Hulk Hogan

{{Short description|American professional wrestler (1953–2025)}} {{Pp-move}} {{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}} {{Use American English|date=March 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2026}} {{Infobox person | name = Hulk Hogan | image = Hulk Hogan, circa 1985.jpg | caption = Hogan, {{circa}} 1985 | birth_name = Terry Gene Bollea | birth_date = {{birth date|1953|8|11|mf=yes}} | birth_place = Augusta, Georgia, U.S. | death_date = {{death date and age|2025|7|24|1953|8|11|mf=yes}} | death_place = Clearwater, Florida, U.S. | education =  | occupation = {{hlist|Professional wrestler|television personality|actor|entrepreneur}} | years_active = 1977–2025 | spouse = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Linda Claridge |1983|2009|reason=divorced}}|{{marriage|Jennifer McDaniel |2010|2021|reason=divorced}}|{{marriage|Sky Daily |2023}}}} | children = {{hlist|Brooke|Nick}} | relatives = Horace Hogan (nephew) | website = {{URL|hulkhogan.com}} | signature = Hulk Hogan's signature.svg | module = {{Infobox professional wrestler|child=yes | names = Hollywood Hogan<ref name=james/> Hollywood Hulk Hogan<ref name=OWW/> Hulk Boulder<ref>{{cite web |last=Gardner |first=Eriq |date=May 28, 2018 |title=Hulk Hogan trying to bodyslam "Hulk" cereal ad |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hulkhogan/hulk-hogan-trying-to-bodyslam-hulk-cereal-ad-idUSTRE64R12A20100528 |access-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715165940/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hulkhogan/hulk-hogan-trying-to-bodyslam-hulk-cereal-ad-idUSTRE64R12A20100528 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hulk Hogan<ref name=WWEBio/> Hulk Machine<ref>{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=January 1, 2021 |title=Why WSX Died A Quick Death On MTV, High Energy, Punk In 2021 And More |work=PWInsider |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=142668 |access-date=January 1, 2021 |archive-date=January 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101122821/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=142668 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=OWW/> Mr. America<ref name=OWW/> Sterling Golden<ref>Wrestling Classics, January 1992 issue, p. 16.</ref> Terry Boulder<ref name=OWW/> The Super Destroyer<ref name=OWW/> | height = 6 ft 7 in<ref name=WWEBio/> | weight = 302 lb<ref name=WWEBio/> | billed = Hollywood, California (as Hollywood Hogan) Venice Beach, California<ref name=WWEBio/> (as Hulk Hogan) Washington, D.C. (as Mr. America)<ref>{{Cite AV media |medium=DVD |date=2003 |title=Judgment Day 2003 |publisher=WWE Home Video}}</ref> | trainer = Hiro Matsuda<ref name=OWW/> | debut = August 9, 1977 | retired = January 27, 2012 }} }} '''Terry Gene Bollea''' ({{IPAc-en|b|ə|ˈ|l|eɪ||ə}}; August 11, 1953 – July 24, 2025), better known by his ring name '''Hulk Hogan''', was an American professional wrestler and media personality. Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most recognized wrestlers of all time,<ref>{{cite news |title=Top 10 Wrestling Moustaches of All Time - PROGRESS Wrestling |url=https://progresswrestling.com/top-10-wrestling-moustaches-of-all-time |work=progresswrestling.com |date=November 17, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2025 |archive-date=January 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250107154041/https://progresswrestling.com/top-10-wrestling-moustaches-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 2, 2012 |title=Top 50 Wrestlers of All Time – Page 5 |website=IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/02/top-50-wrestlers-of-all-time?page=5 |access-date=April 10, 2014 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105210007/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/02/top-50-wrestlers-of-all-time?page=5 |url-status=live |quote=Hogan is the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most popular wrestler of the '80s.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burack |first=Bobby |date=July 24, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan Was An American Icon, The Greatest Wrestler Of All-Time {{!}} Bobby Burack |url=https://www.outkick.com/analysis/hulk-hogan-american-icon-greatest-wrestler-all-time-bobby-burack |access-date=November 1, 2025 |website=OutKick |language=en-US}}</ref> Hogan won multiple championships worldwide, most notably being a six-time WWF/WWE Champion. He is best known for his work in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Hogan also competed in promotions such as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), the American Wrestling Association (AWA), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).<ref>{{cite book |last=Assael |first=Shaun |title=Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the WWF |publisher=Crown Publishers |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-60960-690-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan's career timeline |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/12870656/timeline-hulk-hogan-career |publisher=ESPN |access-date=August 7, 2025}}</ref>

Known for his showmanship, large physique, and trademark blond American Fu Manchu moustache and bandanas,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melok |first=Bobby |date=November 8, 2012 |title=Kaitlyn's top 10 Superstar mustaches |url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/kaitlyns-top-10-superstar-mustaches? |access-date=January 10, 2025 |website=WWE |archive-date=March 19, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319095106/https://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/kaitlyns-top-10-superstar-mustaches |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Jim |date=September 24, 1991 |title=Wrestling With His Indentity |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-09-24-sp-3124-story.html |access-date=January 10, 2025 |newspaper=LA Times |archive-date=August 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825035628/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-09-24-sp-3124-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 1980s professional wrestling boom, during which he headlined eight of the first nine editions of WWF's flagship annual event WrestleMania and regularly headlined ''Saturday Night's Main Event''. His first reign as WWF Champion lasted 1,474 days—the third-longest in the title's history{{Efn|During his first title reign, Bob Backlund lost the title to Antonio Inoki and regained it six days later, getting two reigns of 648 and 1,470 days; however, WWE does not recognize the title change and recognized Backlund's reigns with 2,135 days.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gunier |first=Robert |date=December 21, 2022 |title=Why Antonio Inoki's WWE Championship Reign Isn't Recognized By The Promotion |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1143371/why-antonio-inokis-wwe-championship-reign-isnt-recognized-by-the-promotion/ |access-date=July 28, 2025 |work=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525075027/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1143371/why-antonio-inokis-wwe-championship-reign-isnt-recognized-by-the-promotion/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}}—and he became the first wrestler to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles in 1990 and 1991.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |title=List of longest WWE title reigns |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/wwe/story/_/id/39788010/who-most-wwe-world-titles-longest-reigns |publisher=ProWrestling.net |access-date=August 7, 2025 }}{}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hornbaker |first=Tim |title=Death of the Territories |publisher=ECW Press |year=2018 |isbn=9781773052328}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last=Shoemaker |first=David |title=The 30 Greatest Pro Wrestlers of All Time |url=https://www.theringer.com/2017/3/29/16037838/the-30-greatest-pro-wrestlers-of-all-time |work=The Ringer |date=March 29, 2017 |access-date=August 7, 2025 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, a second time in 2020 as part of the nWo,<ref>{{cite news |title=WWE to honor nWo with Hall of Fame induction |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/28256144/wwe-honor-nwo-hall-fame-induction |work=ESPN |date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=August 7, 2025 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209170405/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/28256144/wwe-honor-nwo-hall-fame-induction |url-status=live }}</ref> and a third time posthumously in 2026 when his match with André the Giant at WrestleMania III was inducted into the Immortal Moments category.

Outside wrestling, Hogan appeared in films such as ''Rocky III'' (1982), ''No Holds Barred'' (1989), and ''Suburban Commando'' (1991), and starred in television shows including ''Thunder in Paradise'' and ''Hogan Knows Best''. He also fronted the Wrestling Boot Band; their sole record, ''Hulk Rules'', reached number 12 on the ''Billboard'' Top Kid Audio chart in 1995.<ref>{{cite web |title=Billboard Top Kid Albums, Sept 1995 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/kids-albums/1995-09-09/ |publisher=Billboard |access-date=August 7, 2025 |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201123744/https://www.billboard.com/charts/kids-albums/1995-09-09/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Several controversies damaged Hogan's public image. In 1994, he acknowledged using anabolic steroids dating back to 1976 and admitted to discouraging efforts to unionize professional wrestlers. In 2012, the internet media company ''Gawker'' published portions of a sex tape, which later had portions leak in which Hogan was heard using racial slurs and openly admitting to being racist. Hogan sued ''Gawker'', which was found liable and subsequently declared bankruptcy. Despite this legal victory, Hogan's reputation was negatively affected, a view reflected in the mixed public reaction to his death in 2025.

== Early life == Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea<ref>{{cite web |title=Amended Complaint |website=documentcloud.org |url=https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/2111332/hogans-amended-complaint.pdf |access-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111050310/https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/2111332/hogans-amended-complaint.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bollea v. Gawker Media, LLC, Case No. 8:12-cv-02348-T-27TBM | Casetext Search + Citator |url=https://casetext.com/case/bollea-v-gawker-media |access-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108225844/https://casetext.com/case/bollea-v-gawker-media |url-status=dead }}</ref> in Augusta, Georgia, on August 11, 1953,<ref name=OWW>{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan's profile |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/hulk-hogan.html |access-date=December 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221054338/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/hulk-hogan.html |archive-date=February 21, 2009}}</ref> 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;<ref>{{Citation |title=Hulk Hogan: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #455 | date=July 25, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V9MFTUEEfM |access-date=August 23, 2023 |archive-date=August 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823122359/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V9MFTUEEfM |url-status=live }}</ref> his paternal grandfather, also named Pietro, was born in 1886 in Cigliano, Province of Vercelli in Piedmont.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Serena |first1=Alberto |title=Hulk Hogan, salde radici piemontesi per la star mondiale del wrestling |trans-title=Hulk Hogan, the strong Piedmontese roots of the global star of wrestling |url=https://lasentinella.gelocal.it/cultura-e-spettacoli/2022/12/20/news/hulk_hogan_salde_radici_piemontesi_per_la_star_mondiale_del_wrestling-12422897/ |access-date=November 13, 2024 |work=La Sentinella |date=December 20, 2022 |language=Italian |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127142150/https://lasentinella.gelocal.it/cultura-e-spettacoli/2022/12/20/news/hulk_hogan_salde_radici_piemontesi_per_la_star_mondiale_del_wrestling-12422897/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hogan had an older brother named Allan (1947–1986) who died at the age of 38 from a drug overdose.<ref>{{cite web |last=Paul |first=Christopher |date=July 28, 2023 |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-rare-occasion-sees-hulk-hogan-reflect-on-the-dark-tormenting-past-of-his-brothers-family/ |title="Rare Occasion Sees Hulk Hogan Reflect on the Dark Tormenting Past of His Brother's Family" |website=Essentially Sports |access-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315035458/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-rare-occasion-sees-hulk-hogan-reflect-on-the-dark-tormenting-past-of-his-brothers-family/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When he was one and a half years old, his family moved to Port Tampa, Florida.<ref name=HHP11>{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=11}}</ref>

