Detroit Lions training camp was quite the place to be on Thursday. Former NFL offensive lineman (and Michigan alum) Taylor Lewan and the "Bussin' With the Boys" podcast crew were there, as was boxing great (and Flint native) Claressa Shields.
But the headliner guest had to be former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan. Hogan was in town to promote his new beer, Real American Beer, donning a Honolulu Blue bandana.
Hulk Hogan was at Lions practice today for some reason pic.twitter.com/3pLjY5KPtb
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) July 25, 2024
Hogan of course met head coach Dan Campbell after practice, and the two cut a Lions-tilted promo.
Hulk Hogan cut a promo with his “new tag team partner,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell. #CampbellMania pic.twitter.com/fyfzGTgkjL
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) July 25, 2024
Hulk Hogan thinks Dan Campbell missed his calling
Even as Hogan's age, it's startling to notice how much bigger Campbell is than him.
Talking to reporters, including John Maakaron of SI.com, Hogan thinks Campbell could have been a wrestler and his nickname should be "Dirty Dan."
"Oh he’s got the it factor all right. I just wish he’d have been my tag-team partner," Hogan said. "He’s so full of it, I’d let him do all the work in the ring and beat the guys up and give me the tag. I’d drop the leg and steal all the glory. He could’ve been a wrestler, there’s no doubt. He might’ve missed his calling.”
Hulk Hogan is in the building at the #Lions practice. He thinks “Dirty Dan” Campbell would’ve been a great wrestler. pic.twitter.com/OW5yqv2pUU
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 25, 2024
Asked Hulk Hogan If Dan Campbell would have been wrestling star! Also, he told me his relationship with @TripleH is amazing pic.twitter.com/yazi25OH8H
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) July 25, 2024
A massive moment in Hogan's wrestling career, and in WWF/WWE history, took place in the Detroit area. WrestleMania III was at the Pontiac Silverdome. Hogan famously body-slammed Andre The Giant, in front of 94,000 people in attendance.
Via Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, Hogan talked about the significance of that moment and the idea of WrestleMania coming back to Detroit.
"The WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome with 94,000 people put us on the map," Hogan said. "This was a make-or-break event. Because if we would have crashed and burned at WrestleMania III, there would be no WWE. But because it was so successful, and it took off, it gave us a launching pad on the greatness for the whole wrestling world."
"I would love to see the next WrestleMania (in Detroit). I'd love to see a couple WrestleManias come back to Detroit."