Rob Ford defeats Hulk Hogan in arm wrestling clash

TORONTO – It was a tight battle but Toronto Mayor Rob Ford narrowly defeated Hulk Hogan in an arm wrestling competition at the Fan Expo in Toronto Friday morning.

The mayor eked out a win against the 14-time world wrestling champion in a back-and-forth clash that ended up in Ford Nation’s favour.

“I think he tore my shoulder out. I may have to go straight to the hospital after that,” Hogan told reporters after the bout. “He’s strong, he’s tough. I think Rob Ford missed his calling. He should have been a wrestler.”

Asked what kind of name would best fit the mayor’s wrestling persona, Hogan replied “Fantastic Ford.”

Ford meanwhile admitted the duel wasn’t easy but used a specific technique to help him win.

“He’s a bear, it’s like wrestling a grizzly bear,” he said. “I’ve never backed down and I never will. It’s all in the wrist, it’s not the forearm.”

Ford’s brother Doug, who was also in attendance, said his sibling was struggling in the early stages but found some inspiration in the end.

“It was a tough arm wrestle and I thought it was going to go on for an hour but as soon as he said he was going to take Rob’s job, that’s when Rob found a little bit of strength to take him down,” he said.

The “friendly” challenge was initiated by the Hogan camp on Thursday and the match-up quickly came to fruition with Ford’s acceptance.

Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, will hold an “uncensored” question-and-answer session at the event later this evening.

READ MORE: Hulk Hogan welcomes WWE star Darren Young’s decision to come out

Fan Expo is a four-day extravaganza that combines retailers, artists and exhibitors from the entertainment and sports worlds. It draws thousands to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Review a LIVEBLOG from Global Toronto’s Jackson Proskow who was reporting from the event.