10 Fun Facts About My Trip To WWE WrestleMania XIX
1. I Got To See Hulk Hogan Wrestle Live
Whether its still a popular opinion or not, Hulk Hogan is my favourite wrestler of all time. When I was 5 years old, my Mum bought me SummerSlam 89 on VHS and when I saw The Hulkster take down Zeus with the loaded purse, drop the big leg and pose with his title, I was hooked. Without Hogan, I dont know if Id have been a fan.
As a fan of Hogan, you always have to listen to other fans tell you how awful he is or about the politics etc. I dont dispute some of the political moves hes made but I was always pretty bummed out that Id never got to see him wrestle. When I made the trip to 'Mania in 2003, I was going to get to see Hogan face off against Vince McMahon.
Ive always been hooked by the stories in wrestling over the star rating quality of a match so in Seattle I was desperate to see my childhood favourite decked in red and yellow take on the evil owner who Id loved to hate as a teenager.
From Hogan coming out like an absolute boss to Voodoo Child to Vince doing his maniacal Heeeeeres Vince face, the match far exceeded my expectations. Then, after a Roddy Piper cameo, Hogan dropped the leg and had his hand raised in victory.
I cant tell you, as an 18 year old kid from Scotland, what that moment meant to me. Banter and jokes aside, Hulk Hogan was my favourite and Im so grateful that I got the chance to see him wrestle live at least one time.