Hulk Hogan death: From lucky red underwear to Marvel deal - 7 mind-blowing facts about iconic wrestler
1. He Wasn't Always Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida. Long before the world knew him as a wrestling superstar, he had dreams of making it big in music. He played bass guitar in several rock bands in Florida and even gained some recognition with a local group called 'Ruckus.' His size and charisma caught the attention of wrestling promoters, eventually leading to his transformation into 'Hulk Hogan.' The name was a strategic creation—'Hulk' came after he appeared on a talk show with actor Lou Ferrigno and was noticed to be bigger in size, while 'Hogan' was added by wrestling promoter Vincent J. McMahon to appeal to Irish-American audiences. Interestingly, Hogan did not legally change his name for years and continued to sign documents as Terry Bollea well into his career.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Please select course:
Select a Course Category
CXO
Others
Product Management
Design Thinking
Healthcare
Data Science
Operations Management
Digital Marketing
Cybersecurity
Project Management
others
Public Policy
MCA
Technology
Data Science
PGDM
healthcare
Leadership
Degree
Artificial Intelligence
Management
Data Analytics
Finance
MBA
Skills you'll gain:
Technology Strategy & Innovation
Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation
Leadership in Technology Management
Cybersecurity & Risk Management
Duration:
24 Weeks
Indian School of Business
ISB Chief Technology Officer
Starts on
Jun 28, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy
Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics
Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills
Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise
Duration:
10 Months
IIM Kozhikode
IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer
Starts on
Apr 7, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Digital Strategy Development Expertise
Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends
Data-driven Decision Making
Leadership in the Digital Age
Duration:
40 Weeks
Indian School of Business
ISB Chief Digital Officer
Starts on
Jun 30, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Operations Strategy for Business Excellence
Organizational Transformation
Corporate Communication & Crisis Management
Capstone Project Presentation
Duration:
11 Months
IIM Lucknow
Chief Operations Officer Programme
Starts on
Jun 30, 2024
Get Details
2. Had A Different Finisher in Japan
While Hulk Hogan is globally known for finishing matches with his famous leg drop, that wasn't always the case—especially during his time wrestling in Japan. In Japanese wrestling promotions, Hogan would often use a move called the 'Axe Bomber,' a clothesline-style maneuver, as his actual finisher, with the leg drop serving only as a setup move. This difference in style highlighted how he adapted his performance based on audience expectations. His Japanese fans even gave him the nickname 'Ichiban,' which means 'Number One,' reflecting the respect he earned overseas for his versatility and showmanship.
3. A Driving Force Behind Wrestling's Global Explosion
Hulk Hogan played a central role in transforming wrestling from a regional attraction into a mainstream global spectacle. He was the face of
WWE
's first WrestleMania in 1985, a high-stakes event that changed how wrestling was marketed and consumed. Hogan's larger-than-life personality, combined with his crossover appeal, helped bring wrestling into American living rooms. A defining moment in his career—and in wrestling history—occurred in 1987 at WrestleMania III, when he bodyslammed the 500-pound André the Giant in front of a record-setting crowd of more than 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome. That moment became symbolic of professional wrestling's evolution into big-ticket entertainment.
4. Helped WCW Beat WWE in Ratings—for Over a Year
After dominating the wrestling world with WWE, Hogan made a surprising move to rival promotion WCW in the 1990s. There, he underwent one of the most shocking character transformations in wrestling history by turning heel—becoming a villain—and forming the New World Order (nWo) alongside Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. Shedding his heroic image, Hogan adopted the 'Hollywood Hogan' persona, complete with black gear and a defiant attitude. This reinvention helped WCW overtake WWE in TV ratings for 83 straight weeks, a feat that reshaped the competitive landscape of wrestling. The nWo storyline remains one of the most influential angles in wrestling history.
5. Marvel Technically Owned His Name for 20 Years
In an unusual business twist, the name 'Hulk Hogan' was tied to a licensing deal with Marvel Comics. As per CinemaBlend, in 1984, WWE and Marvel agreed that Hogan could use the 'Hulk' name, but only under certain conditions. Marvel retained the rights and received 0.009% of all Hulk Hogan-branded merchandise as part of the agreement. The contract also prohibited WWE from using the word 'Incredible' in any of Hogan's branding to avoid confusion with Marvel's character, The Incredible Hulk. The deal lasted for 20 years and is a unique example of how intellectual property shaped Hogan's branding and earnings during his peak.
