“Hollywood” Hulk Hogan Calls It A Career

"I am a real American, fight for the rights of every man," lyrics that assisted in making Hulk Hogan a mega superstar. After twenty years in the business, arguably the most recognizable wrestler in the world, announced his retirement Thanksgiving night on the "Tonight Show" with Jay Leno.

At first glance, many insiders doubted the validity of the announcement. However, after declining pay-per-view buy rates and television ratings, the decision was made internally within WCW to move the company in a new direction. The much anticipated rematch between Hogan and the Warrior failed to translate into big revenue, and was considered a major disappointment.

Kevin Nash and Diamond Dallas Page have been given more power on the booking committee, and the promotion plans to push other stars. Hogan and Nash have never been on the best of terms. Hogan has been pulled from all future WCW booking dates, including the company's annual mega event, "Starrcade" on December 27th.

In recent times, many WCW wrestlers have complained about the lack of upward mobility within the company. This move will assure many of these wrestlers much additional deserved airtime.

Another factor that may have weighted in on Hogan's hasty announcement was the recent move the star and his wife made to Los Angeles.

Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, remains contracted to World Championship Wrestling for the next two years under an arrangement that would prevent him from working elsewhere, including the Fox Network, who has expressed interest in starting a new wrestling promotion.

The eight-time world champion had been scheduled for the "Tonight Show" several weeks in advance, but the decision to make his retirement announcement on the program was decided just days before the appearance.

When asked by Leno what his big announcement was, Hogan declared, “The big announcement is, you know, since it’s Thanksgiving and everybody's at home watching, I had to come to the crossroads here. And I've accomplished everything I want to do in wrestling. Family's secure, I've had a great career. I want to come on your show tonight and officially announce my retirement.”

Leno asked Hogan if he would ever wrestle again, and the wrestling legend replied, “Well, I'll wrestle my wife.”

Hogan agreed to jump from the WWF to WCW in the summer of 1994, where he continued in his babyface character, and dominating the single ranks. At the Bash of the Beach 1996, Hogan made the decision to turn heel, and completed the formation of the New World Order with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.

Hogan has recently announced his plans to run for President, and appears serious about continuing the campaign. Leno asked Hogan what he would do about taxes if he were to be elected president. Hogan replied, “flat tax brother, across the board.” The subject of a running mate surfaced on the “Tonight Show,” and Hogan replied, “… we'll definitely announce a running mate in the near future, a few weeks.”

It is a safe bet that Hogan will now devote more time to his acting career. He has appeared in the following movies:

- Ninjas: High Noon At Mega Mountain (1998) as Dave Dragon
- McCinsey's Island (1998) as Joe McGray
- Assault on Devil's Island (1997) (TV) as Mike McBride
- Santa with Muscles (1996) as Blake
- Secret Agent Club, The (1996) as Ray Chase
- Spy Hard (1996) as Steele's Tag Member
- "Thunder in Paradise" (1994) (TV) as R.J. "Hurricane" Spencer
- Mr. Nanny (1993) as Sean Armstrong
- Suburban Commando (1991) as Shep Ramsey
- Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) as Himself
- Happy Birthday, Bugs!: 50 Looney Years (1990) (TV) as Himself
- No Holds Barred (1989) as Rip
- Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips

He produced the movies:

- Assault on Devil's Island (1997) (TV) (Executive Producer)
- Suburban Commando (1991) (Executive Producer)
- No Holds Barred (1989) (Executive Producer)

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