Pro Wrestling Resource: Hulk Hogan

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WWF Classic: The Genius Upsets Hulk Hogan – November 1989 [Videos]

In one of the biggest upsets of his WWF career, The Genius (Lanny Poffo) scored a stunning count-out victory over Hulk Hogan in November 1989. The victory became a memorable highlight for Poffo and added another chapter to the increasingly intense rivalry between Hogan and Mr. Perfect, whom The Genius managed. With the feud between Hogan and Perfect continuing to escalate, The Genius's unlikely victory gave Mr. Perfect and his manager another reason to celebrate—and Hogan another reason to seek revenge.

WWF Saturday Night's Main Event

World Wrestling Federation on NBC

Taped October 31, 1989

Aired November 25, 1989

Topeka, Kansas, USA

Commentators: Vince McMahon & Jesse Ventura

WWF World Heavyweight Championship Match in Japan: Ichiban Hulk Hogan vs Tatsumi Fujinami [Videos]

In June 1985, fresh off the success of WrestleMania, Hulk Hogan traveled to Japan to defend the WWF Championship against Tatsumi Fujinami, who was already regarded as one of Japan's greatest technical wrestlers. The result is a rare look at Hogan working a more deliberate, technical style against one of the world's finest competitors. It's a unique glimpse at two Hall of Fame careers intersecting during professional wrestling's golden era.

Hulk Hogan vs Tatsumi Fujinami

NJPW IWGP & WWF Champion Series

June 11, 1985

Tokyo, Japan

Ichiban Hulk Hogan

SONG!

When Terry Funk Came for Hulkamania: The Forgotten 1985 Trilogy [Videos]

Terry Funk vs Hulk Hogan match that aired on NBC

Terry Funk entered the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the summer of 1985, a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, he had last wrestled in what was now known as the WWF in the early 1970s. By late 1985, Funk had an opportunity to challenge Hulk Hogan for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Hogan wasn't facing another giant or cartoon-style supervillain. He was dealing with a former World Champion who brought unpredictability, mind games, and pure chaos. Across Philadelphia, Toronto, and NBC's national television broadcast of Saturday Night's Main Event from Tampa, Florida, Hogan and Funk quietly created a forgotten trilogy of forgotten matches that blended Hulkamania spectacle with Terry Funk insanity.

And watch the slow count by Dave Hebner...

Hulk Hogan vs Terry Funk

WWF on PRISM Network

Philadelphia, PA

December 7, 1985

Hulk Hogan vs Terry Funk

Maple Leaf Wrestling

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

December 15, 1985

Hulk Hogan vs Terry Funk

Saturday Night's Main Event

NBC

Tampa, Florida

Filmed on December 19, 1985

Aired on January 3, 1986

It was reported 1985 was Funk's best financial year in pro wrestling

More at:

Classic Matches: Hulk Hogan vs Terry Funk [Videos]

LJN Wrestling Superstars: The WWF Wrestling Figures of the 1980s [Videos]

Growing up in the 1980s, few toys captured the excitement of professional wrestling quite like LJN Wrestling Superstars. Long before highly detailed collectibles and endless articulation points became the standard, these oversized rubber figures ruled toy aisles and bedroom floor main events across America. Featuring many of the biggest WWF stars of the era—from Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage to Jake "The Snake" Roberts and The Hart Foundation—LJN figures felt larger than life.

But the LJN line was more than just a collection of toys—it became a snapshot of the WWF's explosive rise during the Rock ’n’ Wrestling era. Between 1984 and 1988, five series of figures were released in the United States by LJN, capturing the changing landscape of the WWF roster as new stars arrived and legends emerged. Then, after LJN’s run came to an end, one final chapter remained: a last series released in Canada in 1989 by another company, giving fans one more chance to add a few final superstars to the toy box.

1984

LJN Wrestling Superstars Commercials

1984/1985

LJN WWF Superstars Commercial

with Hulk Hogan, Jimmy Snuka, and The Iron Sheik

Narrated by Vince McMahon

1984/1985

LJN WWF Wrestling Superstars Commercial

with Hulk Hogan, The Iron Sheik, Big John Studd

1986

LJN WWF Superstars Commercial

with Junkyard Dog, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper,

Brutus Beefcake, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine,

Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, George "The Animal" Steel

Narrated by Vince McMahon

1987

LJN WWF Wrestling Superstars Commercial

with "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Miss Elizabeth,

S.D. Jones, Kamala, and The Killer Bees

1989

Grand Toys WWF Wrestling Superstars Commercial

LJN WWF Wrestling Superstars
Complete Series Breakdown

Between 1984 and 1988, LJN released five major WWF Wrestling Superstars series in the United States, chronicling the rapid rise of Hulkamania and the changing WWF landscape. After LJN’s run ended, the line received one final curtain call in Canada in 1989 through Grand Toys. Looking back today, each series almost serves as a time capsule of its era.

