From the Ring to Hollywood: The Journey of Hulk Hogan that Created an Unforgettable Legend

SadaNews - Hulk Hogan was not just a wrestler wearing a yellow band and walking confidently to the ring; he was a cultural phenomenon that captivated millions around the world.

Hulk Hogan, a name that became an icon, not only created explosive moments in the ring but also changed the game in the wrestling world forever.

In this report, we explore the key milestones that shaped his extraordinary career, from his humble beginnings in music to becoming one of WWE’s cornerstones, before transitioning to the big screen and facing his controversial crises. Here is the story of the wrestler who became a legend.

Who is Hulk Hogan?

Hulk Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in the state of Georgia, USA. He started his career away from wrestling as he was passionate about music and played in local rock bands. However, his strong physique and passion for sports led him to the wrestling ring in the late 1970s after catching the attention of the duo Jack and Gerald Brisco, where he learned the fundamentals of the game under Japanese trainer Hiro Matsuda.

The Fan Explosion and the Rise of Hulkamania

In 1979, Hogan joined the WWF, but he skyrocketed to stardom in 1984 when he defeated the Iranian wrestler The Iron Sheik to win the World Championship title. This marked the launch of Hulkamania, turning Hogan into a mass-star, especially among children, thanks to his heroic persona and the famous slogan "What are you gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?"

Iconic Moments at WrestleMania

Hogan recorded immortal moments in WrestleMania's history, most notably his match in 1987 against the giant Andre the Giant at the third installment of the event, in front of over 93,000 spectators. He also headlined WrestleMania for eight consecutive years, making him one of the critical pillars of modern professional wrestling.

His Sudden Transformation in WCW

In the mid-1990s, Hogan transitioned to WCW, where a major shift in his career occurred in 1996 when he became the villainous character "Hollywood Hogan" and founded the nWo group with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. This transformation shocked the audience, but it reinvigorated his career and reintroduced him in a different light, boosting WCW’s stock against its rival WWE.

The Return to WWE and Cementing the Legend

Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 to a warm welcome, and participated in a legendary match against The Rock at WrestleMania X8. Despite his advancing age, he managed to win the WWE title for the sixth time, proving that his status remained untarnished.

Hogan's success wasn't limited to the ring; he appeared in movies like Rocky III as Thunderlips and starred in films like Mr. Nanny and Suburban Commando. He also hosted his reality show Hogan Knows Best, which showcased aspects of his personal life and enhanced his media presence among a new audience.

A Timeless Persona and Cultural Icon

Hogan is considered one of the first wrestlers to break the boundaries of the ring and become a cultural symbol. He inspired generations of children and youth to believe in strength, courage, and victory through his powerful persona and image as the unbeatable hero. His name inspired characters in films, cartoons, and even video games.

Hogan faced numerous challenges, including a massive legal battle against Gawker over a leaked private video, which ended with a payout estimated at over $100 million. He was also expelled from WWE in 2015 due to a recorded racist conversation, but later returned to the Hall of Fame after his apology.

Despite undergoing more than 25 surgeries due to recurring injuries in his back and knees, he maintained his fitness and presence, appearing at special events, including the 30th-anniversary celebration of Raw in 2023.

An Indelible Legacy in Sports and Entertainment

Whether in the ring or in media, Hogan represented an archetype of the star wrestler. He inspired many stars like The Rock and John Cena, and contributed to transforming wrestling into a massive entertainment industry that transcends sports. It is impossible to mention WWE's history without invoking Hogan, who has remained a global icon for decades.