It was a feud stewing in the pot for nearly two decades, helped along with real world legal troubles and a character larger than the man who gave him the stage. Hulk Hogan and his Hulkamaniacs were becoming a thorn in the side of Chairman Vince McMahon, so the owner of the Federation decided to strike when the time was right…
“I created Hulkamania! Now I’m gonna kill it!”
That time came when Hogan faced down The Rock, just one month away from WrestleMania XIX. During the match, McMahon distracted Hogan to allow The Rock to grab a steel chair, effectively blindsiding the Hulkster into a loss. McMahon, adding insult to injury, informed Hogan that he intended to kill Hulkamania altogether and challenged him to a street fight at WrestleMania XIX. ‘McMahonamania’ was running wild that night, and all the little Hulkamaniacs watching from home were stunned to hear the conditions for the match:
If Hulk Hogan lost to Vince McMahon, his professional wrestling days were done for good.
Two weeks later, the pair were set to sign the official documents binding them to their WrestleMania XIX showdown. Now, if there’s one thing Vince is known for brother, it’s his ruthless business tactics. Sometimes that comes in the form of a contract you just can’t negotiate, but that’s not for a lack of trying. No matter how much diplomacy you have, McMahon gets what he wants. He will make you sign on the dotted line, even if that means signing in your own blood…