As a boy, he was a pitcher in Little League Baseball. Hogan attended Robinson High School.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kennedy Wynne |first=Sharon |title=Hulk Hogan begs for forgiveness, blames South Tampa 'culture' for racist rant (w/video) |website=Tampa Bay Times |url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/celebrities/hulk-hogan-begs-forgiveness-blames-south-tampa-culture-for-racist-rant/2243523/?outputType=amp |access-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404121219/https://www.tampabay.com/features/celebrities/hulk-hogan-begs-forgiveness-blames-south-tampa-culture-for-racist-rant/2243523/?outputType=amp |url-status=live }}</ref> He began watching professional wrestling at 16 years old. While in high school, he regularly attended cards at the Tampa Sportatorium.<ref name=lk45/> It was at one of those wrestling cards where he first noticed "Superstar" Billy Graham and began looking to him for inspiration;<ref name=lk45>{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=45}}</ref> since he first saw Graham on television,<ref name=lk45/> Hogan wanted to match his "inhuman" look.<ref name=lk45/>

Hogan was also a musician, spending a decade playing fretless bass guitar in several Florida-based rock bands.<ref name=james>{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Patrick |year=2002 |title=Hulk Hogan |publisher=St. James Encyclopedia of Pop Culture |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g1epc/is_bio/ai_2419200552 |access-date=October 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111070903/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g1epc/is_bio/ai_2419200552 |archive-date=November 11, 2007}}</ref> 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.<ref name=lk457u>{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=41}}</ref> Eventually, Hogan and two local musicians formed a band called Ruckus in 1976.<ref name=lk4544>{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=44}}</ref> The band soon became popular in the Tampa Bay region.<ref name=lk4544/> During his spare time, Hogan worked out at Hector's Gym in the Tampa Bay area, where he began lifting.<ref name=lk457u5>{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=42}}</ref> Many of the wrestlers who were competing in the Florida region visited the bars where Ruckus was performing.<ref name=lk45/> Among those attending his performances were Jack and Gerald Brisco.<ref name=lk45/>

== Professional wrestling career == {{Professional wrestling sidebar}} === Early years (1977–1979) === Jack and Geraldo Brisco got Hogan connected with Hiro Matsuda—the man who trained wrestlers working for Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF)—to make him a potential trainee.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gerald Brisco's profile |publisher=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/geraldbrisco |access-date=June 4, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20160125170339/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/geraldbrisco |archive-date=January 25, 2016}}</ref> During the first session in training, Matsuda broke Hogan's leg. After 10 weeks of rehab, Hogan returned to train with Matsuda and blocked him when he tried to break his leg again.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |pages=24–25}}</ref> In Hogan's professional wrestling debut, CWF promoter Eddie Graham booked him against Brian Blair in Fort Myers, Florida, on August 10, 1977.<ref>{{cite web |title=Old School Wrestling – Florida results 1977 (August 10) |url=http://www.oldschool-wrestling.com/geeklog/article.php/20061017223545426 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061029002801/http://www.oldschool-wrestling.com/geeklog/article.php/20061017223545426 |archive-date=October 29, 2006}}</ref><ref name=7uiomnx>{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=57 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}}</ref> A short time later, Hogan donned a mask and assumed the persona of "The Super Destroyer", a hooded character previously played by Don Jardine and subsequently used by other wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/25339669.hulk-hogan-dies-aged-71-cardiac-arrest-home/ |title=Hulk Hogan dies aged 71 after "cardiac arrest at home" |work=North Wales Chronicle |date=July 24, 2025 |access-date=July 24, 2025 |archive-date=July 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725043643/https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/25339669.hulk-hogan-dies-aged-71-cardiac-arrest-home/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

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.<ref name=765yu8omnfx>{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=67 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 25, 2025 |title=Squared‑circle memories: When wrestling reigned in Dothan |url=https://dothaneagle.com/news/squared-circle-memories-when-wrestling-reigned-in-dothan/article_55a46020-ae0f-58df-a7c5-ef61c6c69ec6.html |access-date=August 7, 2025 |work=Dothan Eagle}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 25, 2025 |title=Before Hogan, there was Boulder: Hulk's beginnings in Dothan |url=https://www.wtvy.com/2025/07/25/before-hogan-there-was-boulder-hulks-beginnings-dothan/?outputType=amp |access-date=August 7, 2025 |work=WTVY}}</ref> 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, Alabama. 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rock bottom: The disputed Hogan vs. Race title change, 1979 |url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/harley-race-nwa/ |work=ProWrestlingStories.com |access-date=August 7, 2025 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> 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.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}

Later that year, Hogan and Leslie joined Jerry Jarrett's Memphis-based promotion Continental Wrestling Association (CWA).<ref name="7oubw8omnfx">{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=75 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}}</ref> While in Memphis, Hogan made a talk show appearance alongside actor Lou Ferrigno, star of the television series ''The Incredible Hulk''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=76}}</ref> The host commented that Hogan, standing 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) and weighing 295 lbs (134 kg) with {{convert|24|inch|adj=on|cm}} biceps, dwarfed Ferrigno. Inspired by this, Mary Jarrett suggested the nickname "The Hulk," resulting in Hogan wrestling as Terry "The Hulk" Boulder.<ref name="79nmbx">{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=77}}</ref> He also occasionally performed under the name Sterling Golden.<ref name="james" />

=== World Wrestling Federation (1979–1981) === [[File:Hulk Hogan and Freddie Blassie, 1980.png|thumb|Hogan and his manager Freddie Blassie in 1980]] 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. Brisco and his brother encouraged Hogan to return to wrestling and helped arrange a meeting with World Wide Wrestling Federation promoter Vince McMahon Sr.<ref>Hogan, Hulk. ''My Life Outside the Ring''. St. Martin's Press, 2009. {{ISBN|978-0312588908}}.</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.retroist.com/p/drive-determination-demandments-hulk-hogan-part-1|title=Drive, Determination, Demandments: Hulk Hogan (Part 1)|website=www.retroist.com|access-date=August 7, 2025|archive-date=August 7, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250807061359/https://www.retroist.com/p/drive-determination-demandments-hulk-hogan-part-1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/bookreviews/hogan.htm|title=Hollywood Hulk Hogan|website=www.kayfabememories.com|access-date=August 7, 2025|archive-date=August 9, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809045413/https://www.kayfabememories.com/bookreviews/hogan.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Funk, who previously appeared in the 1978 Sylvester Stallone film ''Paradise Alley'', would also later recommend Hogan to Stallone for the role of Thunderlips in ''Rocky III''.<ref name=funkhogan>{{cite news|url=https://www.thewrap.com/terry-funk-pro-wrestler-and-stallone-movie-stuntman-dies-at-79/|title=Terry Funk, Pro Wrestler and Stallone Movie Stuntman, Dies at 79|first=Mike|last=Roe|publisher=The Wrap|date=August 23, 2023|accessdate=August 13, 2025|archive-date=September 6, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250906035145/https://www.thewrap.com/terry-funk-pro-wrestler-and-stallone-movie-stuntman-dies-at-79/|url-status=live}}</ref>

McMahon, impressed with Bollea's charisma and physical stature, 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."<ref>''The Greatest Superstars of the 1980s'' DVD.</ref> Hogan wrestled his first match in the WWWF under the ring name "Hulk Hogan" by defeating Harry Valdez<ref>{{Citation |title=Hulk Hogan's WWF debut, 1979 |url=https://www.bitchute.com/video/HCLtJEOgTq2f/ |access-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426201656/https://www.bitchute.com/video/HCLtJEOgTq2f/ |url-status=live }}</ref> on the November 17 episode of ''Championship Wrestling''. He was presented as a villain in the WWWF, and was managed by "Classy" Freddie Blassie.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-hulk-hogan-partnership-with-classy-freddie-blassie/ |title=Hulk Hogan's forgotten partnership with "Classy" Freddie Blassie |work=The Sportster |date=July 29, 2023 |accessdate=July 24, 2025 |archive-date=August 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828145241/https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-hulk-hogan-partnership-with-classy-freddie-blassie/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The next year, Hogan began a high-profile feud with André the Giant. On August 9, 1980, at ''Showdown at Shea'', André defeated Hogan in a match.<ref>"Showdown At Shea (1980)", *Pro Wrestling Stories*, details of matches and attendance.</ref><ref>"Showdown at Shea 1980", *Prowrestlinghistory.com*, event card listing André defeating Hogan in a 13-match card.</ref> However, Hogan notably body-slammed André during the bout, an early version of the iconic moment that would later be immortalized at WrestleMania III.<ref>"André the Giant–Hulk Hogan rivalry", *The History of Professional Wrestling* by Graham Cawthon, recounting early matches including Shea Stadium body‑slam.</ref> They faced off again on August 30, 1980, at Madison Square Garden in a televised match with Gorilla Monsoon serving as special guest referee. Once again, Hogan managed to body-slam André, but was unsuccessful in ultimately defeating him.<ref>"1977–1983 – Hulk Hogan History", *hulkhoganhistory.weebly.com*, listing August 30, 1980, MSG match with Monsoon as referee and body‑slam noted.</ref>

