7 WWE Champions you didn't know wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW)

#4 Hulk Hogan

Hogan worked with New Japan twice during his career.

It's pretty safe to say that Hulk Hogan is arguably the most recognizable star in WWE history.

But before the Hulkster stepped foot in the WWE, he was making a name for himself in New Japan in the early 1980s.

After leaving the WWF following King of the Ring 1993, Hogan would return to NJPW, where he'd face off against then-IWGP Heavyweight Champion The Great Muta, in a dream match which Hogan would emerge the winner.

Though this was a huge match, Hogan's run in the promotion is arguably best remembered for his antics out of the ring.

In an infamous press conference, Hogan bashed his former employer the WWE and it's World Championship (a title Hogan had held on five occasions at this point in his career), calling the title a toy when compared to the IWGP Heavyweight title.