1984 – Series 1

The debut wave introduced many of the stars who launched the national expansion era of the WWF.

Andre the Giant
Big John Studd
Hillbilly Jim
Hulk Hogan
Iron Sheik
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka
Junkyard Dog
Nikolai Volkoff

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper

1985 – Series 2

The second wave expanded the roster as Hulkamania continued to grow.

Andre the Giant
Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake
George "The Animal" Steele
Greg "The Hammer" Valentine
King Kong Bundy
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff

1986 – Series 3

By 1986, WWF had become a pop-culture force. This wave expanded significantly and included managers, announcers, and personalities in addition to wrestlers.

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan
Bruno Sammartino
Captain Lou Albano
"Classy" Freddie Blassie
Corporal Kirchner
Davey Boy Smith
Dynamite Kid
Jesse "The Body" Ventura
Jimmy Hart
"Macho Man" Randy Savage
Magnificent Muraco
Mean Gene Okerlund
Mr. Fuji (with cane)
Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat
Special Delivery Jones
Terry Funk
Tito Santana

1987 – Series 4

With WrestleMania now firmly established, the line reflected a changing roster and featured future legends.

"Adorable" Adrian Adonis
Billy Jack Haynes
B. Brian Blair
Bret "Hitman" Hart
"Cowboy" Bob Orton
Elizabeth
Hercules Hernandez
Jake "The Snake" Roberts
"Jumping" Jim Brunzell
Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart
Ken Patera
Kamala
King Harley Race
Koko B. Ware
Outback Jack
Ted Arcidi
Vince McMahon

1988 – Series 5

The final U.S. LJN release closed out the original era.

"Adorable" Adrian Adonis
Bam Bam Bigelow
Demolition Ax
Hacksaw Jim Duggan
Honky Tonk Man
Hulk Hogan
"Luscious" Johnny Valiant
One Man Gang
Referee
Rick Martel
Slick
Ted DiBiase
Tito Santana

1989 – Series 6 (Grand Toys Canada / Black Card Series)

LJN’s final chapter came north of the border. Produced by Grand Toys in Canada, these figures have become some of the most recognizable and collectible releases in the line.

Andre the Giant
Big Boss Man
Demolition Ax
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
Honky Tonk Man
Hulk Hogan
Randy "Macho Man" Savage
"Ravishing" Rick Rude
Ultimate Warrior
Warlord

Tag Team Two-Packs

Tag team sets featuring some of the WWF’s most memorable duos were also released:

British Bulldogs
Dream Team
Hart Foundation
Killer Bees
Strike Force
Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff
Hillbilly Jim & Hulk Hogan

Whether they stood proudly on bedroom shelves or battled for tiny plastic championships, LJN Wrestling Superstars became more than action figures—they became many fans’ first true wrestling collection.

Decades later, in 2025, WWE helped bring the spirit of Wrestling Superstars back to a new generation by reintroducing retro-style figures inspired by the classic LJN designs. From toy store shelves in the 1980s to collector displays decades later, LJN Wrestling Superstars continue proving that legends never truly retire—they just make another entrance.

Classic WWF: The Rock Meets Hollywood Hulk Hogan and nWo – No Way Out 2002 [Video]

The Rock and Hollywood Hulk Hogan in 2002

When The Rock came face-to-face with Hulk Hogan at No Way Out in 2002, it felt bigger than just another backstage moment—it was a collision of icons. Representing two different generations of pro wrestling, both men carried the weight of an era on their shoulders. The tension between them was immediate and undeniable. Their picture together was worth more than a thousand words.

With WrestleMania X8 on the horizon, this encounter served as the spark that would ignite one of the most legendary matches in WWE history. The Rock’s sharp confidence met Hogan’s larger-than-life presence, setting the tone for a showdown that would transcend storylines and become a true passing-of-the-torch moment.

Before the WrestleMania X8 match in Toronto, and before the crowd chose its side, it started with this backstage promo and Hogan taking a photo with his son's "favorite wrestler."

No Way Out

February 17, 2002

Milwaukee, WI, USA

For more, visit the following:

WRESTLEMANIA X8 Reaction: "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan vs The Rock [Videos]

WWF Interview Archive: Victory’s Corner — Before Piper’s Pit (1983–1984) [Videos]

Vince McMahon appearing on Victory's Corner

From November 1983 through January 1984, Robert Debord hosted a short-lived interview segment known as Victory’s Corner (later simplified to Victory Corner). Filmed at live WWF events and featured across the company’s television programming, the segment emerged during a pivotal transitional period in the promotion’s evolution.