=== New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1980–1985) === [[File:Hulk_Hogan_and_Andre_the_Giant,_chinlock,_1980.png|thumb|upright=0.7|Hulk Hogan and André the Giant during the Superdome Showdown professional wrestling event on August 2, 1980, in New Orleans]] In 1980, Hulk Hogan began wrestling for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he was nicknamed {{Nihongo|"Ichiban"|一番|4="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 United States. 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 on March 26, 1981,<ref name="page39">{{cite book |last=Trujillo |first=Alexander |title=Pedro Morales: 70 años del pionero Latinoamericano |date=October 24, 2012 |publisher=El Diario Culebrense |page=39 |language=es |chapter=Reportaje Especial}}</ref> Hogan achieved major success in Japan. On June 2, 1983, he won the inaugural International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) tournament by defeating Antonio Inoki by knockout, becoming the first holder of the original version of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="iwgp1983">{{cite web |title=The 1st International Wrestling Grand Prix Championship Tournament |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224225552/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp1.html |archive-date=December 24, 2007 |access-date=October 21, 2007 |work=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref><ref name="IWGP Champ">{{cite web |title=International Wrestling Grand Prix Championship Tournament |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820021819/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp.html |archive-date=August 20, 2018 |access-date=February 9, 2019 |publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com}}</ref> Hogan also teamed with Inoki to win the MSG Tag League tournament in both 1982 and 1983.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}

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.<ref name="IWGP Champ" /> Hogan lost the match and therefore the title by countout after interference from Riki Choshu.{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}} 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database |url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=39&bild=0&details=7&liga=121&jahr=1985 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518212400/https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=39&bild=0&details=7&liga=121&jahr=1985 |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |website=Wrestlingdata}}</ref><ref name="IWGP Champ" />

=== American Wrestling Association (1981–1983) === After accepting a role in ''Rocky III'', a decision that led to Vincent J. McMahon releasing him from the WWF, Hogan joined the American Wrestling Association (AWA), owned by Verne Gagne, in August 1981. 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.<ref name="awa">{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2022 |title=10 Things Wrestling Fans Should Know About Hulk Hogan's Time In The AWA |url=https://www.thesportster.com/hulk-hogan-awa-career-facts-trivia-things-to-know/ |accessdate=July 24, 2025 |publisher=The Sportster |archive-date=July 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724192551/https://www.thesportster.com/hulk-hogan-awa-career-facts-trivia-things-to-know/ |url-status=live }}</ref> 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. This sparked a feud with Blackwell, which Hogan eventually won, leading to his first title matches against Bockwinkel by the end of the year.<ref name="awa" />

[[image:Hulk Hogan and Nick Bockwinkel, 1982.png|thumb|Hulk Hogan (right) wrestling Nick Bockwinkel in 1982.]]

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.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1982">{{cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1982 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1982 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714184327/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1982 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |website=Cagematch}}</ref><ref name="Hunter2013">{{cite book |last=Hunter |first=Matt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o8ZbAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA1971 |title=Hulk Hogan |publisher=Infobase Publishing |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-4381-4647-8 |pages=1,971 |access-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221135708/https://books.google.com/books?id=o8ZbAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA1971 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Smallman2018">{{cite book |last=Smallman |first=Jim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MA5ZDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT104 |title=I'm Sorry, I Love You: A History of Professional Wrestling |date=2018 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |isbn=978-1-4722-5421-4 |pages=104 |access-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221135707/https://books.google.com/books?id=MA5ZDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT104 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Hogan introduced the term "Hulkamania" during a June 15, 1982, appearance on ''The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.<ref>{{cite web |last=Carson |first=Johnny |date=July 25, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan Makes His First Appearance : Carson Tonight Show |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agH5z3CCxG4&t=130s |accessdate=August 5, 2025 |publisher=YouTube}}</ref>'' Following his role in ''Rocky III'', "Hulkamania" gained widespread popularity.<ref name="hulkamaniarise">{{cite news |date=August 5, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan's funeral set for Tuesday in Clearwater |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/hulk-hogans-funeral-set-tuesday-clearwater |accessdate=August 5, 2025 |publisher=WTVT}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |author=The Hulk Hogan Archive |date=January 3, 2021 |title=AWA Hulk Hogan promo for CWF 10-08-1983 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBjfvahvT0k |accessdate=August 5, 2025 |publisher=YouTube |archive-date=October 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012081256/https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=B3THXHXRpY52QQMc&v=CBjfvahvT0k&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite his growing popularity, Gagne resisted making Hogan the AWA World Champion, personally preferring traditional technical and mat wrestling over Hogan's muscle-bound, flamboyant, entertainment-driven style, and remaining firm about having the AWA being built around one of its best technical wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web|url-status=live|access-date=May 11, 2026|url=http://www.mndaily.com/2007/04/26/pile-driving-gut-busting-back-breaking-theater|title=Pile-driving, gut-busting, back-breaking theater|publisher= Minnesota Daily|date=April 26, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003000251/http://www.mndaily.com/2007/04/26/pile-driving-gut-busting-back-breaking-theater |archive-date=October 3, 2008|first=Matthew|last=Graham }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/verne-gagne-awa/|title=Verne Gagne and the Rise and Fall of the AWA|first=Jim|last=Phillips|publisher=Pro Wrestling Stories|date=April 22, 2023|accessdate=November 26, 2025|archive-date=August 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250812155804/https://prowrestlingstories.com/pro-wrestling-stories/verne-gagne-awa/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="awatitle">[http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/48045/Shining-a-Spotlight-12.01.06:-The-Rise,-Fall-and-Legacy-of-the-AWA.htm Wrestling - Shining a Spotlight 12.01.06: The Rise, Fall and Legacy of the AWA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903073127/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/48045/Shining-a-Spotlight-12.01.06:-The-Rise,-Fall-and-Legacy-of-the-AWA.htm |date=September 3, 2014 }}. 411mania.com. Retrieved on August 5, 2025.</ref> Hogan declined, offering only a 50/50 split, and Gagne withheld the championship.<ref name="awatitle" /> While 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.<ref>{{cite web |author=Hulk Hogan Archives |date=October 4, 2019 |title=AWA Hulk Hogan Interview 6-12-1983 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZUdB9nLvZ4 |accessdate=August 5, 2025 |publisher=YouTube |archive-date=August 16, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816234352/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZUdB9nLvZ4 |url-status=live }}</ref> However he returned on July 31, 1983, wearing an "American Made" shirt and focusing on a new feud with Masa Saito.<ref>{{cite news |author=Hulk Hogan Archives |title=Hulk Hogan "returns" to the AWA Interview 7-31-1983 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKEAiC-205I |accessdate=August 5, 2025 |publisher=YouTube |archive-date=July 31, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731053020/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKEAiC-205I&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}</ref>

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, reportedly sending his resignation by telegram. Gagne initially believed it was a prank until he realized Hogan was not showing up for AWA shows.<ref name="awa" /> 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.<ref>{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Wrestling Ring |page=101 |author1=Hulk Hogan |author2=Mark Dagostino |date=October 27, 2009 |publisher=Saint Martin's Press |location=New York |isbn=978-0312588892}}</ref>

=== Return to WWF (1983–1993) ===

==== Rise of Hulkamania (1983–1984) ==== [[File:Hulk Hogan and Jim Brunzell, Dec 1983.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Hulk Hogan (left) and Jim Brunzell, December 1983]]

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, citing his charisma and widespread recognition. Hogan returned to the WWF at a television taping in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 27, 1983, defeating Bill Dixon.<ref>{{cite web |title=WWF Show Results 1983 |work=The History of WWE |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/83.htm |access-date=February 27, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519180847/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/83.htm |archive-date=May 19, 2009}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 7, 1984 |title=WWF Show Results 1984 |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/84.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723032831/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/84.htm |archive-date=July 23, 2014 |access-date=May 18, 2015 |work=The History of WWE}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 23, 1984 |title=WWF Show Results 1984 |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/84.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723032831/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/84.htm |archive-date=July 23, 2014 |access-date=February 27, 2008 |work=The History of WWE}}</ref>

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. A fourth, "believing in yourself," was later added during his 1990 feud with Earthquake. Hogan's ring attire adopted a red-and-yellow color scheme, and his entrances featured him tearing his shirt, posing, and encouraging the crowd to cheer.

His matches during this period often followed a formula: 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. This 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.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 3, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan's Overall Wrestling Skills, Broken Down In 10 Categories |url=https://www.thesportster.com/best-wrestlers-use-big-boot-undertaker-hulk-hogan-andre-the-giant-sheamus/ |accessdate=July 24, 2025 |work=The Sportster |archive-date=May 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250507172605/https://www.thesportster.com/best-wrestlers-use-big-boot-undertaker-hulk-hogan-andre-the-giant-sheamus/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== International renown (1985–1989) ==== {{see also|André the Giant–Hulk Hogan rivalry}} {{multiple image | direction = horizontal | width = | total_width = 350 | image1 = Hulk Hogan, 1985.jpg | image2 = Mr T at WrestleMania, 1985.jpg | caption1 = Hulk Hogan, {{circa}} 1984, during his first reign as WWF World Champion | caption2 = Mr. T hoists Roddy Piper up onto his shoulders as Hulk Hogan cheers in the background during the main event of the first ever Wrestlemania. | caption_align = center | Header = Rise to Stardom | footer = | footer_align = center | alt1 = }} thumb|upright=0.75|Hulk Hogan in 1987

Over the following year, Hulk Hogan became the face of professional wrestling as Vince McMahon expanded the WWF into mainstream pop culture through the Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection on MTV. This period saw large increases in attendance, television ratings, and pay-per-view buys. Hogan was the main attraction at the first WrestleMania, held on March 31, 1985, where he teamed with actor and wrestler Mr. T to defeat "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff. He later faced Piper again at The Wrestling Classic in November 1985. Throughout 1986, Hogan made multiple successful title defenses, including against King Kong Bundy at WrestleMania 2 and Orndorff at The Big Event and ''Saturday Night's Main Event IX''. In the fall he occasionally wrestled in tag team matches with The Machines as Hulk Machine under a mask copied from NJPW's gimmick "Super Strong Machine".<ref name=OWW/><ref>{{cite web |title=The Machines Profile |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/machines.html |access-date=April 12, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621210036/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/machines.html |archive-date=June 21, 2007}}</ref>

