Veteran wrestling broadcaster Tony Schiavone believes that Hulk Hogan, one of the biggest stars in wrestling history, wouldn’t achieve the same success if he were competing in today’s era.
Speaking on his What Happened When podcast, Schiavone reflected on the evolution of professional wrestling and why the industry has moved past the style that made Hogan a household name.
“’80s music wouldn’t work today. And Hulk was a champion,” Schiavone said. “One of the things you remember during the ’80s is Hulkamania.
So yeah, Hulk wouldn’t be a world champion today.”
Hogan, who dominated the wrestling scene through the 1980s and early 1990s, became synonymous with larger-than-life characters, heroic storytelling, and a more theatrical approach to wrestling.
However, today’s wrestling landscape prioritizes athleticism, technical in-ring ability, and long-term match quality—areas where Hogan’s classic style might not translate as effectively.
Schiavone’s comments came during a discussion about Hogan’s real-life backstage tensions with Vader, further illustrating how different eras of wrestling required different skill sets.
Despite suggesting that Hogan’s character wouldn’t work as a modern-day champion, Schiavone did acknowledge that the WWE Hall of Famer was tougher than some critics gave him credit for.
“For all his luster and all the character he’s portrayed… I think Hogan was a lot tougher than you thought back then.”
While Hogan’s place in wrestling history is undeniable, Schiavone’s remarks highlight the changing nature of the industry and how even the biggest icons of the past might struggle to fit into today’s wrestling world.