Following Rogers’ Corner—the interview platform created by Vince McMahon and hosted by former WWWF Champion Buddy Rogers—Victory’s Corner served as a bridge between the old guard and the emerging, personality-driven format that would soon define WWF television with the arrival of Piper’s Pit and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.

Despite its brief run, Victory’s Corner holds historical significance for featuring the only known sit-down televised interview with controversial reigning WWF Champion The Iron Sheik, which aired in January 1984. As such, these segments offer a rare glimpse into the WWF’s early experimentation with interview-driven storytelling at the dawn of its national expansion, featuring appearances by Vince McMahon, Gorilla Monsoon, and a newly arrived championship contender, Hulk Hogan—who would soon come to define the Golden Age.

Gorilla Monsoon

December 1983

Vince McMahon

December 1983

World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion

The Iron Sheik

with Manager and Mentor Ayatollah Blassie

January 1984

Hulk Hogan

January 1984

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper

January 1984

1989: The Year Professional Wrestling Found Its Creative Peak [Videos]

While professional wrestling in the 1980s had already experienced explosive growth through spectacle and mainstream exposure, 1989 stands apart as the year where craft finally caught up with charisma.

Hulk Hogan had dominated the professional wrestling landscape since 1985, fueled by the national expansion of Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation. By the late 1980s, wrestling had reached its commercial peak—but in 1989, something important changed. Simply put, characters and matches got better. Across promotions, storytelling, motivation, and in-ring performance aligned. 1989 is when professional wrestling became sharper, more emotional, and more complete.

While names like Hulk Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Ric Flair, and Ricky Steamboat were the standard bearers of the era, the upper card and next generation—Rick Rude, Ultimate Warrior, Lex Luger, Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Shawn Michaels, Sid Vicious, and Mr. Perfect—were rising into prominence. The year also marked the professional wrestling debuts of future icons including Steve Austin, Booker T, and Rey Mysterio, quietly signaling the direction wrestling would take in the decade ahead.

"Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase vs Bret "Hitman" Hart

March 8, 1989

Aired on March 20, 1989

Odessa, Texas

Randy Savage vs Hulk Hogan

Wrestemania V

April 2, 1989

Bret Hart Promo

May 1989

🎤 Hulk Hogan thanks the Hulkamanics in July 1990 [Videos]

Hulk Hogan Thanks Hulkamaniacs

WWF Saturday Night's Main Event

Aired July 28, 1990

Hulk Hogan's Six-Minute Promo

WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

Aired on July 14, 1990

🔥 Before the Break: Hogan vs. Orndorff, April ’85 [Videos]

🔥 A Hidden Chapter in a Legendary Rivalry

Before the betrayal, before the crutches, and before the steel cage showdown on Saturday Night’s Main Event, there was a handshake in Philadelphia.

On April 27, 1985, just weeks removed from the main event of WrestleMania, WWF Champion Hulk Hogan defended his title against his former WrestleMania tag team opponent, “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. This bout, taped at the Spectrum and broadcast on PRISM, has remained largely buried in the archives—until the Pro Wrestling Resouce showcase.

What makes this match special isn't just the action. It's the moment that followed it.

🎯 Match Breakdown

Orndorff wrestled the entire match in full heel mode—arrogant, frustrated, and clearly out to prove a point. Hogan, fresh off cementing Hulkamania on the grandest stage, was still riding the wave of mainstream stardom.

The match itself was intense and competitive, a throwback to when even WWF’s biggest stars laid it in.

And then, the unexpected.

After taking the loss, Orndorff slowly stood… and offered his hand.

Hogan, after a pause, accepted.

No low blow. No cheap shot. Just a handshake.

📚 Context & Legacy

This match marked the start of Orndorff’s slow-burn face turn—a direction that would evolve over the next several weeks. By mid-1985, Orndorff would fully align with Hogan in a united front against heels like Piper, "Ace" Bob Orton, and Heenan.

But fans who only remember the famous heel turn in 1986 may not realize that Orndorff’s arc was built on earned trust. This handshake? It mattered. It laid the groundwork for a story that would explode the following year.

🔥 Hot Tag Notes

The match was taped at the Philadelphia Spectrum and aired on PRISM, a local pay TV service—an early example of WWF’s expanding national strategy.
Commentary during this era was handled by WWF's Gorilla Monsoon and PRISM's Dick Graham—though other versions of the bout exist with different dubbing.
This bout is a perfect snapshot of WWF storytelling before weekly RAWs, before social media angles—when a handshake in one city could echo for a year.
This handshake subtly begins Orndorff’s shift to babyface status, which would build for months before his famous heel turn in ’86.
This match is rarely referenced in retrospectives, yet it plants the seeds for one of the most iconic feuds of the decade.
Orndorff’s ability to walk the line between face and heel made him one of the most believable threats to Hogan’s reign.