WWE Icon Hulk Hogan’s Biggest Misses: The George Foreman Grill and MLB Dreams

Hulk Hogan is one of the biggest names in WWE history. His success in the ring made him a global icon, but outside wrestling, he’s also known for some huge missed opportunities. Two of the biggest "what-ifs" in Hogan’s life involve the George Foreman Grill and a potential career in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Hogan has often talked about how a missed phone call cost him a multimillion-dollar deal with the George Foreman Grill. He’s also claimed that he was close to becoming a professional baseball player before an injury ended that dream. While some of these stories might be exaggerated, they’ve become part of Hogan’s fascinating legacy.

Hogan’s story about losing the George Foreman Grill deal is legendary. On his reality show Hogan Knows Best (which aired from 2005 to 2007), Hogan shared how a missed phone call changed everything.
“I come home and hit the old-school voicemail recorder, and he says, ‘Hey Hulk, this is Sam Perlmutter. I have a grill and I have a blender, and I call you and George Foreman to see who wants it.’ I wasn’t there to answer the call, so when I called Sam back, he said George had taken the grill. $550 million later, George got the ‘Lean, Mean Grilling Machine,’” Hogan said.
According to Hogan, the deal went to Foreman simply because he answered the call first. The George Foreman Grill went on to make over $550 million and became one of the best-selling kitchen products ever.
The actual story behind the grill is a bit different. The grill was created by Michael Boehm, who introduced it to Foreman through attorney Sam Perlmutter. Foreman’s wife reportedly used the grill to cook him a burger, which convinced him to endorse it. The rest is history.
Hogan later put his name on the Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill, but it flopped. Despite missing out on a fortune, Hogan’s version of the story has become a popular part of his legacy.


Hulk Hogan once claimed he was close to becoming a professional baseball player. He said that the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds were interested in him because of his skill at hitting home runs. However, his baseball dreams ended after he broke his arm, cutting short any chance of playing professionally.
There’s no official record of MLB teams scouting Hogan, but the story fits his persona. Hogan has always been known for sharing bold and exciting stories about his career. Whether true or not, it adds another layer to his colorful life, highlighting how his path from a potential baseball player to a wrestling icon has been full of unexpected turns and fascinating moments.
Hulk Hogan’s career is full of highs and some major misses. Losing out on the George Foreman Grill deal cost him millions, and his baseball career ended before it could begin. Despite these setbacks, Hogan’s legacy in WWE remains unmatched. He may have missed out on a fortune, but his place in wrestling history is secure enough.
Also Read: Hulk Hogan Gives His Honest Opinion About John Cena's Heel Turn at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025