REPORT, PHOTOS & VIDEO OF HOGAN-STING SIGNING IN CALIFORNIA
- 07/30/2014 (1:19:51 pm)
- Bob Mulrenin
…
I have met thousands of celebrities and wrestlers over the years. The one wrestler that has eluded me was Hulk Hogan. He has not done a signing in my area for over ten years. I would always see him doing shows back east. I came close about six times where Hulk Hogan was supposed to come to my area for a signing but it always fell through for one reason or another. The last time it
fell through was when TNA's Bound For Glory Fanfest in 2013.
I read reports that Hulk Hogan's contract with TNA would be ending
soon but he might renew. So, I took a chance. I bought two fanfest tickets for myself and a friend, agreed to pay the gas, for a chance to finally meet The Immortal Hulk Hogan. As the TNA event approached my heart began to sink into my stomach. I knew
Hogan would not be at their fanfest. When I saw him tell Dixie Carter goodbye on TNA I laughed out loud with irony knowing that once again I would not be meeting Hogan. I still went to fanfest after spending all the money and had a blast but still Hulk Hogan eluded me.
After the TNA Fanfest about twelve promoters were in my ear telling me they would be bringing in Hulk Hogan. Booking him isn't the easiest thing to do because everyone wants him. He can't be in thirty places at once. His schedule is insane. He is constantly working and meeting his Hulkamaniacs. Plus, now that he was back in the WWE they take priority. Even if a date is booked the WWE is the priority. If they need him, he needs to go. It's that simple. Finally American Icon Autographs announced a date that he would be appearing at their shop in San Diego, CA. I was excited as hell, but at the same time trying not to be excited. I have been close to meeting Hulk Hogan many times before and something always falls through but I was staying as positive as possible.
I have been promoting anything that has to do with wrestling and autograph celebrity shows & signings for over twenty years.
The more successful a show and/or signing is means the promoters will continue to host shows for fans It's a win-win situation.
As always I heavily promoted everywhere to let everyone know about the Hulk Hogan signing, and when Sting was added it was insane. To be next to two legends is awesome.
The day finally came to meet Hulk Hogan. We drove two hours to get to American Icon Autographs shop in San Diego. We arrived an
hour before the show began and saw a line had already formed. The owner of the store Sean invited me and my friend in. I appreciated
that due to it was great being in air conditioning. It was hot and humid outside with some sprinkling. Sean had told me that he
had spoken with Hulk Hogan's agent so I could do a quick video with him. He appreciated all the support and advertising I always
do. As I sat there with my friend Shannon waiting I called my buddy Sal to let him know that I was at the signing. He knew how
much it meant to me to finally be meeting Hulk Hogan. Plus it was awesome to be seeing Jimmy Hart again. I've had the opportunity
to hang out with Jimmy and talk many times over the years.
The next thing I hear is Jimmy Hart's voice outside asking,"Where's Todd? Where's Todd?" He had arrived and they let him into the main store where the photos would be taken. It was great to see Jimmy as he hugged me saying hello. We chatted a bit, but he had to get to work. Jimmy was signing, meeting fans, and talking on his megaphone to everyone outside with the high energy we have grown to know him for and love.
To make my photo ops go faster I put on all my Hulk Hogan t-shirts. Man, I tried to just sit still due to having an undershirt on, and 5 shirts, was hot as hell. Hulk Hogan pulls in and everyone is chanting his name. A little bit later Sting came in early to sign some stuff for the store and mail order. The time was approaching and Hulk Hogan came out.
I had my stuff laid out on the counter for him to sign. As he signed I chatted with him about how I got my first Hulk Hogan action figure. Afterwards we proceeded over to the American Icon Autographs backdrop to begin taking the photo ops. I'd like to thank Norman Arroyo Photography for taking over twenty photos for me, and for Bob Mulrenin for also taking a photo of me with Hulk Hogan and Sting. As Hogan and I posed for our first photo he thought he was done when I began removing my first shirt, then second shirt, then third shirt, then fourth shirt, to finally reveal my fifth and final shirt. (See Video at the End)
I thanked Hulk and then Sean of American Icon Autographs let Hulk Hogan know how huge of a fan and supporter I am and if we could do a quick thirty second promo. Hulk Hogan replied how can we do a promo video in thirty seconds? Sean replied, take as long as you want Hulk. I couldn't believe this was actually happening. I have filmed many promos with wrestlers over the years but to do one with The Immortal Hulk Hogan is amazing. I knew I would be doing a video with him but as usual I never think about what I'm going to say in any video I do to keep it improvised. It was so surreal having Hulk Hogan ask me what and who the video was for, what we would be doing. I said it was just for me personally. Without thinking I told him that King Kong Bundy kicked my ass. Hulk Hogan replied, wait, is this a shoot, did you really fight Bundy? I laughed and said no, no.
He said, Oh, alright, you never know. I then continued. I will just talk about how King Kong Bundy kicked my ass and I'm looking for a partner and then you come in and do your thing. Hogan asked me if I wanted him to stand off to the side and then walk in. I said yes, and you will know when to step in. We filmed the promo. I had a blast. I thanked Hulk again and then stood back to watch him meet all his fans coming in the door. (See Videos at the End)
Fast forward a bit and Sting comes out and Hogan and him shake hands. They are having a great time chatting back and forth. They
pose for a couple photos for the store, and then I hear Sean say out loud, Todd's first! It was time to take my photo op with both
Hulk Hogan and Sting. I shook both their hands. It was good to see Sting again. I first meet him at TNAs Bound For Glory Fanfest
in 2009 and my photo turned out horribly. I was pressed for time and didn't get to talk with Sting much due to all the fans
waiting outside to want to take a photo with Sting and Hogan. Hogan, Sting and me took our photo together. Hulk Hogan then
stepped aside so I could take an individual photo op with Sting. We were about to pose and I remembered I forgot my mask so I
went and grabbed it. Hogan began chanting to put the Sting mask on. I laughed. I held the Sting mask up, and Sting and I took
a photo. Once again Hogan yelled, take another one with the mask on. I put the mask on and I took another photo with Sting.
It was just awesome. I then stepped back and the rest of the fans came in one by one. They took all the Hogan / Sting photo
ops and printed them out next door. I was recording some video of the fans meeting Sting and Hulk Hogan as well. (See The Video Below)
I had my photo op signed by both Sting and Hulk Hogan before they left. It was an incredible day.
I remember watching WrestleMania 3 inside a small home with no air conditioning on a 19" television with about 40 kids inside
the room as Hulk Hogan slammed Andre The Giant. It took over 25 years for me to finally meet Hulk Hogan. The experience I had
will last me a lifetime. Thanks to all those who helped me out.
Sting Video
Hogan Signing For Me & Taking Photos With Me in Multiple T-Shirts
Hogan taking pics with Fan
Hulk Hogan Wrestling Promo With Me.
Todd Fulkerson
Todd's Autograph Arena
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