Hollywood Hulk HoganBio of a Pro Wrestling Legend in His Own TimeHollywood Hulk Hogan is one of the most loved and loathed Professional Wrestlers in history. Hogan made the sport what is today, and did it his own way. There is no denying that Hulk Hogan is a professional wrestling legend in his own time.
Hulk was born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, GA and grew up in Tampa, FL. As a boy he excelled at baseball and took an interest in wrestling in high school. Hulk was also a gifted musician and was in a band called Ruckus. Life was not all sports and rock-n-role for the Hulk, he studied Finance and Business at the University of South Florida. However, business administration could not keep his attention and he left college before graduating to head to Atlanta, GA. It was there that Terry perused his music career and started working out - big time. He bulked-up, and hung around ringside at pro wrestling matches. Even at matches he stood out with 6 foot 7 inch, 300 pound frame. He was soon convinced to give pro wrestling a shot.
Hulk Hogan spent several years wrestling with small gigs in the South before his talent caught the attention of Vincent McMahon Sr., the legendary promoter and owner of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). In 1979 McMahon Sr. offered Hulk a chance to try-out for the WWF with Hiro Matsuda. During the try-out Matsuda got The Hulk in a submission hold but Hogan would not give up. The pro wrestling rumor is that Matsuda broke Hulk Hogan's leg in this move, but the Hulk was not deterred. His determination was clear and McMahon signed Terry Bollea with the WWF. McMahon thought he had an uncanny resemblance to the comic book version of the Incredible Hulk and his stage name, "Hulk Hogan," was born. Hogan's first pro wrestling match was against the fierce and undefeated Andre the Giant. Hulk Hogan won the match, and the respect and admiration of wrestling fans and wresting news agencies throughout the globe. Actor Sylvester Stallone was so impressed by Hogan's performance that he cast him as Thunderlips Ultimate Male in his block-buster 1982 movie, Rocky III.
Hulk Hogan and Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III Rocky III pushed Hogan's fame higher and he brought the WWF along for the ride. At the time, the WWF was a small-time franchise in the North East US. Hulk Hogan's global persona brought the WWF into the national, and international wrestling news headlines. In 1984, Hogan was awarded the WWF championship belt for his defeat of the Iron Sheik. The resulting global pro wrestling news frenzy, and Hulk himself, became known as "Hulkamania." Hogan was everywhere and he had succeeded in bringing wrestling news into the mainstream. Hogan held his WWF title for three more years, and his success increased the public's obsession with Pro Wrestling.
Hulk Hogan was about to go "Hollywood". He starred several films including No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny, and Santa with Muscles. He paved the way for Pro Wrestlers like John Cena and The Rock to cross-over from the ring to Hollywood. However, dark days were ahead for Hollywood Hulk Hogan. By the 1990s the WWF was accused of providing anabolic steroids to pro wrestlers. The wrestling rumor was the Hulk Hogan had also used steroids. The WWF underwent a turbulent trial in which Hogan was forced to testify against his former boss, Vince McMahon Jr., the son of the man who discovered and "named" Hulk Hogan. Hogan admitted drug abuse which lead to the end of his movie and wrestling careers.
Hogan made pro wrestling history by returning to the ring in 1996. Now calling himself "Hollywood Hogan," he joined Ted Turner's WCW (World Championship Wrestling), the WWF's bitter rival, and established the New World Order with WCW badmen Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. He became more popular than ever. He abandoned his trademark red and yellow colors for black, and at one point even dyed his beard black. This infamous New World Order gained immense support from wrestling fans and ultimately was Hogan's redemption.
Hulk Hogan in the New World Order Hulk Hogan has written a memoire called Hollywood Hulk Hogan. He also gave fans a glimpse into his home life on the hit television series Hogan Knows Best. The reality show featured the daily lives and misadventures of Hogan and his wife Linda as they raised their teenage children, daughter Brooke and son Nick. Brooke Hogan now stars in her own reality series, Brooke Knows Best. Things have not been as good for his son. The world watched when Nick Hogan was involved in a car crash which left his friend John Graziano critically and permanently injured. Nick was arrested three months later for his role in the accident and subsequently plead guilty to a felony count of reckless driving, and went to prison for eight months. The wresting rumor that this incident took a toll on the Hulk's marriage was true. That same month, Hogan's wife filed for divorce, seeking to end their 24-year marriage. Hulk was down but he will ever be out. During his personal turmoil Hulk Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, making him a true pro wrestling legend. His friend Sylvester Stallone presented him with the honor. In 2008, Hulk decided to co-host the reality competition American Gladiators with Laila Ali, of Pro Boxing fame. In that same year Hogan became the host and executive producer of Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling. The show, which currently airs on the Country Music Television cable network, pits celebrities against each other for a celeb-style beat-down, although celeb pro wrestling moves are nowhere near as good as the Pros! Competitors include Danny Bonaduce, Todd Bridges, and Dennis Rodman. After 3 decades in the ring, Hollywood Hulk Hogan is not without injury. Pro wrestling rumor is that he has been seeking alternative medical treatments for sever back pain. Hogan will rise again. He continues to re-invent himself and prove that he one of the best of all time. Hulkamania will live forever! HOLLYWOOD HULK HOGAN UPDATE: In true pro wrestling fashion, there was never a dull moment. A fight broke out during the event, as Hogan’s staff battled with the paparazzo that was trying to snap photos of the wedding. "Hulk's security team was in the background throwing around the paparazzi, who was standing 200 feet away in the shoreline water," a witness recalled. The photographer, Robert Martinez reported claimed to be in possession of a gun. Yes, he has filed a complaint with the Clearwater Police Department, alleging assault, battery and destruction of property. Hogan and McDaniel started dating in April of 2008, as the former's marriage to longtime wife Linda fell apart during filming of the couple's reality show. Hulk’s new wife says she “walks in the spirit of Christ”. So she has got that going for her. Just incase, however pro wrestling rumor is that Hogan has made McDaniel sign a prenuptial agreement.
Hollywood Hulk Hogan signature moves
Finishing moves
Hulk stats
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