Exclusive: Former WWE Official Pays Emotional Tribute to Late Hulk Hogan

Former WWE referee Jimmy Korderas opened up about the passing of Hulk Hogan, sharing heartfelt memories and insights into the man behind the larger-than-life persona. 

Korderas praised Hogan for his impact on the industry and recalled his unforgettable match against Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania X8. 

Hogan, real name Terry Gene Bollea, passed away on July 24 at age 71. 

He was instrumental in catapulting WWE, then WWF, into mainstream popularity in the 1980s. His charisma, showmanship, and crossover appeal made him arguably the most recognizable figure in the industry. 

Outside of the ring, Hogan also ventured into Hollywood, most notably portraying Thunderlips opposite Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III. 

Following his death, tributes poured in across the pro wrestling world. WWE honored Hogan with a 10-bell salute on all their live programming last week. Other companies, including TNA Wrestling and NJPW, where Hogan had brief runs, also paid tribute to him. 

In an exclusive conversation, produced in collaboration with The Game Plan, Korderas offered a glimpse into the personal side of Hogan, which fans rarely got to see.  

Korderas recalled their first meeting vividly: he had been tasked with picking him up from a Toronto hotel and driving him to Maple Leaf Gardens.

"The entire ride down, [Hogan] was having a conversation with me. Asking me about me, not talking wrestling," Korderas told SportsBoom.com.  

"[Hogan] says, 'Thanks for the ride. If you need anything, you let me know.' And that kind of struck me." 

The former WWE referee expressed gratitude to Hogan for being approachable and for his generosity behind the scenes.

"That's the coolest thing ever. And then, as the years went by, obviously, you develop a friendship and a relationship. And he was always super cool with me," he added.

ICON VS. ICON

After leaving WWE, Hogan signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he reinvented himself as Hollywood Hogan, the villainous leader of the nWo. The bold decision to shift his character helped WCW Nitro surpass WWE Raw in the TV ratings, igniting the legendary 'Monday Night Wars'. 

In 2002, one year removed from WWE acquiring WCW, Hogan made a triumphant return to the company. 

The return set the stage for a clash between Hogan and The Rock at WrestleMania X8, billed as Icon vs. Icon, at the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre) in Toronto, Canada. 

Despite his heel persona, fans in attendance erupted in cheers for Hogan and booed The Rock. 

Korderas vividly remembers the match and the atmosphere in SkyDome. Though he wasn't officiating that match, he couldn't resist sneaking out into the technical area to witness it firsthand.

"When Rock and Hogan were in the ring, that crowd was louder than any crowd I have ever heard in my life. That was insane. [SkyDome] literally shaking," Korderas said. 

"It was incredible. When Hulk kicked out of that Rock Bottom, as Pat Patterson used to say: That place went banana," he added.

MASTER OF HIS CRAFT

Hogan was never known for a flashy move-set or high-risk style. Instead, his ability to emotionally connect with an audience set him apart. 

Korderas emphasized that this storytelling skill was on full display during his match with The Rock. He highlighted their face-off and how both men fed off the crowd's energy.

"[Hogan and The Rock] did that face-off, where they stared at each other for four, five minutes, it felt like. The entire time, nobody was sitting, and they were all on their feet, screaming and yelling, cheering. They didn't have to do a thing." Korderas explained.

For Korderas, that moment captured the essence of what makes pro wrestling special.

"The wrestlers in the ring, the ones that know better, listen to the crowd. That's what they predicate everything they do on. If you get that reaction, then you know you're doing something right," he concluded.