Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, declines to participate in what he calls a wrestling match in politics when asked by Republican consultant Roger Stone to run for a Senate seat in 2018.
Hogan has no intention — for now — of running into office in his hometown Florida be it for mayor, governor, or even for the Senate. The former wrestler reasoned that politics for him is very confusing because the Republicans and the Democrats do not want to work together.
"It's like a wrestling match with two wrestlers that are supposed to work together and paint this beautiful wrestling picture. The Republicans and Democrats act like they hate each other and they don't want to do anything except create chaos. So I really don't want to be any part of that," Hogan said in a video interview with TMZ founder Harvey Levin on Thursday, Jan. 18.
The 64-year-old former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champ said he is having too much of a blast with his laidback life right now to bother himself with politics.
"Brother, I don't want to run, okay? I have a great life here on the beach," Hogan said, adding that the only "running" he is going for is another world title in WWE.
However, Hogan backtracked on his statement and admitted that the thought of running for politics has crossed his mind and said that he would run as a Republican if ever that time comes. He added that it might not be too hard to get a seat in the state of Florida.
"After seeing, you know, Donald Trump's fan base and watching what Jesse Ventura did, you know - in the state of Florida . . . I got a feeling it wouldn't be that hard," Hogan told Levin.
Hogan's interview is in response to Stone's suggestion that Hogan should run for a Senate seat in 2018 against Florida Governor Rick Scott. The former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump namedropped Hogan in a blog interview with GOP communications consultant Patrick Slevin. Stone said that he is working on convincing the retired wrestler and philanthropist to "body slam" Scott in every debate.
Stone also responded to Hogan's refusal and asked him to reconsider. He pointed out that Hogan left the door open for him to enter politics. Stone also mentioned that Hogan has a high chance of getting into office given that he is an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and an entertainer like Trump and Jesse Ventura.
"I think it's important to have people who come from outside the perimeters of career politicians in politics. It brings a fresh perspective," Stone said.
