Quote:
Originally Posted by True North
Even if Verne gave him the title, his outdated perception of what made a successful promotion would still be the same, and the company would still have failed.
Giving Hogan the title would have meant Gagne changed his perception of what was needed for the AWA to succeed.
Even without Hogan, the AWA had a weekly program on ESPN starting in the fall of 1985 and some syndicated penetration in by 1984. With Hogan as the lead guy, I think it could have been a big success. And Hogan would stay if he thought that's where the money was.
As for who could be the WWF's top guy, Snuka couldn't do it because the guy couldn't give an interview. Junkyard Dog was a top draw in the south but wasn't what McMahon was looking for.
In 1982 and '83, McMahon used the USA Network's Sunday noon show 'All American Wrestling' to promote not only WWF stars gut also showed matches from other territories (Mid-south, Florida, etc.). Many of those stars eventually signed with the WWF as if the territory match was an audition.
McMahon seem particularly interested in the Von Erichs. He ran stories on them in Victory/WWF Magazine in 1983. Kerry, in particular, had the look McMahon wanted. David, if he bulked up a little, would have been even better.
There was definitely some discussion of a partnership been the WWF and World Class Championship Wrestling.