WATCH: Before John Cena, there was Hulk Hogan – 5 of the wrestler's most iconic moments
Wrestlers John Cena and Hulk Hogan present an award onstage at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards held at Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk on August 14, 2005 in Universal City, California. Picture: Getty Images via AFP
For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, Hulk Hogan was a household name, much like John Cena and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson are today.
Hogan paved the way for many of today's WWE stars to grow beyond the wrestling franchise.
Who is Hulk Hogan?
Hulk Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea on the 11 August 1953 in Augusta, Georgia.
He started his professional wrestling career in 1977 and signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1983.
Hogan soon took the WWF by storm, becoming the first wrestler to win consecutive Royal Rumble matches.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of fame in 2005.
Wrestler Hulk Hogan with Sylvester Stallone (left) and Vince McMahon (right) attend the induction of Hulk Hogan into WWE Hall of Fame at Universal Amphitheatre on 2 April 2005 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Getty Images via AFP
Hulk Hogan's acting career
Throughout his illustrious career, Hulk Hogan acted in a host of Hollywood blockbusters, with Rocky III being one of his breakthrough roles.
In 2005, his reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best, aired on VH1.
Wrestler Hulk Hogan appears on MTV's Total Request Live at MTV's Time Square Studios on 15 March 2006 in New York. Picture: Getty Images via AFP
Hogan always wore a bandana on his head and proudly showed off his horseshoe/handlebar moustache.
For much of the 80s, Hogan was the face of the WWF, and he paved the way for many modern wrestlers to follow suit.
Five of the most iconic moments in Hulk Hogan's career
Hulk Hogan acts in Rocky III (1982)
One of Hogan's biggest Hollywood roles came in Rocky III, where he played a character named 'Thunderlips'.
This was undoubtedly Hogan's biggest film role and helped him seal his professional contract at the WWF.
Hogan signs a professional contract with WWF (1983)
Shortly after his cameo in Rocky III, the WWF offered him a professional contract.
Hogan was lured to the WWF by Vince McMahon, who saw him as the perfect face of the wrestling federation.
Hulk Hogan body slams Andre the Giant to win Wrestlemania (1988)
One of the most iconic matches in Hogan's career was against Andre the Giant.
At the time, Hogan had been the reigning WWE champ for 1 474 days.
Andre the Giant was the favourite to win the match but Hogan prevailed by body slamming his big opponent.
This move won the match for Hulk Hogan, but caused a lifetime injury to his back.
Hogan inducted into WWE Hall of Fame by Sylvester Stallone (2005)
In 2005, Hulk Hogan finally got inducted into WWE Hall of Fame at the Universal Amphitheatre.
The Rock vs. Hollywood Hogan (2002)
One of the biggest modern matches for the rebranded Hollywood Hulk Hogan was when he wrestled against Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in the WWE.
Although he did not win this match, it was one of the biggest matches to take place at the Toronto Skydome.
This was the first match between the two opponents, drawing a lot of attention from fans, although it was not a title match.
ALSO READ: Wrestling boss Vince McMahon quits WWE amid misconduct allegations
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TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Hulk Hogan's most unforgettable moments
To commemorate the WWE legend's 48 years in the ring, we reflect on his controversial and iconic moments By 'Whatchu gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?' is a phrase that became Hulk Hogan's battle cry and one of the most influential. A multiple world champion professional wrestler in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Terry Gene Bollea 'Hulk Hogan' died at the age of 71 at his home in Clearwater in the US after suffering cardiac arrest on Thursday. To commemorate the WWE legend's 48 years in the ring, we reflect on controversial and iconic moments of his life: Steroid scandal The use of steroids in any sport is illegal unless prescribed by a doctor. The WWE's wellness policy bans substances such as cocaine, muscle relaxers, illegal drugs, marijuana and anabolic steroids which Hogan admitted to using in 1994 during the peak of his career. Hogan's reputation took a major blow as the sport no longer trusted him. In 1994 Hulk Hogan admitted he used anabolic steroids. Defeating The Iron Sheik for his first WWF Championship Legendary wrestlers are often defined by their epic rivalries which fuel unforgettable storylines. In 1984, Hogan had one of the best rivalries when he defeated The Iron Sheik and won his first World Championship using his signature Camel Clutch Atomic Leg Drop move. Reality TV show scandal Hogan starred in the reality series Hogan Knows Best which aired from 2005 to 2007. The show provided fans with an intimate look at his family life and exposed underlying tensions such as infidelity. Hogan's then-wife Linda Hogan filed for divorce a month after the series finale. Racist tirade A sex tape is bad enough, but when Hogan was heard saying horrendous things about black people, his WWE contract was immediately cancelled in July 2015. Hindustan Times said this was after a leaked audio clip of Hogan repeatedly using the N-word while expressing anger and discomfort about his daughter dating a black man. Hogan beating Andre the Giant In 1988 in one of the most important matches in WWE history, Hogan defeated Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III. This was a high-stakes match between former bitter rivals turned friends that had the network and fans on the edge of their seats, wondering if the gamble would pay off, which it did as the show's viewership had huge ratings.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
