Remembering Hulk Hogan

In remembrance of Hulk Hogan.

Hulk Hogan courtesy of Openverse

Terry Gene “Hulk Hogan” Bollea: August 11, 1953 – July 24, 2025

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, WWE (WWF) On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, wrestling star “The Hulkster,” and the figure of “Hulkamania,” Hulk Hogan (born Terry Gene Bollea) passed away–suffered cardiac arrest, ultimately ending his life at age 71. His unexpected passing occurred at his Florida home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency personnel provided medical assistance at his residence prior to his transfer to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was declared deceased. The Clearwater Police Department verified his passing and indicated that there were no indications of foul play.

Hulk Hogan achieved a remarkable total of 12 world championships throughout his wrestling career, comprising 6 WWF/WWE championships and 6 WCW World Heavyweight championships. Additionally, he secured victories in two consecutive Royal Rumble matches in 1990 and 1991, and he was honored with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame on two occasions.

WWF/WWE Championships: 6 (notably including an extended reign as WWF Champion from 1984 to 1988)
WCW World Heavyweight Championships: 6
Royal Rumble Wins: 2 (1990, 1991)
WWE Hall of Fame: 2 (2005, and as a member of nWo in 2020)
WWE Tag Team Championship: 1 (in partnership with Edge)
Kids’ Choice Awards: 1 (Favorite Male Athlete)
Other significant achievements include headlining WrestleMania eight times and a plethora of iconic matches and moments.

Hogan was born in Augusta, Georgia, to Pietro Bollea and Ruth V. His family had a mix of Italian, Panamanian, Scottish, and French roots. He had an older brother named Allan who died from a drug overdose. When Hogan was one and a half, his family moved to Port Tampa, Florida. As a child, he played Little League Baseball and developed a strong interest in professional wrestling at age 16, inspired by wrestlers like Dusty Rhodes and “Superstar” Billy Graham. Hogan was also a musician and played bass guitar in several rock bands, including one called Ruckus. He studied at Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida but dropped out to focus on music. While performing in Tampa, the Brisco brothers, who were wrestlers, encouraged him to consider wrestling. Hogan initially faced resistance to get in the ring but eventually agreed after quitting the band. He began training with Hiro Matsuda, who broke Hogan’s leg during training. After recovery, Hogan returned to train, determined not to let Matsuda injure him again.

Hogan’s debut occurred on August 10, 1977, against Brian Blair in Florida. Shortly after, he took on the masked persona of “The Super Destroyer. ” Feeling overwhelmed by his trainer Matsuda, Hogan left CWF, managed a private club in Cocoa Beach, and opened a gym with his friend Whitey Bridges. In Alabama, Hogan and Leslie formed a tag team known as The Boulder Brothers. He later appeared on a talk show where his large size was noted compared to Lou Ferrigno, the star of The Incredible Hulk. Hogan won his first championship, the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship, on December 1, 1979. After a brief stint in the AWA, Hogan returned to WWF from 1983 to 1993, gaining fame as “Hulkamania. ” He won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship on January 23, 1984.

Hogan started and funded a restaurant named Pastamania in the Mall of America, which opened in 1995 but lasted less than a year. He mentioned that he was initially offered a chance to promote the George Foreman Grill, but missed the opportunity, leading to Foreman endorsing it instead. Hogan later endorsed the Hulk Hogan Thunder Mixer and the Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill, which was recalled for safety issues. In 2006, he introduced Hogan Energy and later created Hulkster Burgers sold at Wal-Mart. He launched Hogan Nutrition in 2011, opened Hogan’s Beach restaurant in 2012, and later Hogan’s Hangout. In 2024, he started a light beer brand called Real American Beer.

Hulk Hogan made appearances in two episodes of the 1980s television series “The A-Team”. He was showcased in the episodes titled “Body Slam” (1985) and “The Trouble with Harry” (1986), of the latter being cst with visiting guest William “Refrigerator” Perry of the Champion 1985 Chicago Bears. He was involved with various appearances on many TV shows, radio programs including 3 appearances on “The Howard Stern Show,” and at least 19 movies over the course of his career.

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In 1983, Hogan married Linda Claridge, with whom he has two children, Brooke and Nick. They starred in the reality show Hogan Knows Best. In 2007, Linda filed for divorce after allegations of Hogan’s affair with Christiane Plante surfaced. Hogan acknowledged that Linda suspected infidelities but denied cheating. He retained about 30% of their $10 million assets in the divorce. Hogan briefly considered suicide post-divorce. He later married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010 and they divorced in 2022. In 2023, he became engaged to Sky Daily and they married in September.

Hogan discussed his religious beliefs and was baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida in December 2023. Besides running for Pretendent and not being able to win that one, he recently endorsed Donald J. Trump in 2024.

Hulk Hogan will be missed by many, and my prayers go to all his family, his friends then and now, and for all the people who he has ever touched.