Bruce Prichard has returned to Something To Wrestle With. On his first show since his long hiatus, Prichard detailed the process of receiving the news of Hulk Hogan’s (Terry Bollea) death and the professional decisions that followed.
Prichard stated that information regarding Hogan’s health was inconsistent in the days leading up to his death. Prichard had been in contact with Eric Bischoff, who provided updates. Prichard spoke to Bischoff the night before Hogan’s passing, and Bischoff described Hogan as “totally optimistic” and in “great spirits,” saying Hogan was “out of the woods, that he turned the corner and was doing good”. Bischoff advised Prichard to send Hogan a text because he “can’t really talk”. Prichard sent the text, which included wishes, prayers, and a final “love you”.
The next morning, Prichard received a call from Bischoff. “Eric called me on the way into the office and said, I just got word that they’re taking Terry by ambulance to the emergency room, had cardiac arrest,” Prichard reported. While Prichard was still on the phone with Bischoff, Bischoff received a text confirming that Hogan passed.
Prichard stated that the news was shocking to him. “Best way to describe it, and because he was there, man, you know it’s Like, one day you’re there, one day you’re not,”.
The Decision to Acknowledge Hogan’s Death
Prichard recounted informing the teams at the office, which solidified the news for him. “Once I said it out loud, you know, on a group people and everything, that was the first time, you know, that it hit me. And then I cried,” Prichard stated.
He noted that the event felt surreal and like it “had to be a mistake” until he saw the news coverage. The professional responsibility immediately became the focus. “You gotta figure out what is, what’s the show’s gonna look like,” Prichard stated, emphasizing the need to create a tribute. He called in staff to begin thinking about how to proceed, stating they “gotta recognize and we’ve, we’ve gotta do something that’s worthy of him”.
Prichard also noted the emotional impact on Hogan’s family. “I felt so sorry for Nick, his son, and man, my heart goes out to his kids, and my heart goes out to his family,”.
Vince McMahon’s Memorial Tribute
The conversation addressed the funeral service, which Prichard described as a “beautiful service”.
Prichard specifically discussed Vince McMahon’s tribute to Hogan. Prichard noted the timing of the service, as Vince McMahon was involved in a car accident the morning of Hogan’s death, according to TMZ.
McMahon’s tribute involved asking the attendees to give Hogan one last ovation, cupping his ears in Hogan’s signature manner.
Prichard commented on McMahon’s speech: “I thought it was classy and the best tribute of the day… short, sweet to the point, and said it all in so few words”.
Hogan’s Legacy and Make-A-Wish
Prichard stated that Hogan’s legacy is secure. “Hulkamania will live forever,” he said. He stated that Hogan would want to be remembered as a “hero to millions” and a role model for the positive things he supported.
He then discussed Hogan’s extensive charity work, specifically with Make-A-Wish. Hogan understood the “impact that he had with his fan base, and especially young children”. Prichard stated that Hogan viewed the wishes as a responsibility and an honor. “Hulk was the master at that,” Prichard concluded.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit AdFreeShows.com with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