At WrestleMania III in 1987, Hogan defended his title against André the Giant, promoted as undefeated for 15 years.<ref name=bigone>{{cite web |title=The Big One |last=McAvennie |first=Mike |date=March 30, 2007 |publisher=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/ruggedroadstomania/roadstomania1 |access-date=October 19, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015050323/http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/ruggedroadstomania/roadstomania1 |archive-date=October 15, 2007}}</ref> André turned heel by aligning with manager Bobby Heenan in the lead-up to a match at WrestleMania III, which was billed as one of the biggest matches in wrestling history. At the event, Hogan successfully defended the title by body-slamming André, winning the match with a leg drop.<ref name=ecw>{{cite book |last=Loverro |first=Thom |year=2006 |title=The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4165-1058-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/risefallofecw00thom}}</ref> However, he went on to lose the championship to André on ''The Main Event I'' in February 1988, after a setup involving Ted DiBiase and referee Earl Hebner, who had replaced his twin brother, the assigned official. André then gave the title to DiBiase, leading WWF President Jack Tunney to vacate it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454122 |title=Andre the Giant's first reign |website=WWE | access-date=February 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050624001310/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454122 |archive-date=June 24, 2005}}</ref>

At WrestleMania IV, Hogan was eliminated from a tournament to determine a new champion after a match with André ended in a double disqualification. After this, he formed a partnership with the winner of the tournament, Randy Savage, known as The Mega Powers. The duo feuded with The Mega Bucks and the Twin Towers throughout the rest of 1988. However, by the end of 1988, the alliance had begun to fall apart after the storyline saw Savage grow jealous of Hogan and begin to suspect romantic tension between Hogan and his wife and manager, Miss Elizabeth, leading to a break-up at ''The Main Event II''. This culminated at WrestleMania V, where Hogan defeated Savage to win his second WWF World Heavyweight Championship.

==== Further WWF Championship reigns and departure (1989–1993) ==== [[File:Hulk Hogan vs Big Boss Man in March 1989 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Hulk Hogan against Big Boss Man in March 1989]] thumb|Hogan making his way to the ring at the El Paso Convention Center on March 7, 1989, for a ''Superstars of Wrestling'' televised event

During Hogan's second reign as champion, he starred in the film ''No Holds Barred'', which was the inspiration of a feud with Hogan's co-star Tom Lister, Jr., who appeared at wrestling events as his film character Zeus. The duo would fight multiple times across the country during late 1989, including tag team matches at SummerSlam and at the No Holds Barred pay-per-view, with Hogan winning each match.<ref name=Hulkbrutus>{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/Hulkbrutus.html |title=Mega-Maniacs Profile |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=April 13, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423073622/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/hulkbrutus.html |archive-date=April 23, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1980s.html#nhb |title=No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie results |publisher=Wrestling and Tournaments |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=December 27, 1989 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412162122/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1980s.html#nhb |archive-date=April 12, 2008}}</ref> He also won the 1990 Royal Rumble match,<ref name=rumble>{{cite web |title=Past Rumble Winners |work=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/3973952/ |access-date=October 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020142804/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/3973952/  |archive-date=October 20, 2007}}</ref> during which he encountered Ultimate Warrior for the first time.

Their brief interaction in the match led to a feud between the pair, culminating in Hogan losing his championship to Warrior in a title vs title match at WrestleMania VI.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm6/mainevent/ |title=Ultimate Warrior vs. Hulk Hogan – Intercontinental and WWE Championship Match |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=April 1, 1990 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327023335/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm6/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 27, 2008}}</ref> In the months following his WrestleMania VI defeat, he teased retiring after being attacked by Earthquake in a sneak attack on ''The Brother Love Show'', but returned by SummerSlam and defeated Earthquake in a series of matches across the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1990/mainevent/ |title=Hulk Hogan w/ Big Bossman vs. Earthquake w/ Jimmy Hart and Dino Bravo |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=August 27, 1990 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729035606/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1990/mainevent/ |archive-date=July 29, 2008}}</ref>

Hogan became the first wrestler to win two Royal Rumble matches in a row after winning the 1991 Royal Rumble match.<ref name="WWEBio">{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan bio |url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/hulkhogan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918154033/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/hulkhogan |archive-date=September 18, 2018 |access-date=December 12, 2018 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name=rumble/><ref name=1991Rumble>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988116/mainevent/ |title=Hulk Hogan (spot No. 24) wins the Royal Rumble Match |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=January 19, 1991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331104118/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988116/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 31, 2008}}</ref> He subsequently defeated Sgt. Slaughter at WrestleMania VII, and lost the title to The Undertaker at Survivor Series later that year following interference from Ric Flair.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1991/mainevent/ |title=Undertaker def. Hulk Hogan to become new WWE Champion |publisher=wwe.com |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=November 27, 1991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331203608/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1991/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 31, 2008}}</ref><ref name=hogan4 /> Hogan regained the championship at This Tuesday in Texas six days later after throwing ashes from Undertaker's urn in his face.<ref name=hogan>{{cite web |url=http://www.yourbarbecue.com/george_foreman_grill.html |title=George Forman Grill Article |publisher=YourBarbecue.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612112005/http://www.yourbarbecue.com/george_foreman_grill.html |archive-date=June 12, 2009}}</ref> The championship was later declared vacant due to two succeeding controversial title changes.<ref name=HoganChamp>{{cite web|url=https://classicwrestlingreview.com/2020/02/23/this-tuesday-in-texas/|title=This Tuesday in Texas|first=Paul|last=Matthews|date=February 23, 2020|publisher=Classic Wrestling Review|access-date=August 10, 2025|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001222154/https://classicwrestlingreview.com/2020/02/23/this-tuesday-in-texas/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=hogan4>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454136 |title=Hulk Hogan's fourth WWE Championship reign |work=WWE |date=December 4, 1991 |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050723003120/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454136 |archive-date=July 23, 2005}}</ref>

It was decided that the vacant WWF Championship would be decided in the 1992 Royal Rumble match. During the match, Hogan was eliminated by Sid Justice, who in turn Hogan helped Flair to eliminate, leading to Flair's victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881152//mainevent/ |title=Ric Flair (spot No. 3) wins the Royal Rumble Match to become new WWE Champion |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=January 19, 1992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329172612/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881152/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 29, 2008}}</ref> Hogan and Flair subsequently faced each other at several live events leading up to WrestleMania VIII, although the two were never featured in a major televised WWF match.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barrasso |first1=Justin |title=Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair: The Match Destined to Never Happen at WrestleMania |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/hulk-hogan-ric-flair-wrestlemania |website=Sports Illustrated |access-date=January 17, 2026 |date=April 1, 2024 |archive-date=February 18, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218094325/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/hulk-hogan-ric-flair-wrestlemania |url-status=live }}</ref> Instead, Hogan defeated Sid via disqualification at WrestleMania after interference by Sid's manager Harvey Wippleman.<ref name="WrestleMania – Hogan vs Sid">{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm8/mainevent/ |title=Sycho Sid vs. Hulk Hogan |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=April 5, 1992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329101820/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm8/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 29, 2008}}</ref> During this time, news sources began to allege that George Zahorian, a doctor for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission, had been selling steroids illegally to WWF wrestlers, including Hogan. Amidst public scrutiny, Hogan took a leave of absence from the company in late 1992.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20112274,00.html |title=Incredible Hulk? |magazine=People |access-date=August 9, 2009 |date=March 23, 1992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602023309/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20112274,00.html |archive-date=June 2, 2009}}</ref>

Hogan returned to the WWF in February 1993, helping his friend Brutus Beefcake in his feud with Money Inc. and taking on Jimmy Hart, who had recently turned face,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/morereviews/article10035996.shtml|title=WWE Raw Retro Coverage - February 15, 1993: Brutus Beefcake returns to the ring following a serious accident to face Ted DiBiase, 16-man battle royal with a ridiculous finish, The Steiner Brothers, Kamala|first=Haydn|last=Gleed|publisher=Pro Wrestling.net|date=February 24, 2014|accessdate=November 26, 2025|archive-date=December 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213222408/https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/morereviews/article10035996.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> as his manager.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/morereviews/article10036002.shtml|title=WWE Raw Retro Coverage - February 22, 1993: Hulk Hogan returns with a new manager, Shawn Michaels and The Beverly Brothers vs. Tatanka and The Nasty Boys, Terry Taylor vs. Crush, Undertaker match cutoff Feb 24, 2014 - 05:45 PM|first=Haydn|last=Gleed|publisher=Pro Wrestling.net|date=February 24, 2014|accessdate=November 26, 2025|archive-date=January 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108062416/https://prowrestling.net/artman/publish/morereviews/article10036002.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hulkbrutus" /> Renaming themselves The Mega-Maniacs, at WrestleMania IX Hogan and Beefcake lost by disqualification to Money Inc. in a match for the WWF Tag Team Championship. Later that night, Hogan won his fifth WWF Championship by pinning Yokozuna in an impromptu match only moments after Yokozuna had defeated Bret Hart for the championship.<ref name="wm9">{{cite web |date=April 4, 1993 |title=WrestleMania IX official results |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm9/results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331194144/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm9/results/ |archive-date=March 31, 2008 |access-date=April 14, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454131 |title=Hulk Hogan's fifth WWE Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217092753/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454131 |archive-date=December 17, 2008}}</ref> Hogan reportedly used his influence to have the finish of WrestleMania changed the weekend of the event so he would be champion during an upcoming international and de facto farewell tour. WWF Official Bruce Prichard has said in interviews Hogan was made champion to help ticket sales for a WWF tour of Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 6, 2021 |title=Hulk Hogan manipulated Vince McMahon to steal Bret Hart and Yokozuna's WM9 moment |url=https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/858731/hulk-hogan-vince-mcmahon-bet-hart-yokozun-wwe-wrestlemania/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=talkSPORT |language=en-gb |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530003625/https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/858731/hulk-hogan-vince-mcmahon-bet-hart-yokozun-wwe-wrestlemania/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

