One of the most recognisable names in professional wrestling has died. Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died on Thursday, shocking fans and the wrestling world. Hogan died in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 71 after having a heart attack. Emergency responders quickly made it to his house, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital despite all their efforts.
Hogan’s death ends an era in the world of professional wrestling. He was more than just a wrestler; he was a cultural icon who altered the wrestling business and pop culture for decades. Hogan became a symbol of American strength and resilience. His renowned red and yellow outfits and the phrase “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” made him famous.
The WWE Legend’s Legacy
Hulk Hogan is without a doubt one of the most well-known people in professional wrestling. He turned WWE (formerly WWF) into a global powerhouse with his larger-than-life personality and trademark “Hulkamania” energy. Hogan’s work in the business is very important. He was the main event at the first WrestleMania in 1985, which drew in almost a million viewers and became the foundation of WWE’s success.
The match within Hogan and Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987 is still one of the most famous moments in wrestling history. This match drew 80,000 people to the Pontiac Silverdome and captured the imaginations of millions around the world. Later, when it aired on NBC, it got an amazing 33 million viewers. These achievements took professional wrestling to new heights and made it a part of mainstream culture.
Hogan won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship six times during his long career. He held the title for an impressive 1,474 days. In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for his achievements in the ring.
From wrestling to Hollywood and beyond
Hogan had a huge effect on wrestling, but he was also famous outside of the ring. Hogan was in a number of Hollywood movies, such as Rocky III (1982), where he played Thunderlips, a wrestler who fought Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa. Hogan also starred in the 1989 movie No Holds Barred, which helped him become even more famous.
His forays into television were just as successful, particularly his VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best. This show followed his personal life, making Hogan a household name around the world. His fame and visibility only grew as he showed up on talk shows and other mainstream media outlets. This made him a permanent part of American pop culture.
Hogan’s controversial turn and political support
Hogan’s wrestling career had a lot of great moments, but it also had some problems. A video of Hogan using racist language that leaked in 2015 caused a big scandal. WWE quickly cut ties with Hogan and took him out of the Hall of Fame. But in 2018, after some time to think and apologise, Hogan was put back into the WWE Hall of Fame, showing that the WWE Universe forgave him.
Hogan did more than just wrestle and act; he also got involved with politics. Hogan backed Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election, but later lost faith in his presidency. Hogan backed Donald Trump in 2016 and again in 2020, when he ran for president. Hogan famously took the stage at the 2020 Republican National Convention and backed Trump, which made his shift to politics even more clear.
After Hogan died, Trump paid tribute to his “great friend” on Truth Social, saying he was “strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.” Trump remembered Hogan’s unforgettable speech at the 2020 RNC and talked about how much of an impact he had on culture.
The NWO and the Best Time in Wrestling
In 1996, Hogan went from being the beloved “hero” to the infamous “Hollywood Hogan” in the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) league. This was one of his most famous moments in wrestling. This move made the New World Order (NWO), a group that changed the way wrestling is done. Hogan’s turn to the dark side caused new life to the business, drawing in a new generation of fans and helping WCW beat WWE in TV ratings for 83 weeks in a row.
This change was the peak of the Monday Night Wars between WWE and WCW, a time when Hogan became a key player in one of the most intense rivalries in sports entertainment history.
Hogan’s Last Years and His Legacy
Hogan left the ring in 2012 due to health problems, including a back injury that still annoyed him from his wrestling days. However, he stayed busy with other projects. He started the Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion to give unscripted professional wrestling a new stage. He also kept up his public life by opening a bar in New York City near Madison Square Garden, where many of his famous matches took place.
Hogan’s wrestling career may have slowed down in his last years, but his legacy was still strong. You are unable to gauge how much he changed professional wrestling. Not only did he help make wrestling popular in the 1980s, but he also brought together sports and entertainment. People will be affected by him for many years to come.
Hogan’s Impact on Wrestling and Pop Culture
Hogan’s role in the history of pop culture is very important. His “Hulkamania” was more than just a catchphrase; it was a movement that lasted for decades. Hogan became popular all over the world because of his role in WWE, his memorable performances in Hollywood, and his constant presence in mainstream media.
Hogan’s lasting effect on pop culture goes beyond his wrestling career and still affects new fans today. His work in both wrestling and entertainment changed what it meant to be a celebrity in the 1980s and 1990s.
The End of an Era in Wrestling
Hulk Hogan’s death means that the world of professional wrestling has lost a true legend. Hogan had a huge impact on WWE’s growth around the world, both in and out of the ring. Hogan’s journey, from being a hero in the ring to becoming a controversial villain and then a mainstream star, shows how big his personality is.
His death leaves a hole in both the wrestling world and pop culture. Fans all over the world are mourning the loss of one of the most famous and important people in entertainment history.
