Posting the life and legend of Hulk Hogan is a truly joyful experience for those of us here at ImaSportsPhile…..cuz you see, one of my favorite videos in our entire 24,000 video library is the WrestleMania 1 video recorded on March 31, 1985…..because that was the 2nd highest revenue generating night in MSG, The Sports Place’s 17 year career. It was on a Sunday night that 1,049 wrestling fans paid $20/head to access the first of what evolved into 41 WretleMania events by 2025…..for an event that lived up to its hype at the time. After 3.5 hours of live coverage of 9 professional wrestling matches, the fans at Madison Square Garden, The Sports Place floated 18 kegs of ice cold draft beer (288 gallons) and 1700 shots of tequila just in alcohol consumption…..while devouring 975 hamburgers, 2200 hot dogs and 1200 frito pies over the course of the 4 hour event…..so, suffice to say…..WHAT A NIGHT!!…..CAN YOU SAY HULKAMANIA?!
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan – Special – “Evolution of the Hulk Hogan Entrance to the Ring” (1979-2025)
The main event and last match of the night pitted Hulk Hogan, the reigning WWF World Heavyweight Champion. and Mr. T, accompanied by Jimmy Snuka, against “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, accompanied by “Cowboy” Bob Orton. Professional boxer Muhammad Ali was the special guest referee (on the outside of the ring), New York Yankees manager Billy Martin was the guest ring announcer while Liberace (accompanied by The Rockettes) was the guest time keeper. First, Piper, Orndorff, and Orton made their way to the ring as drums and bagpipes played, causing the crowd to boo. Crowd favorites Hogan, Mr. T, and Snuka made their way to the ring next. The match began with Mr. T and Piper in the ring and the two traded blows. Midway through the match, all four men began brawling in the ring, and Muhammad Ali punched Piper in an attempt to restore order. After the match’s order was restored, Orndorff and Piper had the offensive advantage. As Orndorff locked Hogan into a full nelson, Orton climbed the top rope to attempt to knock out Hogan. Instead, Orton mistakenly hit Orndorff, and Hogan pinned him to win the match. In frustration, Piper knocked out the in-ring official, Pat Patterson, before he and Orton retreated backstage leaving Orndorff alone in the ring with Hogan, Mr. T, and Snuka……so, you understand why we are excited about posting this story about one of America’s greatest entertainers and an American Hero, Professional Wrestler Hulk Hogan.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan – Biography – Remembering Hulk Hogan: The Birth of WrestleMania (S2, E9) | Biography: WWE Legends | Full Episode
Terry Gene Bollea(August 11, 1953 – July 24, 2025), better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, was an American professional wrestler, media personality and entertainer. Hogan was widely regarded as one of the greatest and globally most recognized wrestling stars of all time…..while winning multiple championships worldwide, most notably being a six-time WWF Champion. He is best known for his work in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He also competed in promotions such as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), the American Wrestling Association (AWA), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan – Documentary – The Complicated Legacy of Hulk Hogan – “What Remains When the Spotlight Fades?”
Known for his showmanship, large physique, and trademark blond American Fu Manchu moustache and bandanas, Hogan began training in 1977 with Championship Wrestling from Florida and achieved global stardom after joining the WWF in 1983. His heroic, all‑American persona helped usher in the 1980’s professional wrestling boom, during which he headlined eight of the 1st nine editions of WWF’s flagship annual event WrestleMania…..and regularly headlined Saturday Night’s Main Event. His 1st reign as WWF Champion lasted 1,474 days…..which was the 3rd-longest in the title’s history…..and he became the 1st ever wrestler to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles in 1990 and 1991.