6. Survived Plane Crashes—and Credited His Underwear
Hogan was known not only for his ring presence but also for his quirky superstitions. One of his most talked-about beliefs was tied to a specific pair of red underwear, which he wore every time he flew. As per a Sportskeeda report, Hogan believed these underwear brought him good luck, and he wore them religiously during air travel. He once credited them with saving his life after surviving not one, but two plane crashes. While it may sound strange, this odd superstition reflects the deep need for control and routine that performers often develop while navigating unpredictable schedules and high-risk lifestyles.
7. Took Down Gawker—and Changed Media Privacy Laws
In 2016, Hogan was at the center of a major legal battle that made headlines across the U.S. He sued Gawker Media after the outlet published an unauthorized and explicit video of him with a friend's wife, claiming a violation of his privacy. The court agreed, awarding Hogan a staggering $140 million in damages. The verdict was so financially damaging that Gawker Media was forced to shut down. The case had wide-ranging implications, sparking national conversations about privacy, consent, and journalistic ethics. It also marked one of the most significant victories for a celebrity in a privacy lawsuit.
Remembering a Wrestling Titan
Hulk Hogan's life was filled with both triumphs and controversies, from breaking attendance records and selling out arenas to dealing with addiction, scandals, and public criticism. Despite the ups and downs, he remained a central figure in American pop culture for over four decades. WWE, in a statement posted on social media, called him one of the most recognizable personalities in pop culture history and credited him with helping the company gain international fame in the 1980s.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Misogyny gets an AI boost
It was inevitable that the rise of AI influencers — entirely fabricated entities that exist only virtually — would meet with Indian misogyny fairly quickly. Earlier this year, a social media influencer by the name of Archi Babydoll/Archita Phukan went viral with a clip of her dancing to a Romanian song; then, an image of her meeting American adult actor Kendra Star was also shared. The account had been active since 2020, but with these two posts, much further traction was achieved. The account connected with 1.4 million followers and about three thousand paying subscribers at the height of its popularity, by June and July of this year. But this level of fame meant that the truth came out: Archi Babydoll is purely an AI creation. If she — or rather, it — was the work of some dudebro entrepreneur who objectifies actual women and doesn't see a moral issue in generating a woman-like illusion who is designed specifically to be an object, it would all be par for the course. But in this case, the malice is extremely targeted. It does not arise from a diffuse misogynistic intent that may not know itself by name, even if those who encounter it do. Here, the creator of this figment utilised a real, human face and likeness — that of a woman in Assam. Her family filed a police case upon seeing the profile. The woman's ex-boyfriend, identified as the culprit, has been arrested.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Hulk Hogan biopic canceled: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon shelves film project after years of uncertainty
(Image via X) After years of uncertainty and skepticism, Hulk Hogan's much-awaited biopic stands canceled, as Ben Affleck and Matt Damon finally announced to shelve the film project and will not bring Hogan's life to the big screen. Fans are currently speculating that Hulk Hogan's passing away could be one of the possible reasons for shelving the project. But, Ben and Matt have cleared that it has nothing to do with his unfortunate demise. It is to be noted that the WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025, due to a sudden cardiac arrest at Clearwater in Florida. His sudden demise has left fans and the entire WWE Universe mourning. Moreover, as of yet, there is no official detail revealed related to his funeral. Hulk Hogan biopic shelved following his death The much-anticipated Hulk Hogan has been shelved by the creators Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. In an exclusive report published on July 30, 2025, TMZ has confirmed that the much-talked-about Hulk Hogan biopic, which was once linked to Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, will no longer be produced by their company, Artists Equity. WWE honors Hulk Hogan's incredible legacy: Raw highlights, July 28, 2025 Sources claimed that this decision was made long before Hulk Hogan's passing, and that the film hasn't been actively developed for quite a while now. Earlier, the film was shelved by Netflix, which was supposed to cast Chris Hemsworth as the lead and helmed by Todd Phillips, generating Oscar buzz. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Make-Up Artists Hate How Good These Tricks Look on Older Women Learn More Undo Despite script approval and Hemsworth's dedication to the role, the project was abruptly canceled in 2024 due to a payment issue with Netflix. TMZ also described that the script of the biopic was actually centered on the infamous leaked sex tape incident and Hogan's resulting legal battle. This had attracted attention due to its high‑profile producers and creative potential. The film has been canceled and has been abandoned by the creators. Speculations suggest that the biopic may come one day, but not from Ben and Matt anytime soon. Raw pays tribute to Hulk Hogan with 10-bell salute: Raw highlights, July 28, 2025 Hulk Hogan controversies Hulk Hogan , who was once revered as the face of WWE's golden era, the WWE icon's later years shadowed by controversy. From leaked tapes to racial slurs, his public image took repeated blows. In 2012, Hulk Hogan was at the center of major controversy when a private sex tape of the wrestler went viral on leading to a massive legal battle. Hogan sued for invasion of privacy and was awarded by a Florida jury in 2016. In addition to this, Hogan also faced severe backlash when he was caught using racial slurs. Following this, the WWE swiftly terminated his contract and removed him from the Hall of Fame, which was later restored. Also Read : WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan passes away at 71 | WWE News - Times of India Another controversy about Hulk Hogan was his controversial divorce from Linda Hogan, who accused Hulk Hogan of cheating with their daughter Brooke's best friend, Christine Plante. The controversy exploded when Plante confirmed the affair, claiming it happened during a rocky time in the Hogans' marriage. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
India.com
8 hours ago
- India.com
Japanese Baba Vanga's chilling tsunami prediction comes true after 25 days as warnings issued for 44 countries in…?; here's what she had predicted for…
Representational Image/AI-generated. The entire world is rattled by a powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake in Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, which has triggered tsunami alerts in as many as 44 countries in the Pacific Ocean region, and led many to believe that Ryo Tatsuki, a Japanese manga artist and prophet, may have accurately predicted the cataclysmic even in manga she published several years ago. Why Japan's Baba Vanga is back in spotlight after Russia earthquake? Interestingly, the Kamchatka earthquake that sent tsunami waves as far as Japan's Hokkaido island, occurred weeks after many social media users turned the spotlight on Watashi ga Mita Mirai (The Future I Saw), a manga published in 1999 by Ryo Tatsuki– often dubbed as the New Baba Vanga– in which she had purportedly prophesized about a similar disaster taking place in July 2025. The Russia earthquake has piqued renewed interest in Ryo Tatsuki's manga as many of her fans and followers believe that the Japanese prophet has accurately predicted major world events, including the deaths of Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury, the COVID-19 outbreak , as well as the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Earlier this year, fans of Tatsuki's work claimed that the artist had predicted a major cataclysm to occur on July, but nothing particular happened on the day, leaving many to believe that her predictions were nothing but hoax and people finding patterns in anything they are invested in. What netizens are saying about Ryo Tatsuki? However, the Ryo Tatsuki has shot back into focus after a tsunami alert was issued for as many 44 countries across the globe, from Indonesia, Japan, to Australia, following a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, which triggered tsunami waves in the Pacific Ocean. Social media is abuzz with many linking Tatsuki's manga to the latest earthquake and tsunami alerts. 'Massive 3 Feet Tsunami Alert for the entire Coast of Japan after a Powerful Magnitude of 8.8 Earthquake in the Coast of Russia, Japanese Manga Predictor Ryo Tatsuki, The Future I Saw, who predicted the 2011 Quake did it again! Stay safe, Japan,' one user wrote. 'How did New Baba Vanga, Ryo Tatsuki, predict a mega Tsunami for July 2025? If you're on the West Coast, GET AWAY FROM THE WATER,' another commented. 'Not the exact date, but you have to respect Ryo Tatsuki,' a third chimed in. Kamchatka earthquake Earlier, a powerful earthquake, measuring 8.8 on the Richter Scale, struck the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's far east on Wednesday. As per the USGS, the quake, which struck at a depth 19.3 km (12 miles), was epicentered 25 km (80 miles) east-southeast of Petropavlovsk in Russia's Kamchatka peninsula along the coast of Avacha Bay. The USGS had earlier categorized it as a 8.0 magnitude tremor but later revised the seismic reading to magnitude 8.8. Social media videos showed the devastation caused by the massive earthquake, as buildings shook violently due to the tremor, while infrastructure damage was reported as several places in the region.
