Hulk Hogan was a one-man armed forces branch inside the ring, disposing the latest lumbering threats from Cold War Russia, Iran and even an Iraqi sympathizer with nothing more than a big boot to the face and a legdrop.
Hogan, the biggest star in WWE history, never lost sight of the work performed by real American troops around the world who served their country in a far more hostile environment than the squared circle.
“It’s amazing to see how brave, how proud and how positive these kids are,” Hogan said.
Hogan has a special chance to thank servicemen in person when World Wrestling Entertainment tapes its annual “WWE Tribute to the Troops” show on Tuesday night at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. The WWE’s 12th holiday troops’ special brings together celebrities from sports, entertainment and pop culture to entertain American servicemen and women. The show airs on USA Network and NBC later this month.
“Without our troops, without these men and women putting their lives on the line, we would not have our freedom,” WWE chief brand officer Stephanie McMahon said. “We would not have the ability to do what we do. It is the least we can do to give back to them.”