Pro Wrestling – 1990 WWE Royal Rumble – Full Match – Featuring Hulk Hogan, Mr. Perfect, Randy Savage, Roddy Piper, Dusty Rhodes, Andre the Giant, The Ultimate Warrior, Shawn Michaels, Haku et al
Pro Wrestling – 1991 WWE Royal Rumble – Full Match – Featuring Hulk Hogan, Mr. Perfect,, The Ultimate Warrior, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, “The Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich, The Undertaker, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, The Warlord, Mr. Perfect, Tito Santana, Hercules et al
In 1994, Hogan joined WCW and won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times. His reinvention as the villainous Hollywood Hogan and leadership of the New World Order (nWo) revitalized his career and significantly contributed to the success of the “Monday Night War” wrestling boom of the late 1990s, including three headline appearances at Starrcade. Hogan returned to WWF in 2002—after WWF acquired WCW—winning the Undisputed WWF Championship for a then-record-equalling sixth reign before departing in 2003. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and a second time in 2020 as part of the nWo.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Special – “Hulk Hogan’s Six World Championship victories: WWE Milestones”
Outside wrestling, Hogan appeared in films such as Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and Suburban Commando, and starred in television shows including Thunder in Paradise and Hogan Knows Best. He also fronted the Wrestling Boot Band; their sole Album was Hulk Rules…..which reached # 12 on the Billboard Top Kid Audio chart in 1995. The following songs from that album, “The Hulkster’s In The House”,“Hulk Hogan Rap Album” and “Hulkster In Heaven (should have been played at his funeral this past April 23, 2025).
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan – Music from the Album Hulk Rules – “Hulk Hogan Rap Album” (1995)
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan – Music from the Album Hulk Rules – “Hulkster in Heaven” (1995)
Several controversies damaged Hogan’s public image. In 1994, he admitted to using anabolic steroids since 1976, and helping stop a wrestling unionization effort. In 2012, the media company Gawker published portions of a sex tape, which later had portions leak in which Hogan was heard using racial slurs. Hogan sued Gawker, which was found liable and subsequently declared bankruptcy. Despite this legal victory, Hogan’s reputation has been described as “permanently tarnished”, a view reflected in the mixed public reaction to his death in July 2025.
Pro Wrestling – Special Tribute – Hulk Hogan Pays Tribute to “Mean” Gene Okerlund at Raw, Jan. 7, 2019
Hogan was born in Augusta, Georgia, on August 11, 1953, the son of construction foreman Pietro “Peter” Bollea (December 6, 1913 – December 18, 2001) and homemaker and dance teacher Vernice “Ruth” (née Moody; January 16, 1920 – January 1, 2011). Hogan was of Italian, Panamanian, Scottish, and French descent; his paternal grandfather, also named Pietro, was born in 1886 in Cigliano, Province of Vercelli in Piedmont. When he was one and a half years old, his family moved to Port Tampa, Florida. As a boy, he was a pitcher in Little League Baseball. Hogan attended Robinson High School. He began watching professional wrestling at 16 years old. While in high school, he revered Dusty Rhodes, and he regularly attended cards at the Tampa Sportatorium. It was at one of those wrestling cards where he first noticed “Superstar” Billy Graham and began looking to him for inspiration; since he first saw Graham on TV, Hogan wanted to match his “inhuman” look.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Special – “Evolution of Hulk Hogan From 1956 (3 yr. old) to 2024 (71 yr. old)
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Special – The Hulkster Looks Back on His Childhood and His Early Struggles with Obesity on “Stories from growing up“
Hogan was also a musician, spending a decade playing fretless bass guitar in several Florida-based rock bands. He went on to study at Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida. After music gigs began to get in the way of his time in college, he dropped out of the University of South Florida. Eventually, Hogan and two local musicians formed a band called Ruckus in 1976. The band soon became popular in the Tampa Bay region. During his spare time, Hogan worked out at Hector’s Gym in the Tampa Bay area, where he began lifting. Many of the wrestlers who were competing in the Florida region visited the bars where Ruckus was performing. Among those attending his performances were Jack and Gerald Brisco.