At the first annual King of the Ring pay-per-view on June 13, Hogan lost the WWF Championship to Yokozuna after Hogan was blinded by a fireball shot by Harvey Wippleman disguised as a "Japanese photographer".<ref name="acceleratorbio">{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan's Bio |url=http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/hogan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515055440/http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/hogan.html |archive-date=May 15, 2008 |access-date=April 13, 2008 |work=Accelerator's Wrestling Rollercoaster}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html |title=King of the Ring 1993 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=June 13, 1993 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222220156/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html |archive-date=February 22, 2008}}</ref> This was Hogan's last WWF pay-per-view appearance until 2002; after continuing his feud on the international house show circuit with Yokozuna until August 1993, Hogan sat out the rest of his contract which expired later that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-why-hulk-hogan-left-in-1993-explained |title=Why Hulk Hogan left WWE in 1993 |date=March 23, 2023 |publisher=The Sportster |accessdate=July 24, 2025 |archive-date=April 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406043650/https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-why-hulk-hogan-left-in-1993-explained/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1993, Hogan opted to leave the WWF in order to distance himself from the ongoing steroid scandal surrounding Vince McMahon.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hulk-Hogan|title=Hulk Hogan|publisher=Briticanna|accessdate=February 20, 2026}}</ref> By November 1993, Hogan had ended his affiliation with the WWF and was now focusing on filming his television series ''Thunder in Paradise''. On the February 10, 2026 episode of his YouTube show "Something to Talk About with Bruce Prichard," longtime WWE official Bruce Prichard acknowledged to Conrad Thompson that like other employees who left around the time, Hogan's decision to join World Championship Wrestling (WCW) after leaving the WWF was in fact on his own terms, with Hogan cutting off ties to the WWF after being offered a lucrative deal for more money, which WCW overall owner Ted Turner could easily provide.<ref name=hoganfreewillvinceexcuses>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZlqv1lZMkM|title=Vince McMahon would make excuses for Hulk Hogan joining WCW|author=Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard|publisher=YouTube|date=February 10, 2026|accessdate=February 20, 2026}}</ref> However, Prichard also stated that Vince in fact "made excuses" for Hogan with regards to Hogan's decision to end ties with him, putting more blame on Ted Turner and Hogan's ties to Turner's company which he got through ''Thunder in Paradise''.<ref name=hoganfreewillvinceexcuses /> Regardless of what McMahon thought, though, it was acknowledged on a broadcast which aired on local Florida TV station WESH 2 on November 9, 1993, that Hogan's main business collaborator for ''Thunder in Paradise'' was in fact the Walt Disney Company, which even lent him its biggest soundstage at Disney-MGM Studios, which was even described on the broadcast as Hogan's "new home;"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wesh.com/article/hulk-hogan-disney-tv-series-1993/65503054|title=Hulk Hogan teamed up with Disney for TV series in 1993|publisher=WESH 2|date=July 24, 2025|accessdate=February 20, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ksbw.com/article/hulk-hogan-disney-mgm-1993/65500557|title=Hulk Hogan teamed up with Disney for a groundbreaking TV series in 1993|publisher=KSBW|date=July 24, 2025|accessdate=February 10, 2026}}</ref> however, the Disney-MGM Studios was also at the time being used for WCW tapings.

=== Return to NJPW (1993–1994) === On May 3, 1993, Hogan returned to NJPW as WWF Champion and defeated IWGP Heavyweight Champion The Great Muta at Wrestling Dontaku. Hogan also wrestled the Hell Raisers with Muta and Masahiro Chono as his tag team partners. His last match in Japan was on January 4, 1994, at Battlefield, when he defeated Tatsumi Fujinami.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome.html#94 |title=Battlefield |date=January 4, 1994 |access-date=July 19, 2019 |publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607141321/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome.html#94 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== World Championship Wrestling (1994–2000) ===

==== World Heavyweight Champion; feud with Alliance to End Hulkamania (1994–1996) ==== {{also|Mega Powers}} [[File:Günther Wagner trifft Hulk Hogan.jpg|thumb|Hogan with Jimmy Hart in 1994]]

Starting in March 1994, Hogan began making appearances on World Championship Wrestling (WCW) television, with interviewer Gene Okerlund visiting him on the set of ''Thunder in Paradise'' episodes. On June 11, 1994, Hogan officially signed with WCW in a ceremony that was held at Disney-MGM Studios.<ref>{{Citation |title=A parade is held for Hulk Hogan as he signs his WCW contract: WCW Pro, June 11, 1994 |url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/a-parade-is-held-for-hulk-hogan-as-he-signs-his-wcw-contract-wcw-pro-june-11-1994 |access-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-date=June 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627034300/https://www.wwe.com/videos/a-parade-is-held-for-hulk-hogan-as-he-signs-his-wcw-contract-wcw-pro-june-11-1994}}</ref> Jimmy Hart remained Hogan's manager. The next month, Hogan made his in-ring debut at Bash at the Beach defeating Ric Flair to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Hogan's arrival was seen as a turning point for the company, bringing mainstream attention, increased pay-per-view sales, and new sponsorships.<ref name="BischoffBook">{{cite book |last=Bischoff |first=Eric |title=Controversy Creates Cash |publisher=Pocket Books |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-41652-854-8 |pages=143–147}}</ref><ref name="83Weeks">{{cite web |date=July 16, 2018 |title=83 Weeks: Bash at the Beach 1994 |url=https://83weeks.com/bash-at-the-beach-1994/ |access-date=August 7, 2025 |website=83 Weeks with Eric Bischoff }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> Afterwards, Hogan continued feuding with Flair and later faced other top stars like The Butcher<ref name="HoganPart2">{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |title=Looking at Hulk Hogan's Career – Part Two |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=198545&p=2 |access-date=July 29, 2025 |website=PWInsider |archive-date=August 29, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829105749/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=198545&p=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Vader over the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Hogan also reunited with Randy Savage, reforming the Mega Powers in WCW.

In September 1995, Hogan headlined the debut episode of ''WCW Monday Nitro'', marking the beginning of the Monday Night Wars with the WWF. Hogan feuded with the Dungeon of Doom, leading to a WarGames match at Fall Brawl where Hogan's team claimed victory.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 17, 1995 |title=WCW Fall Brawl Results (1995) |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#95 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110628091514/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#95 |archive-date=June 28, 2011}}</ref> As the feud continued afterwards, Hogan began wearing all black and claimed he had crossed over to "the dark side."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/eric-bischoff-recalls-dark-side-hulk-hogan-in-1995-says-there-was-no-plan/|title=Eric Bischoff Recalls 'Dark Side' Hulk Hogan In 1995, Says There Was No Plan|first=Andrew|last=Ravens|publisher=411 Mania|date=November 3, 2025|accessdate=November 26, 2025}}</ref> Hogan's 469-day title reign, the longest in the title's history, ended at Halloween Havoc after a disqualification loss to The Giant.<ref name="prowrestlinghistory.com">{{cite web |date=October 29, 1995 |title=Halloween Havoc 1995 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#95 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331015039/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#95 |archive-date=March 31, 2013 |access-date=April 14, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> During the event, Jimmy Hart also turned on Hogan and aligned himself with the Dungeon of Doom.<ref name=hart1995turn>{{cite web|url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1995/|title=WCW – 1995 Results|date=January 16, 2023|publisher=The History of WWE|accessdate=November 26, 2025|archive-date=March 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323042950/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1995/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 8, 1995, of ''Nitro'', it was revealed that the title was allowed to change hands under such circumstances due to Hart secretly putting in an agreed contract clause, but the controversy led to the title being vacated.<ref name=hart1995turn /> Despite this, Hogan was unsuccessful in reclaiming the title at World War 3.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 26, 1995 |title=WCW World War III Results (1995) |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/ww3.html#95 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623095355/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/ww3.html#95 |archive-date=June 23, 2008}}</ref> Hogan would have afterwards only have one more title shot during this period in his WCW run, against Ric Flair on the January 1, 1996, of ''Nitro'', but would be unsuccessful in taking the belt from Flair due to Flair being disqualified;<ref name=1996matches>{{cite web|url=https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1996/|title=WCW – 1996 Results|date=January 16, 2023|publisher=The History of WWE|accessdate=November 26, 2025|archive-date=April 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417144946/https://thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw-results-1996/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=hart1995turn /> he would not get another title shot until the summer of 1996.<ref name=1996matches /> Hogan would end his singles feud with The Giant with a cage match victory at SuperBrawl VI.<ref>{{cite web |title=WCW SuperBrawl VI results |url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wcw/february/1996.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617202948/http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wcw/february/1996.htm |archive-date=June 17, 2008 |access-date=June 8, 2008 |publisher=PWWEW}}</ref> In early 1996, Hogan and Savage formed a team to battle The Alliance to End Hulkamania, defeating them at Uncensored in a Doomsday Cage match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#96 |title=Uncensored 1996 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=March 24, 1996 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623212141/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#96 |archive-date=June 23, 2008}}</ref>

==== New World Order (1996–1999) ==== {{Main|New World Order (professional wrestling)|l1=New World Order}}

At Bash at the Beach 1996, Hulk Hogan turned heel for the first time in nearly fifteen years by attacking Randy Savage and aligning with The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall),<ref name="beach96">{{cite web |date=July 7, 1996 |title=WCW Show Results 1996 |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw96.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123094118/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw96.htm |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=April 14, 2008 |publisher=The History of WCW}}</ref> cutting a promo afterwards in which he announced the formation of the New World Order (nWo).<ref name="beach96" /> Rebranding himself as "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan,<ref name="OWW" /><ref name="acceleratorbio" /> he adopted a new black-and-white persona and dominated WCW, capturing his second WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Hog Wild on August 10 by defeating The Giant for the title.<ref name=hoganwcw2>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411038 |title=Hulk Hogan's second WCW Championship reign |work=WWE |date=August 10, 1996 |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327020825/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411038 |archive-date=March 27, 2008}}</ref> He briefly lost the title to Lex Luger on the August 4, 1997, episode of ''Nitro'', only to regain it five days later at Road Wild.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/3044541108 |title=Hulk Hogan's third WCW Championship reign |work=WWE |date=August 9, 1997 |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 14, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107011523/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/3044541108 |archive-date=January 7, 2008}}</ref> Meanwhile, a lengthy storyline between Sting and the nWo reached its pinnacle at Starrcade on December 28, where Sting defeated Hogan to win the championship in a controversial finish.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wcw/starrcade-history |title=A brief history of WCW Starrcade |publisher=WWE |last=Powers |first=Kevin |date=December 29, 2011 |access-date=October 16, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219195307/http://www.wwe.com/inside/wcw/starrcade-history |archive-date=February 19, 2012}}</ref>

