The wrestling world is mourning. The morning of this Thursday, the legendary Hulk Hogan died at age 71 In his home in Florida, because of cardiac arrest. The news shook the global luchística community, and in Mexico, one of the first to react was the legendary Canekwho shared moments inside and outside the ring with the maximum symbol of the “Hulkamania.”
In an interview for Sports StadiumCanek was surprised and dismayed.
“They just warned me… it's very hard. Hogan was a partner, someone who took care of you when you started. For me it was like a brother”He said moved.
► Canek vs Hulk Hogan: from Japan Tour to the Mexico Arena
The history between them began outside their countries of origin. It was on a tour of Japanin the late 1970s, when Canek and Hogan crossed roads for the first time.
“I met him there. From the beginning it protected me, I advised meit was one of those fighters who did not feel stars, but part of a group, ”he recalled.
The rivalry moved years later to Mexican territory, where Canek had the opportunity to face it twice: a fight in couples with El Perro Aguayo and another in a hand in hand by championship.
“In Mexico I was, I think, The only Mexican who managed to bleed in a fight. That is never going to forget, ”he said among nostalgic laughs.
► Hulk Hogan put order
Canek also shared an anecdote outside the ring, in a Japanese restaurant during that same tour:
“There was a tense moment among other colleagues, and Hogan got up and said: 'If you want to fight, do it outside. Here we are all friends'. It was always like this: fair, quiet, very respectful. ”
► A farewell with love and respect
Canek closed the conversation with a message loaded with affection:
“Thank you for having coincided on my way, brother. Thank you for your friendship, for your respect, and for everything you gave to this profession. We will see each other again, there in that eternal ring,” he said in a firm voice.