Comedy – Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan & Mr. T – Comedy Skit – “Opening Monologue for Saturday Night Live (March 30, 1985)
Jack and Geraldo Brisco got Hogan connected with Hiro Matsuda…..who was the man who trained wrestlers working for Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF)……in order to make him a potential trainee…..when during the 1st session of training, Matsuda broke Hogan’s leg above the ankle. After 10 weeks of rehab, Hogan returned to train with Matsuda…..and blocked him when he tried to break The Hulkster’s leg again. In Hogan’s pro wrestling debut, CWF promoter Eddie Graham set up a match against Brian Blair…..and a short time later after donning a mask and calling himself The Super Destroyer. Throughout pro wrestling history, there have been more than a few who also donned that same mask and became “The Super Destroyer’
Pro Wrestling – Joe Rogan Interview of Hulk Hogan (2023) – On Hiro Matsuda Breaking Hogan’s Leg – Pride – Steroids – Bob Sapp
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Special – The Hulkster’s TV Debut (1979) on Memphis Wrestling After Match as The Super Destroyer
After a brief career hiatus, Hogan wrestled for the Alabama-based promotion Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling (GCCW) in 1978. He formed a tag team with Ed Leslie known as The Boulder Brothers under the names Terry and Ed Boulder. During his time in Alabama, Hogan had early encounters with André the Giant, including two matches and a televised arm-wrestling contest that generated significant local interest. On May 24, 1979, Hogan wrestled his first world championship match against NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race at Rip Hewes Sports Complex in Dothan. Hogan pinned Race during the match and was briefly announced as the new champion on GCCW television. However, the NWA later overturned the decision, declaring a disqualification and nullifying the title change. Hogan went on to win the Southeastern Heavyweight Championship twice later in the year; first defeating Ox Baker, then again after regaining it from Professor Tanaka, following a brief loss to Austin Idol.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Special – “The Career of Hulk Hogan from 1977 to 1983” – Before Hulkamania
Later that year, Hogan and Leslie joined Jerry Jarrett’s Memphis-based Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) in Memphis promotion. While in Memphis, Hogan made a talk show appearance alongside actor Lou Ferrigno, star of the television series The Incredible Hulk. The host commented that Hogan, standing 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) and weighing 295 lbs (134 kg) with 24-inch (61 cm) biceps, dwarfed Ferrigno. Inspired by this, Mary Jarrett suggested the nickname “The Hulk,” resulting in Hogan wrestling as Terry “The Hulk” Boulder. He also occasionally also performed under the name Sterling Golden.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Early Career – As Sterling Golden Talks Tough in 1979 Interview
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Early Career – Georgia Championship Wrestling Match (1979) – Sterling Golden (The Hulkster) Vs Chic Donovan
According to his autobiography My Life Outside the Ring, Bollea briefly left professional wrestling in 1979 and was working on the Tampa docks when he was spotted by Gerald Brisco…..who with his brother encouraged Hogan to return to wrestling and helped arrange a meeting with World Wide Wrestling Federation promoter Vince McMahon Sr. However this claim is disputed, with some wrestling historians crediting Terry Funk with recommending Hogan to McMahon Sr., having recognized his potential during Hogan’s early matches. Funk, who previously appeared in the 1978 Sylvester Stallone film Paradise Alley, would also later recommend Hogan to Stallone when he appeared as Thunderlips in Rocky III.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Special – The Hulkster Returns to WWF (2002) – When Vince McMahon Runs Into The Hulk in the Hallway to the Arena
McMahon was impressed with Bollea’s charisma and physical stature…..and offered him a spot on the WWWF roster as an opponent for André the Giant. McMahon, who wanted to use an Irish name, gave him the last name Hogan, and suggested he dye his hair red. Hogan, whose hair was already thinning, declined, quipping, “I’ll be a blond Irishman.” Hogan wrestled his first match in the WWWF under the ring name “Hulk Hogan” by defeating Harry Valdez on the November 17 episode of Championship Wrestling. He was presented as a villain in the WWWF, and was managed by “Classy” Freddie Blassie.
Pro Wrestling – Special – Hulk Hogan & Freddie Blassie MSG promo – aired 11/24/1979
The next year, Hogan began a high-profile feud with André the Giant…..when on August 9, 1980, at Showdown at Shea, André defeated Hogan in a match. However, Hogan notably body-slammed André during the bout, an early version of the iconic moment that would later be immortalized at WrestleMania III…..then they faced off again on August 30, 1980, at Madison Square Garden in a televised match with Gorilla Monsoon serving as special guest referee…..when once again, Hogan managed to body-slam André, but was unsuccessful in ultimately defeating him.
