Did Dusty Rhodes reject WWF World Title? Netflix's Mr. McMahon docuseries unveils truth behind Hulk Hogan's win

WWE has cooked a massive storyline for Cody Rhodes, son of legendary Dusty Rhodes, in his quest for the WWE Universal Championship ahead of WrestleMania 40. Rhodes was dead set to “finish the storyline” to complement his father's legacy and the narrative worked like a charm. Now as Netflix’ released the latest docuseries, Mr. McMahon, former WWE boss Vince McMahon spilled beans on how Hulk Hogan became champion over Dusty Rhodes.
Also Read: Vince McMahon reveals bizarre plan for his daughter Stephanie McMahon's impregnation storyline

Netflix docuseries, Mr. McMahon has revealed several astonishing details of the history and evolution of WWF to WWE. Amid the series of grand revelations, McMahon shared the truth behind Hulk Hogan’s infamous championship reign which is closely related to Dusty Rhodes.
McMahon revealed that there was a huge “possibility” for Rhodes to have a glorious title reign, however, the wrestling legend passed on the opportunity declining the World Championship. “Dusty did not take advantage of it,” McMahon stated in the series.
The next best choice for McMahon was Hulk Hogan. Now, it has been four decades since Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden to win the World Wrestling Federation title. With his win, Hulkamania came to be the face of the company. Following securing victory with the title on January 23, 1984, Hogan held the championship until February 1988.

Cody Rhodes also stated in the docuseries that his father “didn’t believe in it” as he thought the title reign was too ambitious.
In an interview earlier this year, Hogan shared that he was a very good friend of Rhodes, “It was Dusty Rhodes who was the one who got me hooked on wrestling,” he said (via si.com). He further revealed the huge impact of Rhodes on him, “If it wasn’t for Dusty, none of this happens,” Hogan continued. “He was the main reason I got focused on pro wrestling,” he added.
In a 2023 interview on Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg, Cody reflected on his father’s decision. “As a kid, I didn’t really believe it. I was watching VHS tapes of Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior and thought maybe Dad was just trying to stay relevant, like, ‘I was special too,’” the Universal Champion said.
“He didn’t need to do that, but everyone has an ego. Later, before I left WWE while I was still doing Stardust, Vince actually told me the same story. He was upset that Dad left and said he was ready to make him the next Hogan and give him everything,” he added.
Netflix docuseries Mr. McMahon is now streaming on Netflix.
Also Read: Vince McMahon rejects The Undertaker’s WrestleMania 30 claim revealing The Dead Man’s “psychological shock”