‘He was a true legend': Tributes pour in for WWE icon Hulk Hogan
The legendary wrestler passed away on Thursday at the age of 71. Tributes are continuing to pour in for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) icon Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea. The legendary wrestler reportedly passed away on Thursday at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest. WWE co-founder Vince McMahon described Hogan as the greatest WWE superstar of all time. 'He was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer – the first performer to transition from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon. 'His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience, whom he appreciated, respected, and loved,' he added. NOW READ: 'He was black TV royalty': Tributes pour in for Malcolm-Jamal Warner after drowning in Costa Rica Tributes pour in for Hulk Hogan WWE fans and stars have since shared their tributes on social media, paying their respects to the legend. WWE superstar Kane said he was a true legend. 'Hulk Hogan was a true legend. I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one. It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I'd practised it in the mirror a thousand times growing up.' Hulk Hogan was a true legend. I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one. It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I'd practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up. #RIPHULKHOGAN — Kane (@KaneWWE) July 24, 2025 Here are more reactions from X, formerly Twitter. The biggest crowd pop of all time! Hulk Hogan "Hulks Up" at WrestleMania 18 vs The Rock.#RIPHulkHogan — 2000's WWE (@2000s_WWE) July 24, 2025 I am so sad right now. @HulkHogan is gone and this just sucks. He is on my Mount Rushmore in wrestling. Along with Rick Flair, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Shawn Michaels. @WWE I can't wait to see the tribute you make for the #Hulkster #RipHulkHogan — john geary (@johnguk) July 24, 2025 I can't believe it! I was just looking at him the other day thinking how healthy and fit he looks for 71. Rest in peace to legend! I grew up with youas a kid, I think everyone who was an 80s child did… just wow. #RIPHulkHogan 🙏🏻 — Daniel Goddard (@DanielGoddard) July 24, 2025 NOW READ: Netflix collaborates with Gauteng Film Commission and the KZN Tourism and Film Authority in the upskilling of young creatives
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
WATCH: Before John Cena, there was Hulk Hogan – 5 of the wrestler's most iconic moments
Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, after suffering cardiac arrest at the age of 71. Wrestlers John Cena and Hulk Hogan present an award onstage at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards held at Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk on August 14, 2005 in Universal City, California. Picture: Getty Images via AFP For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, Hulk Hogan was a household name, much like John Cena and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson are today. Hogan paved the way for many of today's WWE stars to grow beyond the wrestling franchise. Who is Hulk Hogan? Hulk Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea on the 11 August 1953 in Augusta, Georgia. He started his professional wrestling career in 1977 and signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1983. Hogan soon took the WWF by storm, becoming the first wrestler to win consecutive Royal Rumble matches. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of fame in 2005. Wrestler Hulk Hogan with Sylvester Stallone (left) and Vince McMahon (right) attend the induction of Hulk Hogan into WWE Hall of Fame at Universal Amphitheatre on 2 April 2005 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Getty Images via AFP Hulk Hogan's acting career Throughout his illustrious career, Hulk Hogan acted in a host of Hollywood blockbusters, with Rocky III being one of his breakthrough roles. In 2005, his reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best, aired on VH1. Wrestler Hulk Hogan appears on MTV's Total Request Live at MTV's Time Square Studios on 15 March 2006 in New York. Picture: Getty Images via AFP Hogan always wore a bandana on his head and proudly showed off his horseshoe/handlebar moustache. For much of the 80s, Hogan was the face of the WWF, and he paved the way for many modern wrestlers to follow suit. Five of the most iconic moments in Hulk Hogan's career Hulk Hogan acts in Rocky III (1982) One of Hogan's biggest Hollywood roles came in Rocky III, where he played a character named 'Thunderlips'. This was undoubtedly Hogan's biggest film role and helped him seal his professional contract at the WWF. Hogan signs a professional contract with WWF (1983) Shortly after his cameo in Rocky III, the WWF offered him a professional contract. Hogan was lured to the WWF by Vince McMahon, who saw him as the perfect face of the wrestling federation. Hulk Hogan body slams Andre the Giant to win Wrestlemania (1988) One of the most iconic matches in Hogan's career was against Andre the Giant. At the time, Hogan had been the reigning WWE champ for 1 474 days. Andre the Giant was the favourite to win the match but Hogan prevailed by body slamming his big opponent. This move won the match for Hulk Hogan, but caused a lifetime injury to his back. Hogan inducted into WWE Hall of Fame by Sylvester Stallone (2005) In 2005, Hulk Hogan finally got inducted into WWE Hall of Fame at the Universal Amphitheatre. The Rock vs. Hollywood Hogan (2002) One of the biggest modern matches for the rebranded Hollywood Hulk Hogan was when he wrestled against Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in the WWE. Although he did not win this match, it was one of the biggest matches to take place at the Toronto Skydome. This was the first match between the two opponents, drawing a lot of attention from fans, although it was not a title match. ALSO READ: Wrestling boss Vince McMahon quits WWE amid misconduct allegations
