Hogan vs Austin: Ever/Never?

[Guest Ravenmark]

Well is it a case of sooner rather than never?

 

In my opinion, if it doesn't happen at Wrestlemania 23 we will never see it.

 

Why not? It can't be about both wrestler's egos can it? Surely?!

 

And doesn't money tend to heal all those 'ego' problems?

 

I think Hogan would do the match in a second. He's a very smart business man and he knows that Austin-Hogan would be a huge draw and he would make a lot of money - especially since I heard somewhere that there is a clause in his 'Legends Deal' that he has to be the highest paid performer when he works Wrestlemania; Let's face Hogan knows how to make money.

 

With regards to Austin, I think money could be another clincher. How much money would Austin have to be paid to risk his neck in the ring one more time? We all know Hogan's offense is not stiff at all, but one wrong move could send Austin to Paralyse City. Austin was reportedly offered a seven figure deal to work with Hogan at WM23, but he turned it down, apparently saying that no

dollar amount was worth his health.

 

Let's presume those problems all get ironed out and Hogan vs Austin is set for WM23; How exactly would the match pan out?

 

Both men's egos will be in Vince's ear telling him that they should be the one to go over. Hogan wants to drop the leg on Austin and Austin wants to hit the stunner on Hogan - anything other than a clean finish to one of the biggest (if not the biggest) matches in history and fans would fart on it.

 

Is there a way that both men can come out of the finish looking strong?

 

I've been torn about this finish personally. When I watched Hogan and Michaels, I was convinced that Michaels was the one to go over - he was a full time member of the roster, of course he should go over. But did Michaels lose face because he lost the match? Not at all, it was the finish

fans wanted to see, the nostalgia finish and his little speech on Raw the next night attempting to bury Hogan was pathetic and unneccessary.

 

Austin has never had a problem doing the 'right' jobs but I don't see him agreeing to this match unless he's going over. This could be his last ever match (let's face it once he's wrestled Hogan, there's nothing for him left to do or rish with his neck) whereas Hogan will still be wrestling the odd match for at least the next five years; Hogan's still in shape and can STILL work.

 

I see Austin winning clean with the Stunner and him and Hogan drinking beer afterwards.

 

Hogan doesn't need a win to come out of a match looking strong - see Hogan-Rock, WM17- but in my opinion, Austin needs the win.

 

The Hulkster will find a way to get himself more over despite the finish, Austin looks good in beating Hogan and both men and Vince McMahon make a sh!tload of money.

 

I'm not trying to book anything here, this is all opinion and stuff.

 

Scott

[Guest A.C.]

Last I read - and I've no idea on the source of it - was that Austin wouldn't even consider a match with Hogan. Austin's reputation as a guy that doesn't like to put people over is worse than Hogans nowadays. Hogan seems reconciled to the fact that he'll always be a legend and - apart from the Michaels debacle recently - is happy to put folks over if the paycheck is right.

 

Austin, on the other hand, is far more protective of his legacy it seems. His "Don't Trust Anybody" slogan was more than just a gimmick, according to a shoot I listened to the other day. Again, I can't give the source as my memory is rubbish sometimes.

[Guest remi MPW]

Austin is an Ego maniac thats why i loved him. i think Austin should go over but i dont like the idea of the two drinking beer after the match it would spoil the memory of the DTA austin 3:16 take no prisoners attitude

[Guest the HiTman]

Austin is an Ego maniac thats why i loved him. i think Austin should go over but i dont like the idea of the two drinking beer after the match it would spoil the memory of the DTA austin 3:16 take no prisoners attitude

 

He does it at the end of many of his matches...then just gives them another Stunner :xyx

[Guest horsemansmiler]

Austin should go over in my opinion but i dont think it will ever happen. There is legit heat between those two plus you got two people that would not lie down for each other so how will it be sorted?

 

 

Wounding because that match would draw big time

[Guest Ravenmark]

Austin should go over in my opinion but i dont think it will ever happen. There is legit heat between those two plus you got two people that would not lie down for each other so how will it be sorted?

 

 

Wounding because that match would draw big time

 

I think money could heal those 'job' wounds.

 

Hogan would *in my opinion* happily lie down for Austin, because he knows he doesn't need the win.

 

In fact, some of Hogan's losses have made him become even more over - Rock and Warrior being prime examples.

[Guest remi MPW]

He does it at the end of many of his matches...then just gives them another Stunner :xyx

 

i dont remember him doing it with the undertaker, rock, Triple H, kane, big show, you know the main eventer's it just would'nt seem realistic with the Ego of Hogan just like when they tried to make Triple H and Hogan Shake hands they did it but not a single fan brought the way they were acting

[Guest horsemansmiler]

 

In fact, some of Hogan's losses have made him become even more over - Rock and Warrior being prime examples.

