Hulk Hogan, the towering icon of American professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71.
A symbol of 1980s wrestling culture, Hulk Hogan helped elevate the sport to mainstream popularity. His powerful image and flamboyant showmanship defined the golden age of televised wrestling.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, he began wrestling in Florida during the 1970s. He reportedly earned the nickname “Hulk” after appearing alongside actor Lou Ferrigno on a local TV program.
He adopted the name Hogan after joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where owner Vince McMahon sought an Irish-sounding persona.
A 1984 photo shows him backstage at Madison Square Garden with his parents, Peter and Ruth. That era marked his breakthrough, as wrestling became a TV phenomenon blending sport with entertainment drama.
Breakthrough and Media Expansion
Hulk Hogan embodied the all-American hero in wrestling, often cast against villainous opponents. Fans embraced him as a symbol of strength and justice in choreographed rivalries.
In 1982, he made his Hollywood debut as Thunderlips in Rocky III, opposite Sylvester Stallone. He later appeared as Starlight Starbright on Dolly Parton’s variety show in 1987, with Parton playing his fan-turned-wife in her music video Headlock On My Heart.
At WrestleMania V in 1989, held at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, Hogan met Donald Trump. Their relationship later evolved into a public political endorsement, aligning the wrestler with Trump’s presidential campaigns.
Hogan expanded his acting portfolio with roles in films such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, Mr. Nanny, and Santa with Muscles.
In the 2000s, he returned to the ring, facing a new generation of stars. A highlight was his 2002 match against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8, billed as “Icon vs Icon.” Despite claiming superior fitness, Hogan lost the bout.
He appeared alongside John Cena at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards, continuing his connection with younger audiences.
Late-Career Controversies and Legal Battles
Hulk Hogan remained active well into his later years, including a 2009 match against veteran Ric Flair. However, his image suffered in 2015 when WWE suspended him after a video revealed him using a racial slur.
In an emotional interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, he apologized and asked for forgiveness. WWE reinstated him in 2018, but the damage to his reputation lingered.
That same year, Hogan was at the center of a major lawsuit involving the gossip site Gawker. The website had published a sex tape involving Hogan and a friend’s wife.
He sued and was initially awarded $140 million. The case eventually settled for $31 million, forcing Gawker to shut down. Tech billionaire Peter Thiel funded the lawsuit, citing a desire to combat media “bullying.”
Political Endorsements and Divisive Legacy
In recent years, Hulk Hogan’s vocal support of Donald Trump drew polarized reactions. He delivered theatrical endorsements at events including the Republican National Convention and a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in October 2024.
His cultural impact remains significant, though later controversies left his legacy deeply divided among fans and critics alike.
