And now for some hypotheticals; When Hulk Hogan fled the AWA for the greener pastures of Vince McMahon's promotion he admittedly did so without giving any real notice or doing favors on the way out, rather he just split. The AWA's promoter and renowned pro wrestler, shooter and former Olympian Verne Gagne was rightfully infuriated at Hogan's disrespect. Not long after his arrival, The Hulkster was penned in to take the WWE title from Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden in one of the most pivotal championship switches in wrestling history. This was going to be the moment that kicked off a new era for WWE and Hogan was the man upon whose shoulders Vince's national expansion would be carried. As legend would have it, Gagne reached out to The Iron Sheik and offered him $100,000 - an astonishing amount of money at the time, especially considering how the AWA was struggling - to shoot on Hulk Hogan and break his leg in their bout. Sheik decided to turn down the offer and even went so far as to let Vince McMahon know what Verne had asked of him, which some say is the reason why Vince remained loyal to Sheik for years even when he was long past his prime. People still debate about whether or not this story is true, but Hogan has confirmed it - for all that's worth - but had it happened wrestling would look very different. After getting past the bad publicity of his champion heading to Minnesota with his belt, Vince would have been forced to find another golden boy to build his promotion around and it's impossible to imagine anyone other rhan Hogan in that role.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