 

 

Good Point

[Guest rawiswar]

Austin is an Ego maniac thats why i loved him. i think Austin should go over but i dont like the idea of the two drinking beer after the match it would spoil the memory of the DTA austin 3:16 take no prisoners attitude

 

Absolutely!

 

If the match was to happen, Austin to go over definitely. It's a must win for Austin in my opinion as it would be the last match ending his legacy as a performer. And I think Austin deserves the thanks from all the team at WWE and the fans in general. A win would be excellent, and would just remind the Attitude Era fans of us what a great, great time it was back then with a lot of that era due to Austin’s contributions.

[Guest Kanenite]

Never now. I read a few weeks back that anyone betting on Austin vs Hogan would be waiting a long time as Austin doesn't even want to consider a match between them. It's a pity really as 4 months ago it looked like a definate to happen but i'd rather Austin not be forced into the match and not have many feelings into it.

[Guest The Beltster]

I think we have a 20-25% chance of it happening, probably at WM23, but if it doesnt happen there, it wont happen at all.

 

The problem lies in Austin, and I dont say that as a Hulkamaniac, I say that from what I have read, heard and learned. Hulk Hogan wants the match big time, as does Vince. They are both money guys, they know it would make them each a ton of cash. Austin was offered a 7-figure payday to work with Hulk Hogan at WM22, he turned it down, so money obviously isnt much of a factor for Steve Austin.

 

Hogan also agreed to waive the stipulation in his contract that says he gets more money than any other wrestler on any card he appears at, so that Austin could have his 7-figures and Vince wouldnt have to pay Hogan the same, sources say Hogan was asking for anywhere between $750,000 - 800,000. Hogan also agreed, apparently, go put Steve Austin over via the Stunner 1-2-3, thinking that if they had a match, he would be able to manipulate the crowd into his corner as he did with the Rock at WMX8 and look like the man even after being pinned.

 

This whole dream-match deal lies with Austin, if he says its a go, we will have it, if he doesnt change his mind, its never going to happen.

[Paul 584]

Hogan also agreed to waive the stipulation in his contract that says he gets more money than any other wrestler on any card he appears at, so that Austin could have his 7-figures and Vince wouldnt have to pay Hogan the same, sources say Hogan was asking for anywhere between $750,000 - 800,000. Hogan also agreed, apparently, go put Steve Austin over via the Stunner 1-2-3, thinking that if they had a match, he would be able to manipulate the crowd into his corner as he did with the Rock at WMX8 and look like the man even after being pinned.

 

 

Where did you hear that? I try to keep up, but Ive never heard of Hogan saying these things.

[Guest Ravenmark]

I think that was reported in the Torch Newsletter.

[Paul 584]

Im amazed I missed that. Ah well. Fingers crossed its true and Austin agrees to the match then.

[Guest Ravenmark]

I wasn't aware that Hogan had agreed to do the job, but I had heard that he agreed to waive his 'highest earner' fee.

 

Too many people have probably got in Austin's ear *ahem*Bret*ahem* about Hogan and what he's like to work with - plus he probably heard about all the stuff about Michaels-Hogan - and just doesn't trust the man on a professional level.

 

It's all about ego; and Austin doesn't want his to be bruised.

[Paul 584]

LOL!!! You realise Austin didnt like Hogan from BEFORE he knew Bret? :P

[Guest Ravenmark]

Of course.

 

What I meant was that Austin and Bret spent a lot of time talking together after the HOF; Austin may have mentioned he was toying with working Hogan at WM23 (there was a tease at the ceremony) but Bret may have said a few things that may have completely put Austin off.

 

And you don't have to like someone to work with them.

 

See Goldberg-Hall, Goldberg-Jericho, Goldberg-HHH, Michaels-Bret, Michaels-Hogan, Hogan-Warrior, Hogan-Savage, Bischoff working for McMahon etc etc

[Guest The Beltster]

It was indeed reported on the Torch...

 

LOL!!! You realise Austin didnt like Hogan from BEFORE he knew Bret? :P

As for this, Austin didnt like Hogan originally for bringing in all his WWF buddies to WCW in 1994 thus killing Austins push, Austin held a grudge for years. HOWEVER, when Hogan came back to the WWF in 2002, Hogan and Austin kissed and made up, so-to-speak. They werent good buddies, but they were on speaking terms, shared beers in the ring in 2002 after shows went off the air and also had a few laughs backstage at the HOF in 2005 when Hogan was inducted.

