50 Things You Learn Binge-Watching Every WWE WrestleMania
43. Sid Wouldn’t Have Worked As “Hogan 2.0”
Months after outing himself as one of the least 'by the book' babyfaces ever (again), Hulk Hogan beat man mountain Sid Justice in the main event of 'Mania VIII. Their match wasn't for the title, but the old "Hogan must pose" decree meant Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair for the gold was stuffed in the midcard. That didn't wreck their match, but it did deserve to headline.
There was another subplot happening behind the scenes. Sid spurned Vince McMahon's pitch that he become Hogan's replacement once the red and yellow carthorse left (again!) post-show. According to Justice, becoming a babyface hero to the masses would turned him into everything he hated, so he said no and knocked back the keys to the kingdom. That was something few could wrap their heads around, but it made sense to Sid.
Something becomes crystal when rewatching 'Mania VIII now: Sid was right. He was always better as a heel or tweener right on the edge. For proof, look at how comfortable he was slotting in as a threatening heel monster next to Hulk. The truth is that Justice would've floundered in the 'next Hogan' role, because his heart just wasn't in it. No amount of McMahon pandering could change that.
It was bold to say no, admittedly. Sid signing on to become the next top babyface could've changed everything, and meant workhorses like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels would've been ignored for a little while longer. Or, at least, until Sid said he liked working with them in big vs. little man epics.
Nah, big Sid was way more comfortable as a villainous sort who could occasionally play tweener.