A feud with fellow nWo members Randy Savage and Kevin Nash led to the group's split into "nWo Hollywood" led by Hogan and "nWo Wolfpac" led by Nash; Hogan defeated Savage to win his fourth WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the April 20, 1998, episode of ''Nitro''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411024 |title=Hulk Hogan's fourth WCW Championship reign |work=WWE |date=April 20, 1998 |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215200620/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411024 |archive-date=February 15, 2008}}</ref> He lost the title to the then-undefeated Bill Goldberg on the July 6, 1998, episode of ''Nitro''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998072m.htm |title=WCW Monday Nitro – Monday, 07/06/98 |publisher=DDT Digest |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=July 6, 1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027062056/http://ddtdigest.com/updates/1998072m.htm |archive-date=October 27, 2007}}</ref> After this, he spent the rest of 1998 feuding with Diamond Dallas Page in high-profile celebrity matches at various WCW PPVs, involving the likes of Dennis Rodman, Karl Malone (Bash at the Beach),<ref>{{cite web |date=July 12, 1998 |title=Bash at the Beach 1998 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#98 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406041758/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#98 |archive-date=April 6, 2010 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> and Jay Leno (Road Wild).<ref>{{cite web |date=August 8, 1998 |title=Road Wild 1998 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#98 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420063202/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#98 |archive-date=April 20, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> and then the Warrior. Hogan would have a critically panned rematch with the Warrior at Halloween Havoc on October 25, where his nephew Horace Hogan aided his victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#98 |title=Halloween Havoc 1998 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=October 25, 1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331015039/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#98 |archive-date=March 31, 2013}}</ref> In late 1998, he announced a presidential run and retirement from wrestling,<ref name="president">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=John |date=November 27, 1998 |title=Hollywood Hogan retires |url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/nov27_hogan.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311224757/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/nov27_hogan.html |archive-date=March 11, 2016 |access-date=October 24, 2007 |publisher=Slam! Sports}}</ref> which were later revealed as publicity stunts derived from professional wrestler Jesse Ventura's recent Minnesota gubernatorial win.<ref name="president" />

Hogan returned to WCW in January 1999 during the infamous "Fingerpoke of Doom" match, where he reclaimed the WCW Championship from Kevin Nash via a simple poke to Nash's chest, with the pair afterwards reunifying the nWo factions.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shaffer |first=Jed |title=What if...the Finger Poke of Doom Never Happened? |url=https://wrestlecrap.com/more/rewriting/what-if-the-finger-poke-of-doom-never-happened/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308011541/https://wrestlecrap.com/more/rewriting/what-if-the-finger-poke-of-doom-never-happened/ |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |access-date=July 16, 2020 |website=WrestleCrap}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Milner |first=John |title=Hulk Hogan |url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/hogan.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507083927/https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/hogan.html |archive-date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=December 31, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}</ref> The incident is widely seen as a key factor in WCW's decline in ratings and popularity.<ref name="fritz">{{cite book |last=Fritz |first=Brian |title=Between the ropes: Wrestling's Greatest Triumphs And Failures |author2=Christopher Murray |publisher=ECW Press |year=2006 |isbn=1-55022-726-2 |page=41}}</ref> Later that year in March, he lost the title to Ric Flair at Uncensored.<ref name="OWW" /><ref>{{cite web |date=March 14, 1999 |title=Uncensored 1999 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#99 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623212141/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#99 |archive-date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref>

==== Final years in WCW (1999–2000) ==== Hogan returned as a babyface in July 1999, defeating Savage to win his sixth and final WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the July 12 episode of ''Nitro''.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 12, 1999 |title=Hulk Hogan's sixth WCW Championship reign |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/304454110315 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011030638/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/304454110315 |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |work=WWE |publisher=WWE}}</ref> In August 1999, he reverted to wearing red and yellow ring attire.<ref name="Red+Yellow">{{cite web |date=August 10, 2024 |title=Eric Bischoff explains why Hulk Hogan went back to red & yellow gimmick in 1999 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/eric-bischoff-why-hulk-hogan-red-yellow-1999/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=May 25, 2026 |work=411Mania.com }}</ref> On August 9, Hogan defeated Nash at Road Wild to retain the championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-fall-brawl-99/|title=The Furious Flashbacks - WCW Fall Brawl '99|website=411Mania|access-date=August 17, 2025|archive-date=January 24, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124121908/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-furious-flashbacks-wcw-fall-brawl-99/|url-status=live}}</ref> At Fall Brawl, Hogan lost the title to Sting.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 12, 1999 |title=Fall Brawl 1999 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#99 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020622221614/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#99 |archive-date=June 22, 2002 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> In the rematch at Halloween Havoc, Hogan came to the ring in street clothes, laid down for the pin, and left the ring.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 24, 1999 |title=Halloween Havoc 1999 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#99 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331015039/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#99 |archive-date=March 31, 2013 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}}</ref> Hogan was convinced shortly after by head booker Vince Russo to take time off.<ref name="hoganshock" />thumb|Hogan in 2000

Hogan returned in June 2000, feuding with the cruiserweight Billy Kidman, culminating in a match at The Great American Bash. Their feud had a negative reception, being voted worst feud of the year by readers of the ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://superluchas.com/fracaso-hulk-hogan-billy-kidman/|title=El fracaso de Hulk Hogan con Billy Kidman en WWE|date=June 12, 2023|access-date=August 17, 2025|archive-date=June 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612174028/https://superluchas.com/fracaso-hulk-hogan-billy-kidman/|url-status=live}}</ref> At Bash at the Beach on July 9, 2000, Hogan was involved in a controversial segment. Hogan was scheduled to challenge Jeff Jarrett for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20000716/ai_n13870868 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20071111062336/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20000716/ai_n13870868 |archive-date= November 11, 2007|title=No more Hulkamania? No way |last=Brown |first=Blackjack |work=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=October 22, 2007 |date=July 16, 2000}}</ref> however before the match, there was a backstage dispute between Hogan and Russo. The match ending was changed to a worked shoot where Jarrett laid down for Hogan, with Hogan after winning, disparaging Russo and the company on the microphone. Moments later, Russo came to the ring and said this would be "the last time fans would ever see that piece of shit in a WCW ring" while revealing Hogan's creative control clause in his contract.<ref name=acceleratorbio/>

As a result, Hogan filed a defamation of character lawsuit against Russo,<ref name=lawsuit>{{cite book |title=Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash |last=Bischoff |first=Eric |publisher=Simon and Schuster |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-4165-2729-9 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/controversycreat00bisc/page/344 344–346] |url=https://archive.org/details/controversycreat00bisc/page/344}}</ref> which was eventually dismissed in 2002. Russo claims the entire incident was a work, and Hogan claimed that Russo had turned it into a shoot when Russo went into the ring.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_4_2/ai_67872110 |title=Hogan Speaks on Work-shoot |publisher=Wrestling Digest |access-date=October 25, 2007 |date=December 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111042536/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_4_2/ai_67872110  |archive-date=November 11, 2007}}</ref> WCW President Eric Bischoff agreed with Hogan's side of the story, saying he and Hogan celebrated after the event over the success of the angle, but that Russo coming out to fire Hogan was unplanned. Regardless, the incident marked Hogan's final appearance in WCW.<ref name=OWW/><ref name=lawsuit/> In March 2001, Hogan underwent surgery on his knees, wrestling in a match for Xcitement Wrestling Federation (XWF) in November 2001 in preparation for his return to the WWF in February 2002.<ref name=OWW/>