 

The reason for the current heat between Hogan and Austin is because of how Hogan downplayed Austins accomplishments and career on various radio and magazine interviews late last year.

[Guest Nemesis Enforcer]

Most people seemed so excited at the prospect of Hogan vs. Austin but to me all the match would be is 2 over the hill, broken down guys putting on a terrible match.

 

Don't get me wrong I loved Hogan i nthe late 80's and early to mid 90's and Austin right up until he walked out on WWE but now I see them for what they are, over the hill, both play off their name and to have them in a match sounds great on paper but thats all, in reality it would be awful to watch, if they were both in their prime then yes but now no!

[Guest rawiswar]

Most people seemed so excited at the prospect of Hogan vs. Austin but to me all the match would be is 2 over the hill, broken down guys putting on a terrible match.

 

Don't get me wrong I loved Hogan i nthe late 80's and early to mid 90's and Austin right up until he walked out on WWE but now I see them for what they are, over the hill, both play off their name and to have them in a match sounds great on paper but thats all, in reality it would be awful to watch, if they were both in their prime then yes but now no!

 

I see Hogan like this but not Austin. To be fair to Austin, the guy has had to hang up the boots prematurely. Austin, if it wasn't for his injuries could still be wrestling today as a full time performer. The guy's what? 42? And that's not that old really compared to some of the performers in the WWE right now. Hogan though, he's the guy that wants to live in the past, wants to be seen as the best, wants it all, when in reality his time is long long gone, whereas Austin could still be here right now wrestling if it wasn't for injuries.

 

So I usually take Austin’s side when it comes to these little shenanigans between Austin and Hogan. It's only fair really in my eyes.

 

Not only this, but Hogan has got a few more years left to win in his last match. The guy should just think about others for once and let Steve have the win with also the crowd on Steve's side as it would ultimately be Steve's last and final match to end his, quite frankly, excellent legacy.

Edited May 8, 2006 by rawiswar

[Guest The Beltster]

in reality it would be awful to watch!

You say this as if its fact, I remember most people saying the same thing about Hogan vs Rock in 2002 and, more recently, Hogan vs HBK last year and while I understand Austin cant carry Hogan as well as Rock or HBK, neither Rock or HBK can work a crowd as well as Austin and NOBODY can work a crowd as well as Hogan so where workrate-wise, the match might not be great, it would be one hell of a spectacle and thats what WrestleMania is all about.

 

I usually take Austin’s side when it comes to these little shenanigans between Austin and Hogan. It's only fair really in my eyes.

Taking Austins side in this instance isnt using sense, however, becase its Austin who refuses the match this time and thats with Hogan willing to lay down clean 1-2-3 from a stunner. Edited May 9, 2006 by Paul

[Guest rawiswar]

Austin refuses this match because of his health. This is only fair. Sure, he could risk it for one last time, and at the moment it looks like he doesn't want to risk it. But who knows, maybe he will change his mind, then again maybe not, and we may not see this match

 

And also, Hogan is only willing to laydown 1-2-3 after the stunner because he believes the crowd will go on his side. See, there's always something with the guy. They should just let Austin have it all for his last and final match. But this Hogan, always has to have something, why can't he just let be for another guy's last and final match. As I said, Hogan has got some years for his final match where he has the win and the fans, can't Hogan stop being damn selfish for once.

 

If this match was to happen. What I would ideally like is for the crowd to be fairly even at the start, cheers for both Austin and Hogan, yet towards the end I feel they should most definitely support Austin because of all he's been through with his injuries and ending his career early. Come on, this must of been quite devastating for Austin. Then you get Hogan saying, ah yeah it will be booked so the fans are on my side. What a selfish ***** (make up your own word here). Hogan can have his last match with the fans his side next year, the year after, or the year after that. Can't he just this once lay down to Austin yet with also the fans on Austin's side. Anyway, no matter what the finish or booking, I would think the fans in the arena would be fairly even, with quite an equal amount of cheers for both, or I at least hope there's a few more for Austin after what he's had to go through with career ending prematurely and all and where he could still be a performer today compared to Hogan at pretty much a retirement age for professional wrestling.

