Netflix’s Mr. McMahon features a notorious incident from Hulk Hogan’s career: his controversial appearance on Richard Belzer’s talk show and the ensuing lawsuit against the wrestling superstar.
This six-part Netflix docu-series primarily focuses on the titular figure, WWE’s co-founder and former CEO, who transformed the wrestling promotion into one of the largest entertainment powerhouses globally.
Mr. McMahon chronicles his ascent with the WWF, aggressively expanding into rival promoters’ territories and enticing competing wrestlers with lucrative contracts. Hogan emerged as his most notable recruit, attaining super-stardom after starring in Rocky III and headlining WrestleMania III, where he triumphed over Andre the Giant.
However, just two years before that historic pay-per-view, Hogan found himself involved in a lawsuit that took five years to settle.
Who is Richard Belzer?
Richard Belzer was a celebrated actor and comedian, renowned for his role as John Munch on popular crime series such as Law & Order: SVU and Homicide: Life on the Street.
In an extraordinary feat, he is the only actor in American television history to portray a single character across 11 different series, with Munch making appearances in shows like Arrested Development, 30 Rock, and Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Before becoming a television fixture, he warmed up audiences for Saturday Night Live and starred in several comedic sketches. His film credits include appearances in Fame, Scarface, and Fletch Lives.
Later in his life, he authored five books exploring various conspiracy theories, discussing topics such as the true motives behind John F. Kennedy’s assassination and the mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.
Belzer passed away in October 2023 due to complications from a respiratory illness, at the age of 78.
What happened between Richard Belzer and Hulk Hogan?
In 1985, just four days before the inaugural WrestleMania, Hulk Hogan made an appearance on Hot Properties, Richard Belzer’s talk show on Lifetime.
As depicted in the Netflix documentary, Belzer requested Hogan to demonstrate a wrestling move, leading the wrestler to put him in a headlock (officially a front face lock). Unfortunately, Belzer fell to the ground. “Hulk thought it was a pratfall… but he was genuinely hurt,” Linda McMahon recounted.
Footage from the show captured blood streaming down the back of Belzer’s jacket from his head injury. After the commercial break, he cautioned the audience: “If you’re not a professional athlete or wrestler, don’t attempt what you see on TV.”
The situation escalated as Belzer proceeded to file a lawsuit against Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) for personal injury.
How much did Belzer win in the lawsuit?
Ultimately, Belzer didn’t technically win the lawsuit; it was settled out of court for approximately $400,000.
Belzer initially sought $5 million in damages from Hogan, McMahon, and the WWF. “He came very close to killing me. A sports medicine expert advised me that if I had fallen just a few inches differently, I could have been paralyzed for life or even dead,” he disclosed to Ray Firestone in 1990.
Belzer’s legal team also demanded 50% of the compensation, citing the “angst, aggravation, and life’s blood which this case caused.”
Though the fine points of the lawsuit were substantial, Belzer humorously used the settlement to purchase a house in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France, which he cheekily named “Chez Hogan.”
We have detailed five other surprising moments in Mr. McMahon. For additional insights, explore why WWE has faced accusations of promoting “racist trash,”along with Stephanie McMahon’s earlier blunder involving Mike Tyson.
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