SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 4:30 Min.
Recorded by the unidentified ‘WWF All-Stars,’ this cartoony theme is the sixth cut on 1985’s The Wrestling Album by the WWE (at the time, it was the World Wrestling Federation). Include in the track is a transitional voice clip of Vince McMahon, “Mean” Gene Okerlund, and Jesse “The Body” Ventura trading scripted dialogue setting up the album’s next cut: Roddy Piper’s “For Everybody.” Notably, as McMahon & Okerlund playfully reprimand him, Ventura mimics the sound of retching in the background upon enduring this song.
This up-tempo tune would serve as the theme for the WWE’s CBS 1986-87 Saturday morning program, “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.” “Hulk Hogan’s Theme” appears on The Wrestling Album’s 1999 CD debut.
REVIEW:
It’s a far cry from “Eye of the Tiger” and later “Real American,” which were big selling points for Hulk-a-Mania in the 80’s. For die-hard fans of Hogan’s mid-80’s animated series, this rare tune may still hold some nostalgic appeal. Yet, the insipid feel-good melody (particularly, its chorus section) pushes “Hulk Hogan’s Theme” as bland kiddie pop all the way. Though the song was ideal for the cartoon series, it’s hard to imagine that the WWE actually played this ultra-campy track in various arenas circa 1984- 1985 as Hogan’s entrance music.
Hence, Jesse Ventura’s half-amusing dialogue clip probably isn’t far from the truth re: what he and other wrestlers thought of Hogan’s shameless pandering to elementary school kids. Lastly, the fact that Hogan soon claimed Rick Derringer’s “Real American” anthem off this same album as his new signature tune wasn’t likely a coincidence.
Note: Interestingly, “Real American” started out as Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo’s U.S. Express entrance music. Once they departed the WWF after WrestleMania I, no wonder Hogan dumped this kiddie theme at the first opportunity.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 3 Stars
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