'12 good years': Hulk Hogan hints at political aspirations
(NewsNation) — Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan suggested he could offer 12 years of leadership if elected to political office, hinting at possible presidential ambitions in a Wednesday interview on NewsNation's "Dan Abrams Live."
"If I was the VP, and then all of a sudden I roll right into that top spot, four years later ... you get 12 good years out of me," Hogan said. "And then all of a sudden, we would really be on track."
The 70-year-old WWE Hall of Famer and entrepreneur joined the show to speak about a range of topics, from presidential politics to his new beer venture.
'Straighten this country out'
Hogan expressed frustration with the current state of American politics, saying he wants "somebody to straighten out the gas prices, the food prices, our nation's security."
When pressed to choose between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, Hogan demurred, saying he'd "probably have to put myself in there somewhere."
"I'm for the guy that's gonna straighten this country out, man, whoever that person is," Hogan said.
Comparing political presidential debates to pro wrestling, Hogan criticized debate rules that limit candidates' ability to speak freely.
"I just would like to see more organic and more candor and let these guys go at it a little bit," he said.
'Real American Beer'
Hogan discussed his latest business venture, Real American Beer, positioning it as a unifying force in a divided nation.
"This is going to bring America back together one beer at a time," Hogan said, emphasizing the brand's appeal to "Middle America, NASCAR, wrestling, country western, mom, apple pie."
The idea came after observing the backlash against Bud Light's marketing campaign.
"There's an open lane for the beer that America has been waiting for," Hogan said.
"This is bigger than politics, way bigger than politics," Hogan stated, adding that the beer could facilitate conversations between people of different backgrounds. He presented the beer as a solution to bridge communication gaps, particularly between Democrats and Republicans.
Question of age
At 70, Hogan credited his fitness to decades of consistent training.
"When you train two hours every single day for the last 55 years, something's gonna happen," he said.
Commenting on the upcoming Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match, Hogan expressed confidence in Tyson despite the age gap.
Hogan said he's had conversations with both fighters, noting Tyson's desire for a full-contact fight rather than an exhibition. Hogan mentioned Paul's intention to knock Tyson out, setting the stage for an intense matchup.
"It's going to be really crazy because they both have skills, and you just never know," Hogan said.
When asked if he was concerned about Tyson's age, Hogan dismissed worries, describing Tyson as "mean as a junkyard dog" with a "killer instinct." He concluded that Tyson's mindset could spell trouble for Paul, stating, "If he gets there, you know, it could be a tough night for Jake Paul."
Effect of 'Rocky III' role
Working for Vince McMahon Sr. in the late 1970s, Hogan received a call from Sylvester Stallone to appear in "Rocky III."
"I got fired for doing that movie," Hogan said.
Despite McMahon Sr.'s warning that taking the role would result in termination, Hogan chose to pursue the opportunity.
"'If you go do that movie, you're fired, and you'll never work here again,'" Hogan recalled McMahon Sr. saying.
True to the threat, Hogan was fired after filming.
This led to a three-year stint in Japan and Minnesota before Vince McMahon Jr. approached him with a vision to revolutionize wrestling.
Hogan's return under McMahon Jr.'s leadership marked a turning point.
"We changed the whole wrestling business," Hogan said.