Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has confirmed what we had been fearing for sometime given his bad and declining health of late that the man known for igniting the cult like rage of MILLIONS of fans for once forming the nWo as the long time American hero who told us to eat our victims, and be good for years had turned heel. We grown ups loved the switch as we know the truth about the Entertainment aspect of the sport and loved this man for his character is what the business is about.
He was so popular, there was a name for his era of popularity Hulkamania. Hogan parlayed that stardom into movie roles, including a memorable appearance in Rocky III. He showed that creating a living comic book like heroe that seem bigger than life WAS how it should be if you wanted there to be real growth in the sport, and with the help of owner Vince McMahon they created "Hulkamania" which ran wild all over the world, and Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was the biggest professional wrestler of the 1980's and 90's and went on to achieve fame outside the ring. Also he is responsible for helping gain acceptance for Wrestlers to become successful actors in Hollywood.
In a post on X, the WWE called Hogan "one of pop culture's most recognizable figures," and credits him for helping the brand achieve global recognition. As most kids who grew up in the 80's he was a major hero and a staple in our tv programming as we never missed WWF when it would come on tv just to hope he would come out and say or do something. Til this day I remember watching the Match where he dropped the belt to the Warrior and getting so angry I wanted to destroy the TV. My dad had to stop me while laughing as he was on the inside of how it's all scripted but as a kid I didn't know better. The Hulkster made us believe like Christopher Reeve made us believe a man could fly. Hogan made us believe he was Wrestling's "SUPERMAN" and boy he was that big.
More recently, Hogan was a figure of right-wing politics. During the 2024 Republican National Convention, he spoke on stage, tearing off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance shirt, saying, "Let Trumpamania run wild, brother." Hogan also became a major figure in the media after the website Gawker published a portion of a sex tape of Hogan in 2012. Funded by billionaire Peter Thiel, Hogan sued parent company Gawker Media. Hogan won the lawsuit. A Florida jury awarded him $140 million, driving Gawker Media into bankruptcy. I kid you not when I say that around the world there are maybe 4 names more known for any sport. But none more than Hulk Hogan for Wrestling. There is Jesus Christ, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Hulk Hogan, Michael Jordan, Donald Trump... These names are known globally. The Hulkster will never die as Hulkamania will live forever.
Rest in Peace Terry Bollea.
WWE supremo Vince McMahon has paid an emotional tribute to the late, great Hulk Hogan after the legendary wrestler's tragic death earlier today at the age of 71. 
"His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled - and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved.
"He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, "Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers." Today, we pray for him."