Pro Wrestling – Special Interview with Vince McMahon (1979) – Andre the Giant Vs Hulk Hogan w/ Mgr. Classy Bilassie
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Special – List This! – Legends of the Fall No. 4: Andre the Giant on Hulk Hogan Setting Up Their Epic WrestleMania III Main Event
Pro Wrestling – WrestleMania III (March 29, 1987) – Final Match – Andre the Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Pro Wrestling – WrestleMania IV (1988) – Final Match – Andre the Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Special – “Hulk Hogan Reacts to Andre the Giant Match from 1988 – The Main Event”
In 1980, Hulk Hogan began wrestling for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he was nicknamed “Ichiban” (一番; “Number One”). by Japanese fans. He made his debut on May 13, 1980, while still under contract with the WWF, and continued to tour Japan occasionally over the next few years. During his time in NJPW, Hogan used a more technical wrestling style than the power-based approach he used in the U.S……plus he also used the Axe Bomber, a crooked arm lariat, as his finisher in Japan instead of the running leg drop. While still appearing for the WWF……including wrestling Pedro Morales for the Intercontinental Championship in March 26, 1981…..as Hogan continued to achieve major success in Japan…..when on June 2, 1983, he won the inaugural International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) tournament by defeating Antonio Inoki by knockout…..while becoming the 1st holder of the original version of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Hogan also teamed with Inoki to win the MSG Tag League tournament in both 1982 and 1983. In 1984, Hogan returned to NJPW to defend the IWGP title against Inoki, who had earned a title shot by winning that year’s IWGP League. Hogan lost the match and therefore the title by count out after interference from Riki Choshu. During this period, Hogan also defended his WWF World Heavyweight Championship in Japan against opponents like Seiji Sakaguchi and Tatsumi Fujinami. His final match of that tour was on June 13, 1984, where he again lost to Inoki by countout in an IWGP title match. Hogan was the only IWGP champion to defend the title without winning the qualifying tournament.
Pro Wrestling – 1st Annual International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP 1983) – Championship Match – Hulk Hogan vs. Antonio Inoki – As The Hulkster Goes Home with the Championship – Entire Match
Pro Wrestling – Tag Team Match – Hulk Hogan & Antonio Inoky vs. Andre the Giant & El Canek
ProWrestling – WrestleFest (1988) – Steel Cage Match – Hulk Hogan Vs Andre the Giant
After accepting a role in the movie Rocky III…..which was a decision that led to Vince McMahon releasing him from the WWF…..so Hogan joined the American Wrestling Association (AWA), owned by Verne Gagne, in August 1981…..when he initially debuted as a villain managed by “Luscious” Johnny Valiant…..but quickly became a fan favorite due to his charisma and popularity with the crowd. Hogan soon began feuding with the villainous Heenan Family and Nick Bockwinkel. His official turn to a hero occurred in mid-1981 during a televised segment where he saved Brad Rheingans from an attack by Jerry Blackwell…..which sparked a feud with Blackwell…..which Hogan eventually won…..thus leading to his 1st title mates against Bockwinkel by the end of the year 1981.
Movie Clips – Boxing – Movie Clips from the 1982 Movie “Rocky III” – Featuring “Thunderlips” (Hulk Hogan) and Heavyweight Champ Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in the Title Fight Scene
Pro Wrestling – AWA World Title Match: Super Sunday, April 24, 1983 – Featuring Hulk Hogan vs AWA Champ Nick Bockwinkel
In March 1982, Hogan defeated Bockwinkel and his manager Bobby Heenan in a non-title handicap match in the International Amphitheatre in Chicago, Illinois. He repeatedly challenged Bockwinkel for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, with most of their matches ended in disqualification, preventing a title change. In April 1982, Hogan seemingly won the championship in St. Paul, Minnesota, but the decision was later overturned by AWA President Stanley Blackburn due to the use of a foreign object.
