US President Donald Trump on Thursday paid tribute to late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who had supported his return to the White House, as a “great friend” and “MAGA all the way.”
“He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,” Trump said on social media.
In the speech, Hogan ripped his shirt off to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top.
Born Terry Bollea, Hulk Hogan was instrumental in turning professional wrestling into a global spectacle. Before his rise to fame, wrestling had a more niche following. With his charisma, larger-than-life persona, and family-friendly appeal, Hogan became the face of the WWE in the 1980s and drew in millions of fans – adults and children alike.
In 1996, Hogan famously reinvented himself by switching from fan favorite to villain, forming the legendary New World Order (NWO) faction and adopting the moniker “Hollywood Hogan.” The move reinvigorated his career and propelled wrestling to new heights.
Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. However, he was removed in 2015 following the leak of a secretly recorded tape in which he made racist remarks. He later sued the now-defunct media outlet Gawker over the footage and won a high-profile legal battle. WWE reinstated him in 2020 with a second Hall of Fame induction — this time as a member of the NWO.
Beyond the ring, Hogan made a notable mark in Hollywood. His acting career began in 1982 with a memorable role as Thunderlips in Rocky III. He went on to star in movies such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also found reality TV fame in the 2000s with Hogan Knows Best, a VH1 series that followed the lives of his family — wife Linda and their children, Nick and Brooke.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy, both as a wrestling pioneer and pop culture icon, leaves an indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment.
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