Possibly the most famous wrestler of all time, Hulk Hogan found fame and fortune in Japan years before Hulkamania was born in the states. Working for NJPW from 1980-85, the muscular blond from Tampa, Florida was nicknamed Ichiban (number one) by the Japanese fans who were suitably impressed with the Hulkster. Adapting like a total pro, Hogan expanded and changed his repertoire to fit his surroundings and a typical old-school Hogan match from Japan sees him using traditional wrestling holds instead of the crowdworking theatrics he is most famous for. He even replaced the classic Hogan Legdrop of Doom in favour of the harder-hitting Axe Bomber (lariat) to finish off his opponents. Hogan returned to Japan in 1993 as WWF Champion and wrestled The Great Muta in something of a dream match. The Hogan who returned to Japan was more of a showman than the one who wrestled there a decade before. Hogans Japanese matches are well worth checking out for Hogan fans as bizarre as the sight of Hogan trading armbars and wristlocks may be. Hogan returned to Japan for a final time in October 2003, beating Masahiro Chono in a high-profile match at the Tokyo Dome. The fans were electric as ever for Hogan, who stole the show. Even in Japan, nobody could work a crowd like the Hulkster, brother! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz20AZ8WqMs
