Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life professional wrestler and television personality who redefined the WWE and brought pro-wrestling into mainstream pop culture, has died at the age of 71. The WWE confirmed the news on July 24, that:
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away… Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”
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From Terrence Bollea to Hulkamania
Born Terrence Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, in 1953, Hogan’s rise to superstardom began in 1979 after meeting Vince McMahon Sr., who rebranded him as “Hulk Hogan.”
His imposing 6’7” (or 6’4”, depending on the source) frame, signature blond mustache, and charisma catapulted him into wrestling history.
In 1985, Sports Illustrated declared him “Wrestling’s Top Banana,” adding:
“Hulk Hogan is to pro wrestling what Babe Ruth was to baseball.”
His character and popularity helped turn the WWE into a billion-dollar empire.
Film, TV, and Cultural Influence
Outside the ring, Hogan became a television mainstay. He starred in Rocky III (1982), led VH1’s Hogan Knows Best from 2005 to 2007, and made appearances on The Love Boat and WWE Raw. He even attended the Grammys as Cyndi Lauper’s bodyguard in 1985.