Hulk Hogan surprised the wrestling world by turning heel and teaming up with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to establish the New World Order (nWo) in 1996, completely changing the pro wrestling scene.
At WCW’s Bash At The Beach event, Hall and Nash teased the presence of a mysterious third member as they faced off against WCW stars Randy Savage, Lex Luger, and Sting. When Hogan appeared in the arena, many fans expected him to support WCW in their battle against The Outsiders.
On a recent edition of the “Impaulsive” podcast, Hogan recalled the events leading up to that historic moment.
The Hulkster revealed contacting Eric Bischoff, insisting that he, not Sting, should be the third man.
Hogan believed his WWE background made him the perfect fit to stand alongside Hall and Nash, both former WWE Superstars who had no idea about his arrival that night.
Hogan explained that despite his assurances, Bischoff was doubtful that he would go through with it. Even on the day of the event, Hogan remained hidden in a hotel room, only showing up at the last moment.
Hogan concluded that despite having creative control, he never used it that night or during his entire tenure in WCW.
The Hulkster said, “I called Eric (Bischoff) up, ‘Who is your third man?’ We’re going to go with Sting.’ ‘Bro, he’s not WWE.’ Scott and Kev are WWE. Sting has nothing to do (with WWE). I’m WWE from head to toe. I’m the third man. Eric goes, ‘Really, will you do it?’ ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’ Eric didn’t even believe I would do it. I flew on a jet to Daytona and hid out in a hotel room. I told Eric, ‘Call me when the last match is in the ring before the main event.’ Eric didn’t even think I was coming from the hotel. He had Sting ready to go. They didn’t believe I would do it. I had creative control. I never used it. Never used it the whole time. I didn’t use it this night either. When I walked out, Scott and Kevin almost s**t. They had no idea I was coming out. It was kinda cool.”
What followed was a pivotal moment in wrestling history, as Hogan’s heel turn and the formation of the nWo propelled WCW to new heights and sparked the famous Monday Night Wars. However, WCW’s eventual demise in 2001 paved the way for Hogan’s return to WWE.
