The charismatic strongman who helped form WWE into the multibillion-dollar entertainment powerhouse, Hulk Hogan has passed away at 71.
The Georgia-born wrestler, actor, television personality and businessman helped elevate the field of sports entertainment beyond bingo halls and public access television, and turn it into a globe-spanning, stadium-filling, merchandise-selling behemoth.
While he was marred by controversy and poor business decisions in his final years, it is no exaggeration to say that without Hulk Hogan, an entire form of entertainment simply would not exist in any meaningful capacity.
Instantly recognizable from his blonde horseshoe mustache and bandannas, Hogan was one of the most popular wrestling stars of the 1980s and considered one of the greatest of all time. Known for his ring theatrics and sizable physique – in his prime, Hogan clocked in at 6ft 7in and weighed 320lb (145kg) – he helped transform professional wrestling into home entertainment, primarily through his partnership with Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the performance routine known as Hulkamania.
The entertainment company confirmed Hogan’s death and mourned its former star in a statement on X: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
“The Hulkster” headlined WrestleMania, WWE’s signature event, eight times, including a seminal showdown in 1987 with his 520lb mentor Andre the Giant at Michigan’s Pontiac Silverdome, before a then record crowd of 93,173. Hogan won the WWE championship six times during his career.
In 1996, Hogan founded the New World Order (NWO) and became Hollywood Hulk Hogan. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, only to have his status revoked after scandal following the release of a secret recording of a sexual encounter, during which Hogan made numerous racist comments. The 2010s blog Gawker first published the recording; Hogan subsequently sued the website, winning and forcing it out of business.
Hogan was once again inducted in 2020, as he became a more prominent figure in Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (Maga) movement. He starred at the 2024 Republican national convention, ripping off his shirt, WWE-style, to reveal a Trump 2024 T-shirt.
Ever the performer, Hogan maintained a decades-long acting career, appearing in the 1982 film Rocky III as the character Thunderlips, as well as films such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, Mr Nanny, Santa With Muscles and the 1994 syndicated series Thunder in Paradise. As one of the most recognizable figures of the 1980s – at his peak, he was the most requested celebrity for the Make-a-Wish foundation – Hogan appeared as himself in many shows and movies, including the A-Team, Baywatch, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Spy Hard and Muppets From Space. He also lent his voice to episodes of Robot Chicken and American Dad!
In 1985, he co-hosted Saturday Night Live along with Mr T. The same year, he was the star of his own cartoon series on CBS, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling. Hogan parlayed his fame into reality television, starring on the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best along with his then wife Linda and his children Brooke and Nick, from 2005 until 2007.
Tributes poured in on social media in the hours after his death, including from Maga political figures.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster,’” Donald Trump, a longtime friend, posted on his official Truth Social account. “Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way – Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
JD Vance also posted a tribute on X: “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid,” he wrote. “The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”
“We all have fond memories of Hulk Hogan,” wrote Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House, on X, alongside two photos – one with Hogan, the other of Hogan arm-wrestling Trump. “From my childhood in the ‘80s, to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life. May he rest in peace.”
Sylvester Stallone, Hogan’s co-star in Rocky III, said via Instagram: “I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks.”
“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend,” Hogan’s friend and fellow wrestling star Ric Flair posted on X. “Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me.”
And John Cena, who followed Hogan’s path from WWE star to Hollywood actor, simply posted a photo to his Instagram account of Hogan holding André the Giant’s head in one of their showdowns, appearing triumphant.
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