08/20/2025
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea on August 11, 1953, and passing on July 24, 2025, was an American professional wrestler and cultural icon whose impact on sports entertainment was unparalleled. Widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling stars in history, he won multiple championships worldwide, most notably becoming a six-time WWF Champion. Hogan’s rise in the 1980s coincided with the transformation of professional wrestling from a regional pastime into a global phenomenon, a period famously known as the “Hulkamania” era.
Returning to the WWF in late 1983, Hogan’s persona was quickly cast as a patriotic, all-American hero. His heroic status was cemented on January 23, 1984, when he defeated the Iron Sheik to claim his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship, escaping the Sheik’s submission hold, the “camel clutch.” Hogan’s signature look—red and yellow gear, a bandana, and a horseshoe mustache—along with his catchphrases like “say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” made him a larger-than-life figure who inspired audiences, particularly children, with his message of strength and perseverance.
Hogan’s wrestling formula became legendary: enduring punishment, “hulking up” to shake off attacks, pointing at his opponent, landing a big boot, and finishing with the leg drop. His first WWF Championship reign lasted an incredible 1,474 days, from 1984 to 1988, and he headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, solidifying his dominance and status as the face of the WWF. Beyond his in-ring achievements, Hulk Hogan’s charisma and cultural presence helped define an era of professional wrestling, leaving a legacy that transcended sports entertainment.
