Former WWE star Bishop Dyer, previously known as Baron Corbin, recently praised Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant as the pioneering global superstars who transformed professional wrestling into an international phenomenon. Speaking on the popular “Busted Open” podcast, Dyer highlighted the critical role Hogan and Andre played in expanding WWE beyond its territorial roots into a worldwide entertainment powerhouse[1].
Dyer explained that Hogan and Andre were instrumental in taking wrestling from regional territories across the United States to a global audience. “They’re the ones that took it from territories and throughout the U.S. and became global,” he said. Dyer emphasized Hogan’s versatility as a performer, recalling his technical wrestling skills during his stint in Japan and how those talents contributed to elevating the sport internationally. He also acknowledged WWE Chairman Vince McMahon’s gamble on WrestleMania, crediting stars like Hogan and Andre with reaching audiences beyond the wrestling bubble, which helped make the event a huge success and a turning point in WWE history[1].
The former star further paid respect to Hogan and Andre as the foundational legends who paved the way for future generations. “We owe our careers, superstars now and in the future, to the pioneers, the original pioneers to this. They are the reason it still is what it is,” Dyer said[1]. His comments echo sentiments shared by other WWE veterans, such as Matt Hardy, who recognize Hogan’s complex legacy—not only his incredible influence in mainstreaming professional wrestling but also how controversies have complicated his standing in the industry.
Hogan himself has spoken extensively about Andre the Giant’s monumental impact. In a heartfelt ESPN Throwback segment, Hogan called Andre “the biggest and greatest superstar this business has ever known” and credited him for laying the groundwork for legends like Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock. Hogan reminisced about his childhood admiration for Andre’s immense size and presence and noted that without Andre’s influence, the wrestling landscape would look very different today[2].
Their legendary rivalry, including matches like their unforgettable WrestleMania showdown, remains a defining chapter in wrestling history. These iconic moments showcased not only the compelling storytelling but also the spectacle that helped WWE explode in popularity worldwide. Their feud is frequently referenced in fan conversations and wrestling retrospectives as the catalyst that made professional wrestling part of mainstream culture[3].
Insiders close to WWE have commented on how current talents continue to learn from the legacies of Hogan and Andre. According to a WWE insider familiar with talent development strategies, “The foundation built by Hogan and Andre is still a blueprint for how we create stars who can transcend the sport and reach a global audience.” Such backstage revelations underscore the long-lasting influence these legends have on WWE’s business model and performer training programs.
As WWE continues to expand its international footprint with new markets and media ventures, the trail blazed by Hogan and Andre stands as a testament to their unparalleled contributions. They were not just wrestling icons but true cultural ambassadors who transformed a regional attraction into a global entertainment phenomenon[1].
This acknowledgment by Bishop Dyer brings renewed attention to the historical significance of Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant in shaping the modern professional wrestling industry, reminding fans and wrestlers alike of the giants on whose shoulders the sport now stands.
Sources: Wrestling Inc.[1], WWE.com/ESPN Throwback[2], YouTube WWE Classics[3]