Terry Eugene Bollea, better known by his stage name Hulk Hogan, was born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, USA, but was raised in Tampa, Florida. He passed away today, July 24, at the age of 71. He became one of the most recognizable figures in the world of professional wrestling and is regarded as one of the most influential and iconic personalities in the history of the sport and entertainment industry.

The Beginning of His Career
Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977, initially competing under various ring names. His true breakthrough came in the early 1980s when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE). With his charismatic presence, physical power, and memorable persona, Hogan quickly won the admiration of audiences.

The Rise of "Hulkamania"
Hulk Hogan became a central figure in bringing wrestling into mainstream pop culture during the so-called "Golden Era" of the WWF. His iconic catchphrase “Say your prayers and eat your vitamins, brother!” became a motto for an entire generation of fans. In 1984, Hogan won his first world championship by defeating The Iron Sheik, sparking the phenomenon known as "Hulkamania."

Hogan headlined the main events of the first several WrestleMania shows, including the legendary match against André the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987. This clash remains one of the most significant sports-entertainment events of its time.

Reinvention in WCW and the Villain Persona
In 1994, Hogan joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he underwent a dramatic transformation. In 1996, he turned "heel" (villain) and co-founded the New World Order (nWo) faction alongside Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. This move not only revitalized his career but also reshaped professional wrestling by introducing darker, more realistic storylines.

Comebacks, Film, and Cultural Impact
Following the collapse of WCW, Hogan made periodic returns to WWE, participating in major matches and special events. Beyond the ring, he built a successful career in entertainment — appearing in several films, television shows, and reality programs, including Hogan Knows Best. Hogan became a pop culture icon whose influence extended far beyond professional wrestling.

Legacy and Recognition
Hulk Hogan was a six-time world champion in WWF/WWE and a six-time world champion in WCW. In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Although his career was also marked by controversies, including legal battles and personal scandals, Hogan remains one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of professional wrestling.

With more than four decades of impact on the sport and the entertainment world, Hulk Hogan was a symbol of an era in which professional wrestling became a global phenomenon. |BGNES