The legacy left behind by wrestler and all-around American icon Hulk Hogan is going to be a divisive one, with much of his later career marred by politics and personal controversy. However, there is no denying the integral role he played in pop culture, presenting a vision of modern American values and aspirations for the bulk of his career. Moreover, the WWE would arguably not be where it is today without him taking it to such heights with his family-friendly persona.
Hulk Hogan’s popularity pushed him beyond the ring and helped pave the way for the wrestler-to-actor pipeline. Sadly, this came with some bumps, and the transition often felt forced, resulting in some subpar films; Hulk Hogan stumbled into acting so that The Rock could soar. While most fans reflecting on Hulk Hogan’s legacy are likely to revisit his time in the ring, one movie stands out as the perfect way to celebrate the Hulkster: No Holds Barred.
‘No Holds Barred’ Had Hulk Doing What He Does Best
No Holds Barred
- Release Date
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June 2, 1989
- Runtime
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93 minutes
- Director
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Thomas J. Wright
- Writers
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Dennis Hackin
- Producers
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Hulk Hogan, Michael I. Rachmil
Cast
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Joan Severance
Samantha Moore
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No Holds Barred sticks close to familiar wrestling storylines, following Rip Thomas (Hulk Hogan), the World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion, whose popularity makes him the number one draw. A fledgling network, the World Television Network (WTN), attempts to hire Rip, but after he refuses, the owner begins his search for a champion. He hires a formidable fighter named Zeus, an ex-convict and former protégé of Rip’s trainer. After Zeus wins ‘The Battle of the Tough Guys’ tournament, the head of WTN begins to deploy more devious methods to recruit Rip, leading to an eventual clash between the two wrestlers in a no-holds-barred match.
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While not often regarded as one of the best movies about wrestling due to its campiness, budget, and poor scripting, the film serves as a love letter to the sport, with a particular emphasis on Hulk Hogan’s character. While he plays Rip Thomas, many of Hulk Hogan’s all-American values and general persona are very much on display. Rip Thomas is essentially a stand-in for Hulk Hogan, allowing him to star in a film without interfering with ongoing wrestling storylines. The movie is also a product of its time, featuring silly rock montages and over-the-top action, which is ideal for those feeling nostalgic for the earlier era of wrestling. No Holds Barred has its flaws, but if you tune out and just indulge in the silliness, it is a surprisingly entertaining movie and the best role that Hulk Hogan ever got to play.
Why ‘No Holds Barred’ Will Be Remembered as Hulk Hogan’s Best Film
While Hogan appeared in a few acclaimed films in supporting roles, his lead performances rarely found success at the box office. Films like Suburban Commando, Mr. Nanny, and Santa with Muscles tried to make Hogan something he was not, instead of celebrating who he was. While all these movies carry many of his signatures, none capture what made him as beloved as No Holds Barred. While Hogan tried to break into comedy, he would have been better served sticking to action, with light comedic elements coming naturally through the Hulkster’s big persona, which is what also makes No Holds Barred a gem in an otherwise disastrous film career.
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The movie also crossed over into the then-WWF, with Vince McMahon bringing Zeus (played by Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister) into the organization as a heel rival for Hogan. The effectiveness of this arc is debatable, but the blurring of the lines between reality and fiction on screen was an inventive move for its time and an interesting piece of history for the organization.
The passing of Hulk Hogan will certainly weigh heavily on many who grew up with him. As fans look for ways to honor his impact on wrestling and American culture, No Holds Barred stands out as the perfect choice for those who love both film and the sport. No Holds Barred is streaming on Tubi.
