It’s a sad day for wrestling fans and pop culture lovers around the world—Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. For many, he wasn’t just a wrestler. He was the wrestler. The guy with the ripped shirt, the handlebar mustache, and the booming voice who told us to “say our prayers and eat our vitamins.” Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan wasn’t just a WWE superstar—he became a global icon whose influence stretched far beyond the ring.
Hulkamania Was More Than a Catchphrase
Hulk Hogan was someone everyone knew even if you never saw a single wrestling match, because he was everywhere with his style. With his blonde hair, colorful outfits and tremendous charisma, Hogan took wrestling from smoke-filled backroom shows to packed stadiums and prime-time TV.
He wasn’t just a wrestler—he was a hero to millions of kids. He was the guy who always fought for what was right, who told bullies to back off, and who made you believe you could rip a t-shirt in half if you tried hard enough.
From the Ring to the Big Screen
But Hogan didn’t stop at wrestling. He made the jump into movies with roles in Rocky III, Suburban Commando, and the very cheesy but weirdly beloved Santa With Muscles. He also ventured into reality TV with Hogan Knows Best, giving fans a glimpse into his personal life (for better or worse).
Even outside of the U.S., Hogan had fans everywhere. He brought his Hulkamania tour to Australia in 2009, packing out arenas and reminding people why he was still the face of pro wrestling decades into his career.
And fun fact: the “Hulk” in his name? It wasn’t just inspired by the Marvel superhero—it was actually licensed. Hogan paid Marvel for the rights to use the name for years. Turns out, it was money well spent.
A Complicated Legacy
As beloved as he was, Hogan’s life wasn’t free from controversy. In 2015, a private recording surfaced in which he used racial slurs, a moment that rocked his reputation and led to a temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame. Fans were shocked. Some forgave. Others walked away.
Then there was the sex tape scandal—a deeply personal moment made public when the gossip site Gawker released footage of Hogan in bed with a friend’s wife. He sued, won, and essentially bankrupted the website with a massive $140 million lawsuit. That court case sparked huge debates about privacy, media ethics, and celebrity culture.
In recent years, he stirred even more conversation by stepping into politics—loudly. Hogan aligned himself with Donald Trump and became a headline speaker at the 2024 Republican National Convention. In true Hogan fashion, he ripped his shirt off on stage and declared his loyalty to the MAGA movement. Some fans loved it. Others were disappointed. But it was vintage Hogan—bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore.
Tributes Pour In
Since the news of his death broke, tributes have flooded social media. From longtime fans sharing childhood memories to celebrities posting old photos, it’s clear Hulk Hogan meant something to a lot of people. Even President Trump posted, calling him “The Hulkster” and “a great friend.”
And whether you were a diehard fan or someone who just occasionally caught him on TV, there’s no denying that Hogan made his mark. He wasn’t perfect. He made mistakes. But he also brought joy, excitement, and unforgettable moments to millions of people across generations.
Saying Goodbye to the Hulkster
It’s hard to overstate what Hulk Hogan meant to professional wrestling and pop culture. He was a great athlete, and not just a player, he was an industry icon. He inspired not just fitness routines, but action figures, Halloween costumes, and memes. He transformed wrestling into something new.
Hulk Hogan had a lot of energy, he lived loud, and he wrestled in a way you never forget his name.
So here’s to the man who asked us all, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”—thank you, Hulk. You ran wild for decades. And we’ll never forget it.
Rest in peace, brother.
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