Edited May 8, 2006 by rawiswar

[Guest Nemesis Enforcer]

You say this as if its fact' date=' I remember most people saying the same thing about Hogan vs Rock in 2002 and, more recently, Hogan vs HBK last year and while I understand Austin cant carry Hogan as well as Rock or HBK, neither Rock or HBK can work a crowd as well as Austin and NOBODY can work a crowd as well as Hogan so where workrate-wise, the match might not be great, it would be one hell of a spectacle and thats what WrestleMania is all about.[/quote']

I am not saying it is fact that it would be awful to watch, but that is my opinion, I expect there is many who would enjoy the match but to me it would be awful, I didn't like Rock vs. Hogan or HBK vs. Hogan either I thought they were poor quality, now many may disagree but thats the way I see it is all :)

Edited May 8, 2006 by Nemesis Enforcer

[Guest The Beltster]

Austin refuses this match because of his health. This is only fair. Sure' date=' he could risk it for one last time, and at the moment it looks like he doesn't want to risk it. But who knows, maybe he will change his mind, then again maybe not, and we may not see this match[/quote']It has ZERO to do with his health, what are you talking about?! Austin wont work with Hulk Hogan because he doesnt like him, simple as that, NOTHING more. If Austin was so worried about his health, why was he willing to work Coach, a guy with no experience in the ring? Hogan isnt a dangerous worker and with 30 years of experience he isnt going to drop Austin.

 

And also' date=' Hogan is only willing to laydown 1-2-3 after the stunner because he believes the crowd will go on his side. See, there's always something with the guy. They should just let Austin have it all for his last and final match. But this Hogan, always has to have something, why can't he just let be for another guy's last and final match. As I said, Hogan has got some years for his final match where he has the win and the fans, can't Hogan stop being damn selfish for once.[/quote']Its nothing to do with being bloody selfish, you need to kill the Austin bias/Hogan hatred and get real, when big stars match up, the always work it so its equal in some ways so one guy, usually the one who loses, doesnt lose in a way to look weak. The main thing is Hogan has agreed to lay down 1-2-3 CLEAN, so you cant fault Hogan on this at all, its Austin and Austin ONLY who is preventing this match.

 

As for Hogan having years left and all that rubbish, he is 53 and his body is a wreck, almost as bad as Austins, and in a match between the two biggest stars ever, it should end in a draw at worst, Austin should be pleased Hogan is willing to lose clean to him!

 

Then you get Hogan saying' date=' ah yeah it will be booked so the fans are on my side. What a selfish ***** (make up your own word here). Hogan can have his last match with the fans his side next year, the year after, or the year after that. Can't he just this once lay down to Austin yet with also the fans on Austin's side.[/quote']The fans BOOKED to cheer for Hogan?! How exactly do you book the fans to do anything? It has nothing to do with booking fans to do anything, they will cheer for whoever they like most, and if that just so happens to be Hulk Hogan, how can you possibly blame Hogan for that?! Thats totally rediculous!

Edited May 8, 2006 by The Beltster

[Guest rawiswar]

It has ZERO to do with his health, what are you talking about?! Austin wont work with Hulk Hogan because he doesnt like him, simple as that, NOTHING more. If Austin was so worried about his health, why was he willing to work Coach, a guy with no experience in the ring? Hogan isnt a dangerous worker and with 30 years of experience he isnt going to drop Austin.

 

Its nothing to do with being bloody selfish, you need to kill the Austin bias/Hogan hatred and get real, when big stars match up, the always work it so its equal in some ways so one guy, usually the one who loses, doesnt lose in a way to look weak. The main thing is Hogan has agreed to lay down 1-2-3 CLEAN, so you cant fault Hogan on this at all, its Austin and Austin ONLY who is preventing this match.

 

As for Hogan having years left and all that rubbish, he is 53 and his body is a wreck, almost as bad as Austins, and in a match between the two biggest stars ever, it should end in a draw at worst, Austin should be pleased Hogan is willing to lose clean to him!

 

Well what I mean by a few years isn't quite rubbish is it really. I'm not meaning say, 10 years, I mean about 3 years. Say when Hogan is 55, I'm sure he could have his last match around then.

 

As for the health issue with Austin. Is it really rubbish? Perhaps Austin is concerned something could go wrong? Perhaps Austin is even too nervous to participate in this match; you've heard all the stories about how he had a nervous breakdown before the match with Rock. Fair enough, if Austin is truly being difficult and just doesn't want to do this match for the sake of it, I would say, well why not, but surely there is a deep rooted reason on why he does not want to take part that we are not aware off.

 

The fans BOOKED to cheer for Hogan?! How exactly do you book the fans to do anything? It has nothing to do with booking fans to do anything, they will cheer for whoever they like most, and if that just so happens to be Hulk Hogan, how can you possibly blame Hogan for that?! Thats totally rediculous!

 

Well what I mean by this is, the sneaky ways of booking a feud to make fans cheer for one or the other. Would they book the promos, story etc to make them both neither a heel or face, or one the face? or the other a heel? That's what I mean about it being booked in a certain way. I'm guessing they would not do this though (hopefully) and would just make it so they are the two beloved characters people know them as where both guys get the cheers from the crowd.

Edited May 8, 2006 by rawiswar