La Derecha Diario Who was Hulk Hogan: the wrestler who turned WWE into a global phenomenon
Icon of the 80s and 90s, Hogan was more than a wrestler: he was a cultural symbol in the U.S., had a career in film and television, and was friends with Donald Trump
Hulk Hogan, the stage name of Terry Gene Bollea, was much more than a professional wrestler: he became the face that popularized wrestling around the world, especially World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the largest company in the industry.
With his imposing physique, his unmistakable blond mustache, his bandanas, and his defiant attitude, Hogan was WWE's biggest star during the '80s and '90s. His "All-American" Hulk Hogan character captured the spirit of an era in the United States. Later, with his "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan version in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), he managed to reinvent himself and remain relevant.
Hogan was, along with names like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena, one of the pillars of wrestling's media boom. In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, although in 2015 he was expelled after the leak of racist comments. Three years later, he was reinstated in the organization, thus regaining his place among the icons of sports entertainment.
His foray into film and TV
With his powerful presence and magnetic charisma, Hogan managed to establish himself as a media figure who crossed the boundaries of the ring, venturing into both film and television.
His most memorable role outside wrestling was in Rocky III, where he played Thunderlips, a giant wrestler who faces Rocky Balboa in an exhibition match. Although his appearance was brief, it became iconic and reinforced his image as an all-around celebrity.
He also starred in his own television series and appeared in family movies, which expanded his influence beyond sports and established him as a global entertainment reference.
A close relationship with Donald Trump
In addition to his career as a wrestler, Hulk Hogan maintained a close relationship with Donald Trump, with whom he shared a friendship since the 1980s, when the businessman began to get involved with WWE.
In July 2024, during the Republican National Convention, Hogan surprised the audience by tearing his clothes (as in his classic ring entrances) to reveal a red tank top with the slogan "Trump-Vance", in support of the then Republican Party presidential candidate.
"Trump is a hero. He'll unite the United States," he declared on that occasion, adding: "As an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics, but after everything that's happened in these years, I can't stay silent anymore."
The wrestler who was once synonymous with entertainment and exaggeration became a figure of significant cultural and political weight in the U.S. His death marks the end of an era that blended wrestling, patriotism, scandals, and spectacle.
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