From “Hulkamania” to Hollywood, Hogan’s Larger-Than-Life Legacy Shaped Generations of Fans

CLEARWATER, FL — Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, the bandana-clad titan who turned helped turn professional wrestling into a global phenomenon, and became one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment history, died Thursday morning at the age of 71 following cardiac arrest.

Clearwater police responded to a medical emergency early Thursday and confirmed Hogan was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The death of the WWE Hall of Famer and reality TV star ends a career that not only redefined pro wrestling, but also forever changed pop culture.

The WWE released a statement offering condolences, calling Hogan “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures,” and crediting him with helping the company reach global prominence during the 1980s.

A Titan in the Ring

Hulk Hogan’s rise to superstardom began in 1984 when he captured the World Wrestling Federation championship, launching what became known as Hulkamania — a red-and-yellow storm of energy, charisma, and patriotism.

With his signature “24-inch pythons,” explosive charisma, and crowd-pleasing catchphrases, Hogan transformed wrestling from a niche sport to a cultural force.

He headlined the very first WrestleMania in 1985, teaming with Mr. T in a match that changed the trajectory of sports entertainment.

At WrestleMania III, he famously bodyslammed Andre the Giant in front of 93,000 fans — a moment etched in wrestling history.

He became a six-time WWE Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

Monday Night Wars and Reinvention

Hogan played a pivotal role in the fierce ratings battle of the Monday Night Wars between WWE and WCW during the 1990s. Reinventing himself as the villainous Hollywood Hogan, he helped form the notorious New World Order (nWo) faction, shifting momentum in WCW’s favor and ushering in one of wrestling’s most commercially successful eras.

He returned to WWE in 2002 and once again captured championship gold. His epic showdown with The Rock at WrestleMania X8 marked a symbolic “passing of the torch” to the next generation of wrestling superstars.

Hogan Beyond the Ring

Outside the squared circle, Hogan became a household name through film and television.

He starred as Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982), hosted the reality show Hogan Knows Best, and made countless pop culture appearances that endeared him to audiences beyond wrestling fans.

His over-the-top promos, often beginning with “Well, lemme tell ya something, Mean Gene!” became iconic. Hogan’s magnetism and bravado turned him into a living comic book character — part Superman, part everyman hero.

Scandals and Redemption

Hogan’s later years were marked by legal battles and controversy. In 2016, he won a $140 million judgment against Gawker Media after the site published a sex tape without his consent. The case raised major questions about privacy in the digital age and led to the company’s bankruptcy.

Despite setbacks, Hogan remained a beloved figure to millions, often reflecting on the loyalty of his fanbase: “Everywhere I show up, people treat me like I’m still the champ.”

A Political Turn in Later Years

Hogan made headlines again in 2024 when he appeared at the Republican National Convention, aligning himself with Donald Trump and drawing attention with his signature pageantry.

“Let Trumpamania run wild!” he shouted, tearing off a shirt to reveal a red Trump-Vance campaign tee — a moment that blended wrestling theatrics with political theatre.

Thunder Bay and the Legacy of Hulkamania

Hogan’s impact was felt far beyond American borders. In Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario, generations of fans packed living rooms and community halls to watch him slam giants and rally for justice inside the ring.

He was a staple on Saturday morning TV and a hero for many children growing up in the 1980s and ‘90s.

Local wrestling fans and promoters credit Hogan for helping ignite their passion for the sport and paving the way for Canadian icons like Bret Hart, Edge, and Trish Stratus to reach superstardom.

Remembering the Icon

From WrestleMania to reality TV, from legal headlines to political rallies, Hulk Hogan’s life was lived in the spotlight. For better or worse, he was professional wrestling to many — the embodiment of a time when heroes were larger than life and the boundaries between fiction and reality blurred under the bright lights of the ring.

As fans remember Hogan, his signature words echo across arenas and living rooms alike:
“Train, say your prayers, and take your vitamins.”