=== Second return to WWF/WWE (2002–2003) === [[File:Hollywoodhulkhoganwmx8.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Hogan making his entrance at WrestleMania X8 in March 2002, his first WrestleMania in nine years]] At No Way Out on February 17, 2002, Hogan returned to the WWF as a heel,<ref name="WWEBio" /> reuniting with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash as the original nWo. The group attacked The Rock<ref name="nowayout02">{{cite web |date=February 17, 2002 |title=No Way Out 2002 review |url=http://www.gerweck.net/nowayout02.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327162533/http://www.gerweck.net/nowayout02.htm  |archive-date=March 27, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=Gerweck.net}}</ref> and cost Stone Cold Steve Austin a chance at becoming the Undisputed WWF Champion, which led to them feuding with both Austin and The Rock. This resulted in a match between Hogan and The Rock at WrestleMania X8 on March 17.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 18, 2002 |title=411's WWF Raw Report 2.18.02 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwf-raw-report-2-18-02/ |access-date=June 15, 2025 |website=411Mania.com |archive-date=June 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615230739/https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwf-raw-report-2-18-02/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Although Hogan entered as a heel, the WrestleMania crowd supported him and cheered him heavily. After losing the match, Hogan shook hands with The Rock and turned face, distancing himself from the nWo. Following WrestleMania X8, Hogan revived his red and yellow "Hulkamania" persona, though he initially kept elements of his "Hollywood" character such as his blonde mustache and black beard combination. On the March 25 episode of ''Raw'', Hogan was drafted to the SmackDown! brand,<ref>{{cite web |last=Keith |first=Scott |date=March 27, 2002 |title=The REAL SmarK RAW Rant - March 25 / 2002 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-real-smark-raw-rant-march-25-2002/ |access-date=June 15, 2025 |website=411Mania.com |archive-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808205004/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-real-smark-raw-rant-march-25-2002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> where he began a feud with Triple H. Hogan defeated Triple H at Backlash on April 21<ref>{{cite web |date=April 21, 2002 |title=Hulk Hogan defeats Triple H to become new WWE Undisputed Champion |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2002/mainevent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323125255/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2002/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 23, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=April 22, 2002 |title=Hulk Hogan's sixth WWE Championship reign |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445414114 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050624014455/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445414114 |archive-date=June 24, 2005 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> to win the Undisputed WWF Championship, becoming the final WWF Champion before the company was renamed WWE in May 2002.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harrison |first1=Jacob |date=June 10, 2024 |title=The Strangest Hulk Hogan Fact is Linked to the Silverdome |url=https://wbckfm.com/strange-michigan-hulk-hogan-fact/ |access-date=July 25, 2025 |work=WBCK |archive-date=July 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250712004435/https://wbckfm.com/strange-michigan-hulk-hogan-fact/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Hogan lost the title to The Undertaker at Judgment Day<ref>{{cite web |date=May 19, 2002 |title=Undertaker vs. Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2002/mainevent/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224085257/http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2002/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 24, 2007 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> on May 19. Hogan later feuded with Kurt Angle, losing to him by submission at King of the Ring on June 23; notably the first time Hogan had lost by submission in WWE. On the July 4 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Hogan teamed with Edge to defeat Billy and Chuck to win the WWE Tag Team Championship,<ref>{{cite web |date=July 4, 2002 |title=Hollywood Hogan and Edge's first World Tag Team Championship reign |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211222 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515054735/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211222 |archive-date=May 15, 2007 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |work=WWE |publisher=WWE}}</ref> before losing the titles to The Un-Americans (Christian and Lance Storm) at Vengeance on July 21.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 21, 2002 |title=Vengeance 2002 official results |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2002/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331223336/http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2002/results/  |archive-date=March 31, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Hogan was also notably defeated by Brock Lesnar by technical submission on the August 8 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ashish |date=August 8, 2002 |title=411's WWE Smackdown Report 08.08.02 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-smackdown-report-08-08-02/ |access-date=June 15, 2025 |website=411Mania |archive-date=June 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615230739/https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-smackdown-report-08-08-02/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Hoganlegdrop.jpg|right|thumb|Hogan performing his signature leg drop on Mr. McMahon at WrestleMania XIX]]

After his loss to Lesnar, Hogan went on a brief hiatus before returning on the January 23, 2003, episode of ''SmackDown!'', dropping the remaining components of his "Hollywood" persona.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnston |first=Brendan |date=January 23, 2003 |title=411's WWE Smackdown Report 01.23.03 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-smackdown-report-01-23-03/ |access-date=June 15, 2025 |website=411Mania |archive-date=June 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615230739/https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-smackdown-report-01-23-03/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hogan faced The Rock again at No Way Out on February 23, losing the match.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 23, 2003 |title=The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219180229/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> At WrestleMania XIX on March 30, Hogan defeated Vince McMahon in a street fight billed as "20 years in the making".<ref>{{cite web |date=March 30, 2003 |title=WrestleMania XIX official results |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329101800/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/ |archive-date=March 29, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

After WrestleMania XIX, Hogan adopted a masked alter ego named Mr. America,<ref name="OWW" /> after McMahon tried to force him out of the WWE. Despite McMahon's attempts to prove Mr. America's identity, the masked wrestler continued to appear through May and June, including a victory over "Rowdy" Roddy Piper at Judgment Day on May 18.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 18, 2003 |title=Judgment Day 2003 official results |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2003/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327021814/http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2003/results/ |archive-date=March 27, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Mr. America's final appearance was on the June 26 episode of ''SmackDown!'' in a six-man tag team match, as he teamed with Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle against Big Show and The World's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin) in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 26, 2003 |title=SmackDown! results – June 26, 2003 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030626.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420101557/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030626.html |archive-date=April 20, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The following week, Hogan quit WWE due to creative frustrations, unhappy with the payoffs for his matches after his comeback under the Mr. America gimmick.<ref name="mramerica">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Blackjack |date=July 6, 2003 |title=No Hulk means no chance of 20th anniversary rematch |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20030706/ai_n12510640 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111062341/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20030706/ai_n12510640 |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |access-date=October 23, 2007 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> On the July 3 episode of ''SmackDown!'', McMahon aired footage of Hogan unmasking after the June 26 episode of ''SmackDown!'' and "fired" him on-screen, although Hogan had already left the company.<ref name="mramerica"/>

=== Second return to NJPW (2003) === Hogan returned to NJPW in October 2003, when he defeated Masahiro Chono at Ultimate Crush II in the Tokyo Dome. Shortly after Hogan left WWE, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) began making overtures to Hogan, culminating in Jeff Jarrett, co-founder of TNA and then NWA World Heavyweight Champion, launching an on-air attack on Hogan in Japan after the Chono match. The attack was supposed to be a precursor to Hogan battling Jarrett for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at TNA's first three-hour pay-per-view. Due to recurring knee and hip problems, Hogan did not appear in TNA.<ref name=tna>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesportster.com/impact-hulk-hogan-almost-signed-with-tna-2003-explained/|title=Why Hulk Hogan Almost, But Didn't Sign With TNA In 2003, Explained|website=The Sportster|author1=Khalid Mahmood|author2=Malik Umar|date=September 26, 2022|access-date=June 16, 2025}}</ref>

=== Third return to WWE (2005–2007) === [[File:Batista, Hulk Hogan and John Cena, April 2004.jpg|thumb|Batista, Hulk Hogan and John Cena]] On April 2, 2005, Hulk Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2005 by Sylvester Stallone.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 22, 2005 |title=Stallone set to induct Hulk Hogan into hall |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20050322/ai_n13453252 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111062627/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20050322/ai_n13453252 |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |access-date=October 25, 2007 |publisher=Deseret News (Salt Lake City)}}</ref> The following night at WrestleMania 21, Hogan made a surprise appearance to save Eugene from an attack from Muhammad Hassan and Khosrow Daivari.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dunn |first=J.D. |date=April 3, 2005 |title=The WrestleMania XXI Breakdown |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-wrestlemania-xxi-breakdown/ |access-date=June 15, 2025 |website=411Mania.com |archive-date=June 15, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615231325/https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-wrestlemania-xxi-breakdown/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The lead-up to his induction and WrestleMania appearance was featured in the first season of ''Hogan Knows Best''. At Backlash, Hogan teamed with Shawn Michaels to defeat Hassan and Daivari.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zerr |first=Scott |date=May 1, 2005 |title=Hogan thrilled to be retro |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/05/01/1021236.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311155155/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2005/05/01/1021236.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 11, 2016 |access-date=October 22, 2007 |publisher=Slam! Sports}}</ref> Hogan and Michaels were later victorious in a match on the July 4 episode of ''Raw'' against Carlito and Kurt Angle, after which Michaels turned on Hogan.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 4, 2005 |title=Heartbreaker |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07042005/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014023335/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07042005/ |archive-date=October 14, 2007 |access-date=October 22, 2007 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> This led to a match at SummerSlam on August 21, where Hogan defeated Michaels. The two made up after the match, shaking hands.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 21, 2005 |title=Legend vs. Icon: Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2005/mainevent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080728152544/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2005/mainevent/ |archive-date=July 28, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref>

[[File:Hulk Hogan3.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|Hogan making his entrance at SummerSlam in 2005]] Before WrestleMania 22 in 2006, Hogan inducted Gene Okerlund into the WWE Hall of Fame. He returned at ''Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII'' alongside Brooke Hogan, where he was attacked by Randy Orton.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hunt |first=Jen |date=July 15, 2006 |title=Summer slammed |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/july152006/matches/258159821/results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331124801/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/july152006/matches/258159821/results/ |archive-date=March 31, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> Hogan later defeated Orton at SummerSlam.<ref>{{cite web |last=Zeigler |first=Zack |date=August 20, 2006 |title=The Legend lives on |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/2944490/results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719212909/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/2944490/results/ |archive-date=July 19, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2008 |publisher=WWE}}</ref> This marked Hogan's final WWE match, despite later talks of a potential bout with John Cena at WrestleMania 25 which ultimately fell through.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=January 16, 2023 |title=Hulk Hogan's First & Last WWE Matches Revealed - Atletifo |url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/hulk-hogans-first-last-wwe-matches-revealed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127231316/https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/hulk-hogans-first-last-wwe-matches-revealed/ |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=January 27, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ayaz |first=Yasser |date=April 3, 2022 |title="I was supposed to wrestle John Cena for the title" - John Cena vs Hulk Hogan almost took place at Wrestlemania |url=https://thesportsrush.com/wwe-news-i-was-supposed-to-wrestle-john-cena-for-the-title-john-cena-vs-hulk-hogan-almost-took-place-at-wrestlemania/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127231315/https://thesportsrush.com/wwe-news-i-was-supposed-to-wrestle-john-cena-for-the-title-john-cena-vs-hulk-hogan-almost-took-place-at-wrestlemania/ |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=The SportsRush}}</ref>

