Mayor Rob Ford took on a childhood hero, wrestling legend Terry "Hulk" Hogan, in an arm-wrestling competition to kick off Fan Expo.

The mayor was in good spirits Friday, entering to "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, stripping off his suit jacket and tie and rolling up his sleeves before sitting down across from his opponent. He held his own as he squared off against the mountain of muscle, despite taunts from Mr. Hogan.

"Brother, you know something? Not only am I going to rip this arm off, I'm going to take your job while I'm at it," Mr. Hogan boasted. "Mayor Hogan!"

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After a gruelling 25-second battle, Mayor Ford overpowered his competitor in an impressive bicep smackdown, causing Mr. Hogan to cradle his arm in defeat.

"I think he tore my shoulder out," Mr. Hogan declared after the match, adding the mayor missed his calling as a wrestler.

But Mayor Ford was gracious to his opponent, saying "thank you so much to the Hulkster for coming."

The mayor had said he was nervous before the fight but after his victory he said it's not the size of the arm but how you use it.

"It's all in the wrist," he said.

Mr. Hogan is among dozens of celebrities in town to take part in Fan Expo, an annual pop culture and comic exhibition.