Jim Ross Says Steve Austin Doubted Whether He And Hulk Hogan Would Have Enough Chemistry In The Ring

Jim Ross commented on the rumor that Hulk Hogan was looked at to come in and work WrestleMania XIV in 1998.

Speaking on the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, the AEW commentator was asked if he would’ve been interested in a Hogan v Austin match with Mike Tyson as the special guest referee. Here is what he said:

“I don’t know if I want to see that. It’d have been interesting to see. You got two of the most amazing attractions in the history of pro wrestling as far as ticket sales and PPV’s, so I’m sure it would have been a success financially. However, artistically, maybe not so much.

I know Austin never had confidence that he and Hogan would have enough chemistry to live up to the hype. There’s always been the stories, “well, Austin didn’t like Hogan and he didn’t want to work with Hogan, and all that stuff,” which is great for internet gossip and chatter but I don’t think, I just think the styles clash was more than Steve wanted to attempt, but I don’t think it had personally anything to do with hogan.

If this had been 5 years earlier, 10 years earlier when Hogan’s back was not so dilapidated, and I’m not saying that in a coarse way… Steve had a very high pace. intense, aggressive, somewhat snug, a high pace, and you know this may not have fit Hogan’s stylings at that time because of his back.”

Steve Austin defeated Shawn Michaels in the main event of WrestleMania XIV. Hogan wouldn’t return to The Grandest Stage of Them All until 2002 when he faced The Rock in their Icon vs. Icon Match.

Hulk Hogan recently hosted WWE Legends Night on RAW.

Austin sat down for a chat with Bayley on the latest Broken Skull Sessions.

If you use any of the quotes above please credit Grilling Jr with a h/t to Fightful for the transcription.