At WrestleMania 7 in 1991, Hulk Hogan reclaimed the WWE Championship by defeating Sgt. Slaughter, a match that has since sparked reflections from both wrestlers. The bout took place during a highly charged era in WWE history, marked by Slaughter’s controversial role as an Iraqi sympathizer. This storyline had intensified fan reactions leading up to the match and shaped the rivalry’s significance.
Sgt. Slaughter, who had won the WWE Championship from The Ultimate Warrior at the 1991 Royal Rumble just 64 days prior, later recounted his final interaction with Hogan about their match. Slaughter shared these memories in an interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling Senior Editor Bill Apter, revealing candid thoughts about the match’s outcome and Hogan’s own assessment.
Insights from a Rare Rewatch of Their Iconic Bout
During a WWE Playback segment in 2020, Hogan and Slaughter watched their WrestleMania 7 match together for the first time in many years. Slaughter noted that Hogan repeatedly expressed doubts about whether he had truly secured the win. The Hulkster openly admitted to missing key moments where he should have escaped pinfall.
“We did something at a RAW one night in Tampa, and he and I sat down and watched our WrestleMania 7 match together,” Slaughter said. “It had been years since I’d seen it, so we commented on it. After the match was over, because in between the start to the finish, he kept going, ‘Boy, I didn’t really get my shoulder up in time on that one.’ I said, ‘Yeah, I know.’ So four or five times he’d say, ‘Ooh, that wasn’t good.'”
The match itself concluded with Hogan delivering his signature big boot and leg drop, clinching the pinfall as he celebrated waving an American flag. Despite the scripted nature of wrestling, Slaughter and Hogan poked fun at the match’s perceived inconsistencies.
“So at the end of the filming, he shook my hand and he said, ‘Sarge, you should still be the champion. There’s a few times there that I really lost.’ I said, ‘I know.’ I said, ‘Even my manager, General Adnan, jumped up to stop a count one time.’ I said, ‘What was the fix? Let me know what was the fix.’ He started to laugh. He said, ‘I don’t know, crazy.'”
Sgt. Slaughter’s Experience and Legacy in WWE
Slaughter’s portrayal of an Iraqi sympathizer remains one of the most polarizing storylines in wrestling history, leading to intense reactions from WWE fans during that period. The character became a symbol of political tension translated into sports entertainment, which amplified the significance of his championship reign and subsequent loss to Hogan.
Reflecting on this era, Slaughter’s interview sheds light on the camaraderie and mutual respect shared between him and Hogan, despite the fierce rivalry presented to the audience. This honest exchange offers deeper understanding into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of professional wrestling’s storytelling.
The match at WrestleMania 7 endures as a pivotal moment in WWE history, demonstrating how characters, storylines, and real-life reflections intertwine to create unforgettable entertainment. Hogan’s admission about the contested finish highlights the human element within scripted sports, reminding fans that even legends reexamine their performances over time.
