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| WRESTLING DONTAKU '93 Hogan vs Muta |
In a match that felt more myth than reality, The Immortal Hulk Hogan clashed with the enigmatic Great Muta on May 3, 1993, at NJPW’s Wrestling Dontaku inside the massive Fukuoka Dome. It wasn’t just East vs. West — it was charisma vs. mystique, power vs. precision, mainstream icon vs. cult legend. For one night only, the worlds of New Japan and WWF collided under a dome of thunder, mist, and mayhem. This is one of those rare gems that defied borders and expectations.
So grab your popcorn (or your green mist) and enjoy a glimpse into a moment where wrestling history took a wild and wonderful detour.
🗓 Date & Event:
May 3, 1993 – NJPW Wrestling Dontaku '93 – Fukuoka Dome (Attendance: 55,000+)
🎖 Belt Drama:
Hogan entered with the WWF Championship but did not defend it. This was during a rare moment when the WWF allowed its top champion to appear in NJPW — a testament to their historic working relationship.
🎤 Hogan’s Infamous Quote (Backstage Interview):
“The WWF Championship is just a toy. This (points to the IWGP belt) is the real belt. This is the one that counts in Japan.”
That statement caused serious heat back home in the WWF locker room… and likely helped pave the way for Bret Hart's re-emergence as the company's top guy.
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💥 Muta Fun Fact:
The Great Muta was already a living legend in Japan and a cult favorite in the U.S. thanks to his WCW run. His style — handsprings, poison mist, and martial arts strikes — was years ahead of its time.
🏯 Cross-Promotion Gold:
This bout was a rare superfight featuring top stars from two global promotions in a non-title showcase. NJPW hyped it as a battle of aura and honor, not gold.
🎥 Tape Trading Legend:
Before YouTube, this was one of those "must-have" bootlegs among tape traders. Fans would go to great lengths to find a grainy 4th-gen copy on VHS just to witness it.
💡 Rare Alignment:
In Japan, Hogan often wrestled in a more technical, mat-based style. This match showcased that more reserved side of the Hulkster — far from his USA bodyslam-and-boot routine.
▶️ Watch the Match
📺 Great Muta vs. Hulk Hogan – Wrestling Dontaku '93
👀 Runtime: Approx. 15 minutes
🔥 Hot Tag Notes – By Vince
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This was one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it international matches you heard about in hushed tones at the video store or through old wrestling magazines.
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Seeing Hogan adapt to a slower, more grappling-based match against Muta was surreal — it proved he could wrestle, despite what his critics said.
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Muta’s entrance alone is worth the watch — part samurai warrior, part supernatural force.
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The crowd reaction was so respectful yet electric — totally different than your average USA “Hogan pop.”
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Hogan’s “toy title” comment? That was the cherry on top. Still controversial. Still wild.
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