Hulk Hogan says he has a "special place" in his heart for Ric Flair

Promo featuring Mr. Perfect, Sid Justice, and WWF Champion Ric Flair

Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair in February 2018

TMZ Video Clip Source: 2018 EHM PRODUCTIONS, INC

As a preview of the WrestleMania VIII match that never occurred, Hulk Hogan went up against Ric Flair on November 30, 1991, at Madison Square Garden.

Hulk Hogan speaks about Ric Flair in 1991

Interviewer: Gene Okerlund

Ric Flair with Bobby Heenan speak about Hogan in 1991

Interviewer: Sean Mooney

Hulk Hogan vs Ric Flair

Madison Square Garden Network

Commentators: Vince McMahon and Bobby Heenan