Ep. 461: The Complete Hulk Hogan | 1981 (Part 6)
Summary
This episode of The Lapsed Fan covers Hulk Hogan’s 1981 career, focusing on his rise in the AWA and New Japan Pro Wrestling. The hosts analyze a tag team match between Hogan and Stan Hansen against Dino Bravo and Riki Choshu, discussing Hogan’s babyface transformation and Japanese fan reception. They also share exclusive Patreon content, including interviews with wrestling legends and a tour of Vern Gagne’s mansion, alongside reflections on the historic first WCW Nitro at the Mall of America.
Topics discussed
Intro: Metastatic breast cancer story
SummerSlam tour and Vern Gagne's legacy
Wade Keller on Nitro and Pasta Mania
Hogan's Japan connection and AWA politics
Ed Boulder and the Dizzy Butcher gimmick
Hogan's timeline and return to Japan
Hogan vs. Stan Hansen in Tokyo 1981
Hogan's hair color and Vince McMahon
Hogan's popularity and earnings in Japan
Match analysis: Hogan/Hansen vs. Bravo/Choshu
Entrance music and Hogan's age in Japan
Japanese press coverage of early Hogan
Weekly Pro Wrestling magazine insights
McMahon's monopoly on NJPW talent
Hogan's independence from McMahon
AWA Battle Royal and Jesse Ventura feud
The Secret Scribe and Jerry Blackwell
Blackwell chair shot and Hogan's injury
Hogan/Andre team vs. Blackwell/Ventura
Promos and the 'Jim Hogan' newspaper error
Audio restoration and Rocky III role
Correcting the Jim Hogan mistake
Body Slam Challenge: Hogan vs. Blackwell
ChatGPT ad break
Wrestling Super Bowl VII card details
Ventura's Rolling Stones concert stunt
Late 1981 Japan tour and NJPW politics
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