Sting Reveals Hulk Hogan Fought to Get Him Into WWF Years Before WCW Run

During a recent Big Time Wrestling appearance, wrestling icon Sting opened up about a powerful memory that reminded him of just how supportive Hulk Hogan was—even when they weren’t working under the same banner.

While talking to the crowd, Sting explained that Hogan’s influence wasn’t limited to the companies he worked for. In fact, Hogan had been pulling for Sting to join him in WWF long before they ever linked up in WCW. Sting recalled a particular story Hogan once shared that stuck with him for years.

According to Sting, Hogan told him that while still in WWF, he watched one of Sting’s WCW promos with Vince McMahon—one of his now-signature offbeat interviews referencing Venice Beach. What Hogan said next left a mark on Sting.

“I remember he told me a story about watching me when I was with WCW. He was still with WWF at the time, and he was watching a WCW program. He was watching me interview—with Vince McMahon—or Vince was watching with him. And I did some kind of landmark or—you know—Venice Beach land shark interview, which was comical. And it really meant a lot to Hogan. And he said to Vince, he said, ‘We gotta get this guy up here.’”

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The moment revealed more than just Hogan’s respect—it showed how he supported talent, even when they were working for the competition. Sting made it clear that this wasn’t just about admiration—it was about Hogan advocating for him behind the scenes when he didn’t have to.

Sting and Hogan would later become central figures in WCW’s golden era, but this story confirms that Hogan recognized Sting’s star power long before their NWO and black-and-white days. It was a show of loyalty and support that Sting never forgot.