Understanding the Richard Belzer and Hulk Hogan Controversy Involving Mr. McMahon

The Netflix docuseries Mr. McMahon is packed with alarming events from the life of Vince McMahon, the creator of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as well as significant moments in WWE history. One of the most notable incidents involved actor Richard Belzer and wrestling icon Hulk Hogan.

This six-part documentary showcases insights from former WWE wrestlers and business associates as they reflect on pivotal moments in the company’s evolution. Hulk Hogan recounted a memorable incident that occurred in 1985, during the peak of his wrestling fame, in front of a live audience.

The Mr. McMahon documentary delves into the extensive history of lawsuits faced by McMahon and others affiliated with WWE. Among these lawsuits, one was relatively less severe despite its notoriety.

This particular case took place early in WWE’s history and ultimately established some noteworthy legal precedents following the litigation.

1. Who was Richard Belzer?

The Mr. McMahon series highlights an intriguing exchange between Hulk Hogan and TV star Richard Belzer. Belzer gained fame as Detective John Munch on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for 17 years and previously on Homicide: Life on the Street for six years.

This character became so beloved that he continued to portray John Munch in cameo roles on various television series throughout the 2000s and 2010s.

Before his death at age 78 in 2023, Belzer also had a distinguished film career. While he didn’t conform to the classic leading man archetype, Belzer excelled as a character actor in notable films such as Scarface, Fletch Lives, and Fame.

Belzer’s career included unconventional roles, which ultimately led to the lawsuit against Hulk Hogan.

Mr. McMahon: The Richard Belzer and Hulk Hogan Controversy Explained — Richard Belzer in *Mad Dog and Glory* | Source: IMDb

2. What Happened Between Richard Belzer & Hulk Hogan? Why Did He Sue the WWE Star?

In 1985, Belzer hosted a show called Hot Properties, featuring interviews with renowned figures in sports and entertainment including B.B. King, Leonard Cohen, and Little Richard.

Among his guests were Hulk Hogan and Mr. T, whom Belzer interviewed ahead of their highly-anticipated match at WrestleMania I. During the conversation, Belzer asked Hogan to demonstrate a wrestling hold for entertainment purposes. Unfortunately, the move caused Belzer to lose consciousness and he fell, hitting his head on the floor, resulting in injuries.

Despite Hogan’s genuine apologies and advice for the audience not to replicate wrestlers’ antics, Belzer proceeded to file a $5 million lawsuit against Hogan for bodily injury.

The case was slated for consideration by the New York State Supreme Court, but ultimately, Hogan and Belzer arrived at an out-of-court settlement, the details of which remained undisclosed.

While this incident did not drastically impact the WWE’s reputation, it became another highly publicized challenging moment for the then-WWF.

3. How Much Money Did Belzer Win From The Lawsuit? What Was the Aftermath?

Although Belzer initially sought an impressive $5 million in damages, reports later indicated that he and Hogan settled for about $400,000. He notably invested this settlement in a property for himself and his wife on the French Riviera, humorously naming it “Chez Hogan” after the lawsuit.

While this sum fell short of Belzer’s initial claim, $400,000 was a significant compensation for the injuries he sustained in 1985.

According to the New York Times, this lawsuit also resulted in a pivotal change in legal precedent. Following the settlement, Belzer’s legal team claimed they were entitled to 50% of the settlement amount instead of the customary 33%.

Belzer consented to a letter supporting their claim but later argued that he did so under pressure, fearing it might jeopardize his chances in the lawsuit.

A judge eventually ruled that the time spent by the lawyers on the case was part of the risks associated with their contingency agreement. This ruling set a significant legal precedent regarding lawyers’ contingent fees.

About Mr. McMahon

Mr. McMahon is a documentary miniseries that scrutinizes the impactful yet contentious career of Vince McMahon. Directed by Chris Smith, famed for his work on Tiger King, the series is produced by Bill Simmons and Zara Duffy, recognized for their roles with Mission Blue. Featuring numerous legendary figures from the world of professional wrestling—such as Hulk Hogan, Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Paul Heyman, Bret Hart, Eric Bischoff, Shane McMahon, and Stephanie McMahon—the documentary also includes media personalities like Kay Koplovitz, showcasing a broad spectrum of viewpoints regarding McMahon’s career and legacy. This marks the first six-part documentary series dedicated to Vince McMahon.

All episodes of the series premiered on September 25, 2024, on Netflix.

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