If McMahon Didn't Have Hogan To Market His Brand In 1984, Who Could He Have Turned To
McMahon wanted a face that appealed to children, and Hogan lent himself to being styled into a superhero. Andre was past his prime, Sammartino has no charisma, Flair lacked the superhero size, and Rhodes lacked the physique. Of the available high profile wrestlers of that era, I'd give the nod to Sgt. Slaughter, who could play an American savior against evil foreign heels like Iron Sheik. Another possibility might have been Superstar Billy Graham, who had Hogan's physical attributes, though I'm not sure about his age or his health at that time
McMahon wanted a face that appealed to children, and Hogan lent himself to being styled into a superhero. Andre was past his prime, Sammartino has no charisma, Flair lacked the superhero size, and Rhodes lacked the physique. Of the available high profile wrestlers of that era, I'd give the nod to Sgt. Slaughter, who could play an American savior against evil foreign heels like Iron Sheik. Another possibility might have been Superstar Billy Graham, who had Hogan's physical attributes, though I'm not sure about his age or his health at that time