Some comments on Hogan matches from the NJ DVDVR 80s project work in progress...
Hulk Hogan vs. Abdullah the Butcher, 5/26/82
PHIL: Man I am kind of digging this New Japan Hogan, this is really fun as it is two charismatic over the top characters pounding on each other. Hogan is quite the blade freak as Abby bust him open fierce, we even get to see an Abby suplex. Crazy post match pull apart arena brawl. Vince really should have brought Abby in as a Hogan opponent in the 80's.
CHILDS: Great brawl here. Hogan bled severely for our entertainment and tossed in a vintage hulk-up. Abby expertly worked his sneaky weapon gimmicks. The fight through the stands felt chaotic rather than pro-forma. I'm happy to push this forward.
GH: Once Hogan starts bleeding this thing really gets good with Abby attacking the cut and Hogan fighting for his life. I mean fuck, Hogan biting Abby’s ear? I am glad this match popped up because I have been waiting for Abby to show that violent streak we see form him elsewhere.
Andre the Giant vs. Hulk Hogan, 12/9/82
CHILDS: Really good brawl. Hogan bled heavily at the end (Andre wiped it all over his face in a nice heelish touch.) But he rallied to slam Andre post-bell. It should move forward
Hulk Hogan vs. Tatsumi Fujinami, 2/5/85
Well, Hogan is working hard and he quickly takes control early on and Fujinami seems frustrated in not being able to gain any sort of advantage. Eventually he trips Hogan up and applies the sharpshooter. This results in Hogan getting a rope break and taking a breather. So far, so good. It looked like Hogan had it won with the Axe Bomber but Fujinami was able to put his foot on the ropes. I thought the match was done. After a tumble outside, Fujinami posts Hogan and he starts bleeding. Fujinami takes control inside and is pounding on the cut. Great ending as the ref tries to separate Fujinami fron Hogan and right after Fujinami pushes the ref away, he gets nailed with a lariat for the three count. Really good stuff from both guys here. Hogan gave Fujinami plenty and even allowed himself to be dominated later on before putting the match away. Thumbs up from me.
Hulk Hogan vs. Tatsumi Fujinami, 2/6/85
GH: lot of similarities to this match and the previous day’s match. However, this one feels like the 2nd match where both guys know each other enough to counter certain things. Hogan knows after he gets tied in the Sharpshooter, he needs to get out of the ring and regroup. He knew the lariat put Fujinami away before so he tried to go for it right away. Even though it ended in a counout, I loved the ending. Fujinami nailing the lariat after ducking the Hogan lariat, sending Hogan out. In a panic, Hogan pulls Fujinami out to save his hide. Good stuff. The rematch gets a nomination.