Pro Wrestling – 1981 St. Paul, Minnesota AWA Handicap Match – Hulk Hogan Takes on the Tag Team of Nick Bockwinkel & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan
Hogan introduced the term “Hulkamania” during a May 15, 1982 appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Following his role in Rocky III, “Hulkamania” gained widespread popularity. It was also during his time in the AWA that Hogan would first claim “Hulkamania is running wild,” a recurring catchphrase of his over his career.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan – Talk Shows (1982) – “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson – With Special Guest Hulk Hogan
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Special Tribute – Sylvester Stallone Reacts To Hulk Hogans Death…..Shares Tales From ‘Rocky 3’ with TMZ
Despite his growing popularity, Gagne resisted making Hogan the AWA World Champion, preferring traditional wrestling over Hogan’s flamboyant entertainment-driven style. Gagne later agreed to have Hogan win the title at AWA’s Super Sunday event on April 24, 1983, but only if Hogan gave him the majority share of his merchandise and earnings in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Hogan declined, offering only a 50/50 split, and Gagne withheld the championship. Whilst Hogan still pinned Bockwinkel at Super Sunday, the decision was reversed later that night. After further unsuccessful title attempts, a storyline teased Hogan leaving the promotion…..however he returned in July 1983 wearing an “American Made” shirt and focusing on a new feud with Masa Saito. Later that year, Vince McMahon Jr. secretly visited Hogan in Minneapolis and offered him a leading role in the WWF. Hogan accepted and abruptly left the AWA in November 1983…..while reportedly sending his resignation by telegram…..of which Gagne initially believed it was a prank until he realized Hogan was not showing up for AWA shows. In his memoir My Life Outside the Wrestling Ring, Hogan stated that he left because McMahon promised him the WWF Heavyweight Championship and a key role in expanding the company nationally.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan – Talk Shows – “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” (1983) – With Special Guest Hulk Hogan
After purchasing the WWF from his father in 1982, Vincent K. McMahon planned to expand the company nationally and selected Hulk Hogan as its top star…..while citing his charisma and widespread recognition. especially with the kids and Hulkamania…..so, The Hulkster returned to the WWF at a television taping in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 27, 1983, defeating Bill Dixon.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan – December 27, 1983 – Main Event – Hulk Hogan vs. Bill Dixon – The Hulkster’s Triumphant Return to WWF.
On the January 7, 1984 episode of Championship Wrestling, Hogan solidified his status as a fan favorite by rescuing Bob Backlund from an attack by the Wild Samoans. On January 23, 1984, Hogan won his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship by defeating The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden, becoming the first wrestler to escape the Sheik’s finishing move, the camel clutch, in the process.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Special – “Hulk Hogan Returns to WWE and Helps Bob Backlund Against The Wild Samoans at Championship Wrestling, Jan. 3, 1984″
Pro Wrestling – WWF Title Fight Live at Madison Square Garden (January 23, 1984 – Hulk Hogan Vs Champ The Iron Shiek – As The Hulkster Wins His 1st of 6 WWF Titles.
Following his victory, commentator Gorilla Monsoon famously declared, “Hulkamania is here!” Hogan quickly became the face of the WWF, referring to his fans as “Hulkamaniacs” and promoting his “three demandments”: training, saying prayers and eating vitamins…..when a 4th, “believing in yourself,” was later added during his 1990 feud with Earthquake. Hogan’s ring attire adopted a red-and-yellow color scheme…..while his entrances featured him tearing his shirt, posing, and encouraging the crowd to cheer. His matches during this period often followed a formula…..when after an initial offense, he would appear to be on the verge of defeat after being beaten down by his opponent…..before “Hulking up” drawing on crowd energy to make a sudden comeback……which would be then followed by his signature sequence of moves: finger-pointing, punches, an Irish whip, the big boot and running leg drop to secure victory.
Pro Wrestling – Hulk Hogan Documentary – “The Rise of Hulkamania” – The Making of an American Hero
End of “From Sterling Golden To Hulk Hogan – The Story Of The American SuperHero Who Led The Hulkamania Movement” / Part 1
Part 2 Continues On the Next Post
