Hulk Hogan’s first stint with the WWE ended in 1981, due to Vincent J. McMahon’s disapproval of Hogan’s involvement in Rocky III. So, Hogan joined Verne Gagne’s AWA.

Hogan Cutting Promos Made Fans Get Used To Name Change Hulk Hogan dominated the WWE Championship picture for most of his tenure from 1984 throughout the rest of the ‘80s decade.

Hulk Hogan is launching Real American Beer. ... But he fell short against Nick Bockwinkel, the reigning AWA champion, in April of ’82. Even when Hogan lost, he won.

Even die-hard Hulk Hogan fans might not know ... Was The Champion During WWE Name Change. Hogan's dominance in the 1980s meant he was ... Hogan's rivalry with Bobby Heenan began in the AWA, ...