Hulk's Greatest Match From the Early Years

[SK3]

This covers his earliest days dating back to 1977, through the end of 1983. What would you consider to be Hulk Hogan's greatest match of this era?

My pick would have to be June 2, 1983. This was Hulk Hogan's IWGP tournament win over Antonio Inoki, which was won by a rare knockout decision. No one expected Hulk to leave Tokyo as the inaugural IWGP tourney winner, since Inoki rarely if ever lost the big one in Japan. It was a hard-fought classic between a revered icon and a man who was just starting to build his legacy. Hulk hit Inoki with the "Ax-Bomber" clothesline, and Inoki crashed to the concrete, knocking him senseless. The ring filled with paramedics, trainers, referees and other wrestlers, all of whom were checking on the legend's condition. Hogan, meanwhile, appeared as if he didn't know whether to celebrate his win or tend to his unconscious opponent.

In later years, the match has been called "The Fall of the Fighting Spirit Myth" by many puroresu observers. No man had ever left the great Inoki beaten and unconscious the way the Hulkster did. On the night of June 2, 1983, Hulk Hogan truly was "Ichiban"!

So, what would you guys pick?

[DanC]

Didn't jump on the Hogan bandwagon until '85 or so but I have heard enough to comment. I would say either his battles with Jesse the body or Andre back in those days would stand out to me along with the Inoki fued you mentioned.

[Dog Fan]

that's easy - inoki. i enjoyed that match.

[Dog Fan]

Ha, I just watched that match yesterday on my cpu. It's noticable how much he improved by '87 against Andre. I have a lot more appreciation for his WMIII match than I used to have because I know more about the business now. The psychology in that match was pretty good.

[Demon Assassin]

I agree with SK3 the Hogan-Inoki match was hands down Hogan's greatest of the early years. I always tell people on my radio show who always say Hogan cant wrestle to watch Hogan-Inoki and then say that.

[hulkamania4eva]

I've heard alot about that match but never actually seen it. Anyone know where I can get a copy of it?

[SK3]

hulkamania4eva said:

I've heard alot about that match but never actually seen it. Anyone know where I can get a copy of it?

Highspots.com now offers a 3-disc set of Hulk's matches from Japan. All of it is in excellent quality, and the aforementioned match is included in its entirety.