Famed wrestler Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died on Thursday at the age of 71. Hogan is rightly considered one of the most powerful people in the history of professional wrestling. His passing has brought an outpouring of tributes from fans, wrestlers, and celebrities. A two-time WWE Hall of Famer and former world champion he certainly was, but the legacy he leaves behind is nothing short of transcendent.
Hogan’s professional career spanned over 40 years. In doing so, he won the hearts of millions — and millions — of fans, including fellow wrestling superstars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Hogan’s impact went far beyond the ring. He made moves into popular entertainment, starring in films and television shows. He was best known for his role as wrestling champion Thunderlips in Sylvester Stallone’s 1982 picture Rocky III. Beyond that, he had an indelible guest star stint on the sitcom “Suddenly Susan” opposite Brooke Shields.
Hogan is survived by his son, Nick Hogan, and daughter, Brooke Hogan. His family and friends continue to be comforted by the tributes from the many, many admirers. WWE too shared its sadness at the passing of the wrestling icon. WWE’s full statement commemorating Hogan’s life, extending thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and fans.
Hogan did more than win on the mat. He was politically engaged. Just last year, he was all over the news for delivering a black Republican’s endorsement of Donald Trump to the party pinnacle on the last night of the RNC. The former president remembered Hogan fondly, stating, “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ He entertained fans from all over the world, and the cultural impact he had was massive.” In the same breath, Trump offered his “heartfelt best wishes” to Hogan’s family.
Vince McMahon, WWE’s chairman and CEO, hailed Hogan’s groundbreaking role in the industry. He remarked, “He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.” McMahon further noted Hogan’s unmatched dedication, stating that “his grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled and made him the consummate performer.”
Hogan’s iconic catchphrase, “Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers,” remains a memorable aspect of his brand. The phrase really summed up his appeal to fans, and to young aspiring wrestlers just like you. John Layfield, a former wrestler, reflected on Hogan’s impact on his own career: “He was one of the reasons I got into wrestling.” Layfield reminisced about Hogan’s kindness towards children, saying, “Hulk was always so nice to me and was the one celebrity that wanted to see all the kids I brought over from Bermuda.”
Dwayne Johnson had a sweet tribute to his childhood idol. He recalled an early interaction with Hogan when he gifted Johnson a headband after he caught one thrown into the crowd at Madison Square Garden in 1984. Johnson described Hogan as “a childhood hero to millions of little kids,” including himself. The two clashed in what some consider the greatest professional wrestling match of all time at Wrestlemania X8 in 2002, paving their paths into wrestling immortality.
As tributes are still being issued from every corner of the world, Hogan’s friends and colleagues remember him and consider how his lasting legacy will endure. John Layfield shared his sorrow over Hogan’s passing: “RIP legend. There will never be another. Hulkamania never dies.”
