Today marks one of the saddest days in the history of professional wrestling. Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea—one of the most influential, groundbreaking, and universally recognized performers in the history of the sport—has passed away at the age of 71.
A young Terry Bollea first discovered his love for wrestling while watching “Superstar” Billy Graham face off against “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes at the Tampa Sportatorium. Inspired by Graham’s massive physique and charismatic presence, Bollea set his sights on becoming just like his idol. He began training under the notoriously tough Hiro Matsuda. In a harsh introduction to the business, Matsuda broke Bollea’s leg on the first day of training. After a 10-week recovery, Bollea returned—not only more determined, but prepared to counter Matsuda’s punishing initiation methods.
Bollea’s career began in Championship Wrestling from Florida, and he spent time in various Southern territories before making his way to the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) in Memphis. It was here that Terry “The Hulk” Boulder was born, marking a significant turning point in his professional journey.
His growing popularity soon caught the eye of Vincent James McMahon, owner of the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), who brought “The Hulk” to New York. Under the guidance of “Classy” Freddie Blassie, Hogan worked as a villain, facing legends like Bob Backlund and Andre the Giant at Shea Stadium. However, Hogan’s initial run with the WWWF ended after he accepted a role in Rocky III as the unforgettable Thunderlips.
After filming wrapped, Hogan needed work and found it in Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association (AWA). Though he began as a heel, fans quickly rallied behind the blonde, muscular showman, sparking what became known as “Hulkamania.” This surge in popularity led to a lengthy and storied feud with AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel. Despite never capturing the title, Hogan’s star continued to rise and in 1983, he signed with the newly renamed World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now under the leadership of Vincent Kennedy McMahon.
McMahon had grand plans for Hogan—he would become the face of the WWF’s national expansion. On January 23, 1984, Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden to win the WWF Championship and officially usher in the Hulkamania Era. From that moment on, professional wrestling would never be the same.
Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania, teaming with Mr. T to defeat “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. He would go on to main event WrestleManias 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9—an unprecedented feat. One of the most iconic moments in wrestling history came at WrestleMania III in front of 93,173 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome, where Hogan body-slammed Andre the Giant and retained the WWF Championship. His popularity and presence elevated the WWF to new heights, bringing professional wrestling into mainstream culture.
After nearly a decade on top, Hogan stepped away to pursue acting, starring in the syndicated television series Thunder in Paradise. The show filmed at Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando—coincidentally, the same location where WCW taped its weekly Saturday Night program. Former WWF announcer “Mean” Gene Okerlund, now working for WCW, visited Hogan during filming, sparking speculation about a move south.
That speculation became reality when Hogan signed with WCW on July 11, 1994. He made his in-ring debut at Bash at the Beach against Ric Flair for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship—a match years in the making. Hogan won, beginning a long rivalry with Flair and a historic WCW run. He held the title for a record 469 days before losing it to The Giant at Halloween Havoc 1995.
Then came one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history. At Bash at the Beach 1996, Hogan turned heel for the first time in over a decade, joining Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to form the New World Order (nWo). Declaring, “This is the New World Order of wrestling, brother,” Hogan reinvented himself yet again and changed the industry for a second time.
He remained a top figure in WCW until it was purchased by the WWF in 2001. Upon the expiration of his WCW contract, Hogan returned to the WWF alongside Nash and Hall as part of the nWo. At WrestleMania X8, he faced The Rock in a generational dream match. Though positioned as the villain, Hogan received a thunderous ovation from the Toronto crowd. The match reignited Hulkamania and led to his final WWF/WWE Championship reign the following month at Backlash 2002.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and made periodic appearances until departing the company in 2007. In 2009, he joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) alongside Eric Bischoff, helping raise the company’s profile but also drawing criticism for backstage decisions that many felt hindered the promotion. He left TNA and returned to WWE in 2014.
Hogan’s legacy faced controversy in 2015 due to a racially insensitive audio recording, leading WWE to cut ties. He issued a public apology and was eventually reinstated in 2018. Since then, he made several appearances, including as a co-host of WrestleMania 35 and 37 in his hometown of Tampa. His final WWE appearance came during the debut episode of RAW on Netflix.
Hulk Hogan isn’t just a wrestling legend—he is professional wrestling. A name known worldwide, even by those outside the industry, Hogan’s impact on the sport is immeasurable. His charisma, unforgettable moments, and unmatched legacy will live on forever in the hearts of wrestling fans across the globe.
Rest in peace, Hulkster. Thank you for everything.
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