The Missing Hulk Hogan: Who Could Have Dominated in the 1980s WWF?

The 1980s were a golden age for professional wrestling, especially within the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Hulk Hogan rose to stardom during this period, but what if one of his contemporaries had taken the crown? This article explores the potential for alternative dominant long-term top babyfaces during the 1980s WWF, considering wrestlers such as Sting, Sgt. Slaughter, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, and Steve Keirn (better known as MachoMan Randy Savage).

Sting's Late Bloomer

While Sting represented a significant wrestling talent, he didn’t establish himself as a top performer until much later in the decade. The groundwork for his eventual success was laid by other performers like Hulk Hogan, who paved the way with their own runs and popularity. Before Sting's rise, there were other candidates waiting in the wings.

Wrestler Fallouts and Longevity

Sgt. Slaughter's run with the WWF was relatively short, especially in a long-term capacity. His initial runs saw him as a villain, even managed by The Grand Wizard. It wasn't until Hogan became the top star that Sgt. Slaughter's career trajectory changed. Slaughter lacked the 'it factor' and seemed somewhat outdated in the wrestling milieu of the 1980s.

Veering into the Villain Camp with Savage and Steamboat

Two other notable wrestlers in consideration are Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat. Early in the 1980s, Ricky Steamboat was a crowd favorite, although Sgt. Slaughter following shortly after didn't have the same level of appeal. Savage, on the other hand, was a wild villain, generating significant interest and fame.

From a spectator's perspective, Ricky Steamboat was a logical contender for a long-term top babyface. His charisma and in-ring expertise made him a strong candidate, not to mention his consistent presence throughout the 1980s WWF.

The Feud Between the Two

Interestingly, the competition and rivalry between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat added to the intrigue of the era. Despite the feud, both wrestlers commanded strong fan bases, and their contrasting personas contributed to the rich tapestry of wrestling throughout the 1980s.

Considerations Beyond the Roster

Other wrestlers like Steve Keirn (MachoMan Randy Savage) and Bret Hart also come into the picture, each with their unique set of skills and appeal. Steve Keirn was a strong heuristic choice due to his raw in-ring ability and entertaining persona. However, his career as a main eventer was somewhat constrained by his role and the emphasis placed on other stars such as Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior.

The Vince Sr. era placed a high value on believability, favoring wrestlers like Bruno Sammartino who had a more traditional look. Steve Keirn, while having a great physical presence, didn't quite fit the mold of the larger-than-life wrestling hero as expected by fans of the time.

The Mic Skills Debate

On the other hand, Roddy Piper and Steve Keirn (MachoMan Randy Savage) were both highly skilled in front of the microphone. They excelled in delivering impactful speeches and maintaining audience engagement. However, their primary strengths as heels—tear-jerking entrances and fireworks— weren't always as effective when transitioning to the babyface role.

It is worth noting that Hulk Hogan’s star was so bright that it often overshadowed the success of his contemporaries. After his feud with Andre the Giant, Hogan returned to the top spot, leaving less room for ambitious new stories and characters to thrive. This leaves us to question what could have been with other talented performers like Savage and Piper.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Steve Keirn (MachoMan), and Bret Hart all had qualities that could have made them compelling top babyfaces in the 1980s WWF. Each brought a unique flair, charisma, and in-ring acumen to the table, but the success of someone like Hulk Hogan inevitably cast a long shadow over the potential for other dominant figures. Nonetheless, the wrestling landscape of the 1980s remained vibrant and unpredictable, with multiple stars capable of shining their respective lights.

Keywords: WWF, Hulk Hogan, 1980s wrestlers, Steve Keirn, Ricky Steamboat, Randy Savage, Bret Hart