What if Hulk Hogan Never Went to the WWF: The Alternate 80s Wrestling World

Imagine a wrestling world where Hulk Hogan never rose to become the iconic champion he is known for. The landscape of professional wrestling in the 1980s would have been significantly different. Let's explore some of the alternate scenarios that could have unfolded.

Bob Backlund: A Longer Title Reign

Longer Title Reign: Bob Backlund, the WWF Champion before Hulk Hogan's rise, could have had a much longer title reign. Backlund's reign would likely have lasted longer before eventually being dethroned by seasoned heels like Roddy Piper or Bruno Sammartino. Without Hogan's popularity and charismatic presence, Backlund may have held onto the championship for a more extended period.

Roddy Piper: A Top Heel Champion

Potential Champion: Roddy Piper, one of the biggest stars of the 1980s, could have been positioned as a top heel champion. Piper's charisma and mic skills would have made him a compelling champion, and his rivalry with Backlund would have been a significant storyline. The absence of Hogan would have provided Piper with a more prominent role and a greater chance to become a top contender for the WWF Championship.

Ric Flair: Earlier Significance in the WWF

Earlier WWF Signing: Ric Flair, known for his multiple World Championship reigns in the NWA, could have been signed earlier by the WWF to fill the void left by Hogan. Flair’s reputation as a multi-time World Champion would have made him an appealing choice, and an earlier arrival could have led to him becoming the WWF Champion sooner. His established popularity and wrestling prowess would have made him a formidable choice for the title.

Nikita Koloff: A Potential Face Turn

Face Turn: Nikita Koloff, a major heel in the NWA during the 1980s, could have been given a bigger push as a face. If Hogan had not been in the WWF, Koloff could have been positioned as a fan favorite, challenging for titles in both the NWA or eventually making the jump to the WWF. This storyline could have resonated with fans, turning Koloff into a credible and popular challenger.

Other Potential Champions

Magnificent Muraco, Don Muraco, and Other Contenders: Without Hogan's dominance, other wrestlers like Don Muraco, Bob Orton Jr., or even a younger Ted DiBiase could have claimed the spotlight as champions during the 1980s. The absence of Hogan's massive star power would have allowed these wrestlers to shine and gain significant attention, filling the void in the title scene.

Conclusion

In summary, the absence of Hulk Hogan in the WWF would have led to a different set of champions and rivalries in the 1980s. Bob Backlund could have held the title for a longer duration, Roddy Piper might have become the champion sooner, and Ric Flair could have been a significant presence earlier in the WWF. Additionally, characters like Nikita Koloff could have had the opportunity to shine as faces in a different wrestling landscape. The lack of Hogan's massive star power would have opened up the field for many other wrestlers to claim the spotlight and leave a memorable mark on wrestling history.