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Calgary Herald

Calgary wrestling community reflects on Hulk Hogan's legacy after wrestling icon's death

The wrestling world is in mourning over news that Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, died Thursday morning at the age of 71. Article content A member of Calgary's iconic Hart family and longtime contributor to the local wrestling community, Ross Hart said he was surprised when he heard the news. 'Seventy-one is a pretty young age, relatively, to pass away,' he said. Article content Article content Article content Hart never worked directly with Hogan but saw first-hand how deeply he shaped the wrestling world. Article content Article content 'He was probably the most important and influential figure in pro wrestling history,' he said. 'He transformed wrestling from a local promotion identity into a major global phenomenon. That speaks to his charisma, his interview skills and his in-ring presence.' Article content Hart had the opportunity to meet Hogan during his professional wrestling stops in Calgary, and remembers him as an intimidating but private figure. Article content 'He was just this very larger-than-life figure, but he was very private about his image . . . He would be very personified, very energetic for his interviews and promos. And then, he liked to withdraw and retreat. He didn't like to be the focus of media attention.' Article content But over the years, Hogan got plenty of attention — both positive and negative — from the media and the public. Article content Article content Born in 1953, Hogan rose to superstardom in the 1980s as the then-World Wrestling Federation's heavyweight champion. With his red and yellow gear, iconic entrance music and high-energy interview, he became the first mainstream wrestling superstar — he starred in movies, had his own cartoon show and appeared in Sports Illustrated. Article content Article content 'He's a complicated figure,' said Heath McCoy, senior communications specialist for the University of Calgary and author of Pain and Passion: The History of Stampede Wrestling. Article content 'He was like the Superman of the wrestling business. Everybody around the world knew about him . . . and then, over the years, his legacy became increasingly tarnished.'