Wealthy Rosen, the proprietor of SLAM Sports activities Bar, spoke solely with The Blast about his unlikely friendship and enterprise partnership with wrestling legend Hulk Hogan.
Rosen by no means imagined {that a} childhood hero would someday assist him launch a flagship sports activities bar steps from Madison Sq. Backyard.
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Hulk Hogan’s SLAM Sports activities Bar Coming To NYC
The idea for SLAM started as a rebranding mission for a former strip membership close to the enduring enviornment.
“I might been in branding for 25 years, working with nationwide franchises, however this location wanted a face,” Rosen recalled. Initially contemplating native sports activities legends like Mark Messier and Patrick Ewing, his thoughts saved going again to the person who outlined his early wrestling recollections. Hulk Hogan.
Rosen’s first assembly with Hogan wasn’t organized by brokers or managers; it occurred in individual.
He waited six hours at a fan autograph signing, bringing an 8×10 shiny picture of Madison Sq. Backyard together with his retailer within the body.
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The bar proprietor shared: “I dropped it in entrance of him and mentioned, ‘Does that enviornment look acquainted?’ He mentioned, ‘It certain does, brother.’ Then I instructed him, ‘That is your own home. That is the place Hulkamania began.'”
Inside moments, Hogan leaned in and mentioned, “What is the deal?”
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The Beginning Of SLAM Sports activities Bar
Initially, the bar was set to open as “Scores Sports activities Bar,” however Hogan modified every thing throughout a website go to.
“He referred to as me the following morning and mentioned, ‘For those who put my identify on this, this would be the greatest vacationer attraction in New York,'” Rosen recalled.
Whereas Hogan by no means requested Rosen to vary the identify, the bar proprietor wished a title worthy of the wrestling icon.
“Scores is its personal animal. I did not need it interfering together with his legend,” Rosen mentioned. Inside days, “SLAM” was born, formally billed as Hulk Hogan Presents SLAM Sports activities Bar.
When Hogan visited the situation together with his Netflix crew, his son Nick, and wrestling legend Eric Bischoff, the road exterior became chaos.
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“Scorching canine distributors ran over, individuals have been yelling out of cabs,” Rosen mentioned, including, “Hulk Hogan was strolling in entrance of Madison Sq. Backyard many years after WrestleMania. It was unbelievable.”
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Hulk Hogan’s Imaginative and prescient And Ultimate Undertaking
For Hogan, SLAM wasn’t simply one other enterprise. It was a dream.
“This was his final enterprise enterprise that hasn’t been accomplished,” Rosen instructed The Blast. Plans have been in movement to make SLAM greater than a bar, a full Hulk Hogan Expertise.
The inside design was entrusted to prime agency ICRAVE, with Hogan envisioning memorabilia shows, life-size statues, and a worldwide enlargement.
Rosen famous: “He mentioned his model was etched in stone worldwide, and I feel that is apparent from the response to his passing.”
The partnership grew to become deeply private. Rosen spoke with Hogan shortly earlier than his demise.
“The very last thing he mentioned to me was, ‘I am again, brother. Give me a while. We’re making the large time again.’ He sounded good. He believed it,” the sports activities bar proprietor mentioned.
Now, the mission has grow to be a tribute. Followers from all around the world are reaching out to attend the grand opening.
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Hogan’s Son Steps In
Hogan’s son, Nick, rapidly made it clear he wished to assist perform his father’s imaginative and prescient.
“Nick is aware of higher than anybody what Hulk wished displayed there,” Rosen instructed The Blast. The gathering will embrace a few of Hogan’s most well-known ring gear, uncommon memorabilia, and large 6’7″ statues made abroad.
“The Arduous Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood, this can be on that degree and extra,” Rosen promised.
Opening night time is anticipated to function solely Hulk Hogan movies and matches, earlier than changing into a full sports activities bar with huge video games, themed menu objects, and cocktails impressed by the legend.
The menu itself can be developed by a Michelin-starred New York chef.
“We’ll have particular names for a few of the dishes and drinks, issues Hulk wished,” Rosen revealed.
Hulk Hogan’s Legacy Etched In New York Metropolis
For Rosen, SLAM will perpetually be tied to Hogan’s love for Madison Sq. Backyard and New York.
“He instructed me if there was anyplace he might stay on the earth, it will be New York Metropolis. He cherished it his complete life,” Rosen claimed.
Hogan’s connection to the world was deep; he referred to as it “the home that he rebuilt” and noticed SLAM as its pure extension.
The flagship location will function Hogan’s “footprints” from his walk-through earlier than his passing. “
“Even when we open 10 of those, this one will all the time be particular. It is the true Hulk Hogan final cease in his unbelievable life and legacy,” Rosen mentioned.
The countdown to SLAM’s grand opening, which can happen someday this fall, begins now.