The Gist: "When Hulk Turned Heel" Summary

Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Mike Pesca
Guest: Mark Raimondi, Author of "Say Hello to the Bad Guys. How Professional Wrestling's New World Order Changed America."

Introduction

In the episode titled "When Hulk Turned Heel," host Mike Pesca delves into the transformative period of professional wrestling in the 1990s, focusing on Hulk Hogan's pivotal heel turn and the emergence of the New World Order (NWO). Pesca, alongside guest Mark Raimondi, explores the interplay between wrestling narratives and broader cultural shifts, drawing parallels to contemporary political landscapes.

Hulk Hogan: The American Hero

Mike Pesca opens the discussion by reminiscing about Hulk Hogan's iconic status in the 1980s and early 1990s:

Mike Pesca [04:07]: "Hulk Hogan was this huge, was this more huge for the culture than I was realizing in the 90s."

Mark Raimondi concurs, highlighting Hogan's pervasive influence:

Mark Raimondi [04:41]: "Hulk Hogan was... the face of professional wrestling. Right. He was the biggest star in the history of the industry."

Hogan epitomized the quintessential "babyface" or good guy, embodying American ideals by triumphing over "evil foreign adversaries." This persona not only propelled WWF (now WWE) into mainstream popularity but also made Hogan a household name through movies and television appearances.

The Steroid Scandal: A Turning Point

The conversation shifts to the early 1990s steroid scandal that rocked the WWF. Mark Raimondi provides a detailed account:

Mark Raimondi [08:31]: "The feds found out that steroids were running rampant through pro wrestling... they were able to then bring a case against the WWF and Vince McMahon specifically for the distribution and also the encouragement of using steroids."

Hogan's involvement became a critical juncture. Despite being offered immunity in exchange for testifying against Vince McMahon, Hogan ultimately did not provide substantial testimony, leading to a strained relationship between him and McMahon. This rift signaled the beginning of the end for Hogan's unblemished hero image within the WWF.

Hogan's Attempted Heel Turn and Departure to WCW

Post-scandal, Vince McMahon attempted to transition Hogan into a heel, or bad guy, to refresh his character and align with changing audience sentiments. However, Hogan resisted this shift:

Mark Raimondi [16:38]: "Hogan... didn't want to become the Iron Sheik. Absolutely."

Frustrated with the inability to reinvent Hogan's persona, Eric Bischoff, the promoter of WCW (World Championship Wrestling), saw an opportunity. He strategized to turn Hogan heel as part of a broader vision for WCW, aiming to capitalize on the growing anti-hero trend in society.

Bischoff's innovative tactics included:

• Counterprogramming: Launching WCW's "Nitro" live against WWF's "Raw," disrupting traditional wrestling programming.

• Talent Acquisition: Signing high-profile wrestlers like Lex Luger, capitalizing on contractual loopholes to bolster WCW's roster.

• Branding the NWO: Introducing the New World Order, a faction of wrestlers who rebelled against WCW, emulating the edgy, rebellious spirit that resonated with the 1990s audience.

When Bischoff proposed turning Hogan heel, Hogan vehemently rejected the idea, leading to his departure from WWF and subsequent alignment with WCW. This move was instrumental in the formation of the NWO, which became a cultural phenomenon, mirroring societal shifts towards more complex, morally ambiguous characters.

Cultural Impact of the New World Order

The establishment of the NWO under WCW's banner signified a seismic shift in professional wrestling:

Mark Raimondi [19:05]: "Bischoff wanted to turn Hogan heel. So that was kind of a vision that he had."

The NWO's anti-establishment narrative and incorporation of real-life tactics like breaking the fourth wall blurred the lines between scripted entertainment and genuine rivalry. This approach not only revitalized wrestling but also reflected the era's broader cultural movements towards skepticism of authority and institutional critique.

Parallel Insights: Wrestling and Politics

Pesca and Raimondi draw intriguing parallels between wrestling storylines and political dynamics:

Mark Raimondi [22:49]: "There are so many parallels... terms like working yourself into a shoot can be applied in both ways because... breaking down the fourth wall, too, in politics."

These comparisons underscore how narrative strategies in wrestling can serve as microcosms for political strategies, emphasizing the performative aspects of leadership and public personas.

Russell Vogt's Interview and Pesca's Critique

Transitioning from wrestling, Pesca addresses an interview with Russell Vogt, OMB Director, who appeared on "Face the Nation." Pesca critically examines Vogt's claims regarding government spending and policies, highlighting discrepancies and factual inaccuracies.

For instance, Vogt's assertion about a $2 million grant for injecting dogs with cocaine is debunked by Pesca:

Mike Pesca [28:58]: "It did really involve beagles being strapped into jackets and then injected with cocaine... the real study was testing a drug designed to interrupt the effects of cocaine, acute cocaine use."

Pesca emphasizes the importance of fact-checking and maintaining credibility in public discourse, advocating for responsible journalism and informed skepticism.

Conclusion

In "When Hulk Turned Heel," Mike Pesca and Mark Raimondi offer a comprehensive exploration of a transformative era in professional wrestling, illustrating how Hulk Hogan's heel turn and the rise of the NWO not only reshaped the wrestling industry but also mirrored significant cultural and societal shifts. The episode seamlessly weaves in critical analysis of contemporary political narratives, reinforcing the interconnectedness of entertainment and real-world dynamics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Pesca [04:07]: "Hulk Hogan was this huge, was this more huge for the culture than I was realizing in the 90s."

• Mark Raimondi [04:41]: "He was the face of professional wrestling. Right. He was the biggest star in the history of the industry."

• Mark Raimondi [08:31]: "They were able to then bring a case against the WWF and Vince McMahon specifically for the distribution and also the encouragement of using steroids."

• Mark Raimondi [19:05]: "Bischoff wanted to turn Hogan heel. So that was kind of a vision that he had."

• Mike Pesca [28:58]: "It did really involve beagles being strapped into jackets and then injected with cocaine... the real study was testing a drug designed to interrupt the effects of cocaine, acute cocaine use."

This episode offers a nuanced look at how scripted narratives in entertainment can reflect and influence broader societal and political trends, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of both professional wrestling and its intersection with culture.