8. Stan Hansen Never Viewed Bigger Stars As Prima Donnas
As one of the most respected foreigners in Japan for years, Stan Hansen favoured a pretty hard-hitting style of pro wrestling. Infamously during one bout, Hansen reportedly caused Vader's eye to almost pop out of the socket, so hard were his blows. Japanese fans would run for the hills once 'The Man' emerged, swinging his cowbell around wildly. It'd be easy to imagine that Hansen didn't like a lot of the things he was seeing back in North America. In the mid-80's, Hulk Hogan helped Vince McMahon create a 'sports entertainment' juggernaut. The style employed by Hogan, and even in the NWA (later WCW) by the likes of Lex Luger and Sting, was very different to what Hansen enjoyed to do inside the ring. Unbelievably, the guy thought it was all great. Speaking during a recent shoot interview about his infamous career, Hansen said he enjoyed teaming with Hogan early in Hulk's career. Better yet, he stated that he didn't grudge the success 'Hulkamania' would bring his younger peer, because he felt he grafted and earned it. Few could foresee Stan Hansen giving the likes of Lex Luger praise, but he said he's always thought all styles of pro wrestling are valid.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
