Author: Today in Pro Wrestling History: On May 3rd, 1997, the Fukuoka Dome reverberated with an electric energy unlike any it had held before as two icons of professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan and The Great Muta, collided at New Japan’s Wrestling Dontaku ’93.
In an unprecedented showdown, the reigning WWF Champion and IWGP Heavyweight Champion battled in a high-stakes non-title exhibition match that would forever cement its place in wrestling history.
Today in Pro Wrestling History: (May 3) – Hulk Hogan vs. Muta in The Land of the Rising Sun!
The animosity between the two legends was palpable, fueled by Hulk Hogan’s controversial pre-match statements. In a move that sent shockwaves through the industry, the Hulkster had brazenly declared his WWF Championship “just a toy” while expressing his true desire to claim the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, the pinnacle of Japanese wrestling.
The Great Muta, renowned for his mystical persona and devastating offense, represented not only New Japan Pro-Wrestling but also the pride of an entire nation. Hogan, the American symbol of indomitable spirit and larger-than-life charisma, sought to add the ultimate international accolade to his legacy.
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