Author: Today In Pro Wrestling History: The return of Hulk Hogan to Monday Night Raw on February 22, 1993, marked a significant moment in WWE history, coinciding with his first appearance on the show. During this episode, Hogan addressed the audience with a pre-recorded interview, discussing the future of Hulkamania, acknowledging past mistakes which could be interpreted as a nod to his steroid use, though not explicitly mentioned, and condemning “tabloid terrorism”.
Today In Pro Wrestling History February 22nd: Hulk Hogan Returns to Monday Night Raw
In a move to reinforce his iconic status and connection with the fans, Hogan introduced a “fifth demandment” to his existing mantra: to believe in Hulk Hogan, alongside training, saying prayers, taking vitamins, and believing in oneself.
The episode featured a variety of matches and segments, including a six-man tag team match with Shawn Michaels and the Beverly Brothers against the Nasty Boys and Tatanka. The match highlighted ongoing feuds and set the stage for future events, including WrestleMania IX. Notably, the show also advanced the storyline involving Hogan, Brutus Beefcake, and their new manager, Jimmy Hart, dubbed the Mega Maniacs, setting up a narrative against Money Inc. This period was characterized by significant shifts within the WWF, including the portrayal of real-life issues within storylines, such as Hogan’s public acknowledgment of his mistakes amid steroid controversies.
Hogan’s return to Monday Night Raw in 1993 was part of a larger narrative leading up to WrestleMania IX in Las Vegas, which aimed to reignite fan interest in his character and the overarching storylines within the WWF. Despite mixed reactions to some of the segments and matches during the episode, Hogan’s presence on Raw underscored his enduring appeal and the WWF’s reliance on established stars to draw in viewers.
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