Hulk Hogan to battle Piper here

Wrestling superhero Hulk Hogan is coming to town to battle archrival Rowdy Roddy Piper for the world heavyweight championship and promoter Steve O’Neal said Manila will never be the same again with Hulkamania gripping the metropolis.

Hogan and Piper will face off in the main event of an eight-match show at the New Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Sept. 1.

O’Neal told The STAR yesterday American Wrestling Association (AWA) president Dale Gagne has confirmed the arrival of 16 wrestlers in an extravaganza dubbed "The Battle of Champions—Wrestling Superstars Live."

Also in the cast are "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, the Honky Tonk Man, Billy Gunn, the Iron Sheik, King Kong Bundy, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, Test, Eric "The Underwear Man" Priest, Luther Reigns, Aaron Aguilera, Shinjiro Otani and lady wrestler Nidia. Two more stars will be added to the list as soon as contracts are signed.

It took O’Neal over a year to negotiate the tour, Hogan’s first visit to the Philippines. Hogan is reportedly being paid six figures in dollars to headline the blockbuster card.

"The group is coming direct from the US and will perform only in Manila before heading back home," said O’Neal. "Hogan knows how popular pro wrestling is in the Philippines and he’s excited to show what he can do in the ring."

Gagne said the AWA stages live events regularly in US arenas and is working on a TV contract.

O’Neal said the AWA plans to pay Manila a visit at least once a year and make it a hub in Asia.

"Dale promises an unforgettable show," said O’Neal. "The wrestlers are coming to fight and they mean business. Hogan, for instance, has a reputation to protect and he’s not about to let Piper upstage him."

Tickets for the show are now on sale at TicketWorld (Tel. 891-9999), Tower Records, National Bookstore, Ayala Malls and Robinson Malls. Ticket prices are P6,000, P4,500, P3,000, P1,000 and P500.

O’Neal said after the 2 1/2-hour program, the wrestlers will be available to pose for pictures with fans and sign autographs.

"This is the biggest wrestling event in years," said O’Neal. "Hulk Hogan is pro wrestling himself and nobody is more popular or as exciting as the Hulkster. I’ve been a wrestling fan since I was a kid and I’m thrilled that for the first time in the Philippines, the real superstars of the mat are coming to show what wrestling is all about in a no-frills show."

The 6-8, 300-pound Hogan made his pro debut in 1978 and has won 12 championships in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He has become an icon, a movie star (his debut was in "Rocky III"), a part of Americana and a living role model whose message of "training, prayers and vitamins" is a hit with parents. Hogan appears on TV for the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) but does not perform in Vince McMahon’s live events.

The 6-2, 260-pound Piper turned pro in 1966 and feuded with Hogan in a rivalry that captivated fans because they were born adversaries. Celebrities such as Mr. T and singer Cyndi Lauper joined them in their matches. In an MTV broadcast, Hogan defeated Piper by disqualification after Lauper and Mr. T intervened.