=== Independent circuit (2007, 2009) === [[File:Hogan Vs Flair.jpg|thumb|Hogan facing Ric Flair on the Hulkamania Tour]] During this time Hogan was invited to join Memphis Wrestling to face Jerry Lawler.<ref name="memphis">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Blackjack |date=April 15, 2007 |title=WWE derails Lawler vs. Hogan |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070415/ai_n19013656 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111062406/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070415/ai_n19013656 |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |access-date=October 24, 2007 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}</ref> Although the match had been promoted for months, contractual obligations prevented Lawler from participating, and he was replaced by Paul Wight.<ref name="memphis" /> Hogan defeated Wight at the ''PMG Clash of Legends'' event on April 27, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2022 |title=Jerry Lawler Vs Hulk Hogan: Why A Wrestling Dream Match Didn't Happen In 2007 |url=https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-jerry-lawler-vs-hulk-hogan-wrestling-dream-match-didnt-happen-in-2007/ |accessdate=July 24, 2025 |work=The Sportster |archive-date=September 4, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250904094427/https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-jerry-lawler-vs-hulk-hogan-wrestling-dream-match-didnt-happen-in-2007/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Throughout November 2009, Hogan performed in an independent wrestling tour across Australia titled Hulkamania: Let The Battle Begin. The main event of each show was a rematch between Hogan and Ric Flair, with Hogan winning each match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=HulkAMAN09&v=SSD&searchId=278c866e-8461-4b0c-a20c-082bfcf71b96 |title=Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin |publisher=Tickettek |access-date=November 5, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708081138/http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=HulkAMAN09&v=SSD&searchId=278c866e-8461-4b0c-a20c-082bfcf71b96 |archive-date=July 8, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/Hulk-hogan-downs-ric-flair-in-burswood-bout/story-e6frg13u-1225803762480 |title=Hulk Hogan downs Ric Flair in Burswood bout |date=November 25, 2009 |last=Elborough |first=Brad |newspaper=Perth Now |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025112756/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/hulk-hogan-downs-ric-flair-in-burswood-bout/story-e6frg13u-1225803762480 |archive-date=October 25, 2013}}</ref>

=== Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2009–2013) === {{main|Immortal (professional wrestling)}} thumb|upright|left|Hogan in July 2010 On October 27, 2009, it was announced that Hogan had signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).<ref name=TNA>{{cite web |url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/1770/84/ |title=Hulk Hogan Joins TNA Wrestling! |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2009 |publisher=Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029133223/http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/1770/84/ |archive-date=October 29, 2009}}</ref> Hogan debuted on the January 4, 2010, episode of ''Impact!'' alongside Eric Bischoff in an executive role.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml |title=Keller's TNA Impact Live Report 1/4: Jeff Hardy, NWO reunion, Hulk Hogan, TNA Knockout Title match, more surprises – ongoing coverage |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=January 4, 2010 |work=PWTorch |access-date=January 5, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106163017/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml |archive-date=January 6, 2010}}</ref> Over the next few weeks, Hogan began an on-screen mentorship with Abyss,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39182.shtml |title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 2/18: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast |date=February 18, 2010 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |last=Wilkenfeld |first=Daniel |publisher=PWTorch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222011546/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39182.shtml |archive-date=February 22, 2010}}</ref> and the two teamed to defeat A.J. Styles and Ric Flair in Hogan's first TNA match on the March 8 episode of ''Impact!''.<ref name=March82010>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39660.shtml |title=TNA Impact Results 3/8: Keller's live ongoing report covering the historic beginning of Monday Night War II |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=March 8, 2010 |work=PWTorch |access-date=March 9, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312083001/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39660.shtml |archive-date=March 12, 2010}}</ref> At Lockdown on April 18, Team Hogan (Abyss, Jeff Jarrett, Jeff Hardy and Rob Van Dam) defeated Team Flair (Sting, Desmond Wolfe, Robert Roode and James Storm) in a Lethal Lockdown match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40725.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown Results 4/18: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of PPV – Styles vs. The Pope, Team Hogan vs. Team Flair, Angle vs. Anderson |first=James |last=Caldwell |date=April 18, 2010 |access-date=April 18, 2010 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420121437/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40725.shtml |archive-date=April 20, 2010}}</ref>

After months of storylines involving speculation about a secretive controlling force in TNA,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42170.shtml |title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 6/24: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast |first=Daniel |last=Wilkenfeld |date=June 24, 2010 |access-date=October 11, 2010 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203033237/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42170.shtml |archive-date=February 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279856423 |title=Impact Results – 7/22/10 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=July 8, 2010 |work=WrestleView |access-date=October 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725200932/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279856423 |archive-date=July 25, 2010}}</ref> Hogan turned heel by helping Hardy win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Bound for Glory on October 10, forming Immortal with Hardy, Bischoff, Abyss and Jarrett.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10–10–10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Angle vs. Anderson vs. Hardy, "they" reveal |date=October 10, 2010 |access-date=October 10, 2010 |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512063829/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml |archive-date=May 12, 2013}}</ref> As part of the angle, it was revealed on the October 14 episode of ''Impact!'' that Bischoff had tricked TNA President Dixie Carter into signing paperwork to turn the company over to him and Hogan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44521.shtml |title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 10/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV's live broadcast |date=October 14, 2010 |access-date=October 15, 2010 |last=Wilkenfeld |first=Daniel |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101016232941/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44521.shtml |archive-date=October 16, 2010}}</ref> The storyline concluded at Bound for Glory on October 16, 2011, when Hogan lost to Sting in a match that returned control of TNA to Carter. After the match, Hogan aided Sting during a post-match attack by members of Immortal, marking his return to a fan favorite role.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_54312.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Angle-Roode, Hogan-Sting |date=October 16, 2011 |access-date=October 16, 2011 |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204054725/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_54312.shtml |archive-date=February 4, 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Bully Ray and Hulk Hogan Jan 2013.jpg|thumb|upright|Bully Ray addresses Hogan in Wembley, England in January 2013]] Hogan wrestled his final matches during TNA's tour of the United Kingdom, on January 26 and 27, 2012, at house shows in Nottingham and Manchester, where he, James Storm and Sting defeated Bobby Roode, Bully Ray and Kurt Angle in a six-man tag team main event at both events.<ref name=Nottingham012611>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_57425.shtml |title=1/26 TNA results Nottingham, U.K.: Hogan & Sting in main event, Joe vs. Crimson, Styles vs. Ray |date=January 26, 2012 |access-date=January 26, 2012 |last=McNichol |first=Rob |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128233403/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_57425.shtml |archive-date=January 28, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Daly |first1=Wayne |title=TNA Quick Results: Live Event – Manchester, England (1/27) |url=https://www.wrestling-news.net/tna-quick-results-event-manchester/3945/ |access-date=July 28, 2023 |work=Wrestling-news.net |date=January 27, 2012 |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211033441/https://www.wrestling-news.net/tna-quick-results-event-manchester/3945/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Two months later, Hogan assumed the role of TNA's on-screen general manager.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_59713.shtml |title=Turner's TNA Impact Wrestling results 3/29: Will Hulk Hogan accept the GM position?, Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson, Morgan vs. Crimson, and more |date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=March 30, 2012 |last=Turner |first=Scott |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523002358/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_59713.shtml |archive-date=May 23, 2012}}</ref> His last major storyline in TNA was with the mysterious masked group Aces & Eights;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_63266.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results 7/12: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact – Aries's first show as champ, BFG Series matches |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=July 12, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2012 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715041528/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_63266.shtml |archive-date=July 15, 2012}}</ref> the storyline included an angle where Bully Ray was in a relationship with his daughter Brooke,<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 11/22: Thanksgiving Edition features Gut Checks, Turkeys, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66775.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210514/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66775.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 11/29: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Championship Thursday – X Title in main event, Hogan Knows Best? |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66909.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103031801/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66909.shtml |archive-date=January 3, 2013}}</ref> culminating at Lockdown on March 10, 2013, where Ray was revealed to be the leader of Aces & Eights.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV Results 3/10: Live, in-person coverage from San Antonio – Hardy vs. Ray TNA Title match, Lethal Lockdown, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_69158.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414102411/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_69158.shtml |archive-date=April 14, 2013}}</ref> Hogan left TNA in October 2013 upon the expiration of his contract. His final appearance was on the October 3 episode of ''Impact Wrestling''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-squared-circle/Hulk-Hogan-no-longer-under-contract-with-TNA-Wrestling.html |title=Hulk Hogan no longer under contract with TNA Wrestling |date=October 2, 2013 |work=Philly.com |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721155925/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-squared-circle/Hulk-Hogan-no-longer-under-contract-with-TNA-Wrestling.html |archive-date=July 21, 2015}}</ref>

=== Fourth return to WWE (2014–2015) === [[File:Hogan Rock and Austin WrestleMania XXX.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Hogan (left) alongside Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock at WrestleMania XXX in April 2014]] Hogan returned to WWE in early 2014, appearing on ''Raw'' to promote the WWE Network on February 24,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_76606.shtml |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 2/24: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Chamber PPV fall-out, Hogan's return, Taker's return, stage set for WM30, more |date=February 24, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2014 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227025709/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_76606.shtml |archive-date=February 27, 2014}}</ref> and alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joe Manganiello on March 24.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-03-24/arnold-schwarzenegger-and-joe-manganiello-join-hulk-hogan-in-the-ring-photos |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joe Manganiello join Hulk Hogan in the ring: photos |work=WWE |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427012016/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-03-24/arnold-schwarzenegger-and-joe-manganiello-join-hulk-hogan-in-the-ring-photos |archive-date=April 27, 2015}}</ref> During WrestleMania XXX, Hogan served as the host, making several appearances throughout the night.<ref>[http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/04/wrestlemania-hulk-hogan-silverdome-superdome "Hulk Hogan flubbed the name of the Superdome, and New Orleans' reaction was priceless"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822014626/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/04/wrestlemania-hulk-hogan-silverdome-superdome |date=August 22, 2017 }}. USA Today. Retrieved August 21, 2017</ref>

WWE honored Hogan's career during a live event at Madison Square Garden dubbed "Hulk Hogan Appreciation Night" with a special commemorative banner hanging from the rafters on February 27, 2015.<ref name=banner>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/556745-photos-hulkamania-banner-msg |title=PHOTOS: MSG Honors Hulk Hogan with "Hulkamania" Banner |last=Paglino |first=Nick |date=February 27, 2015 |work=Wrestlezone |access-date=July 18, 2015 |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211033445/https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/556745-photos-hulamania-banner-msg |url-status=live }}</ref> The following month, he appeared on the March 23 episode of ''Raw'' in a segment with Snoop Dogg and Curtis Axel.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nemer |first1=Paul |title=WWE RAW Results – 3/23/15 (Final hype for WrestleMania 31) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/53689-wwe-raw-results-3-23-15-live-results-from-los-angeles/ |access-date=July 25, 2025 |work=wrestleview.com |date=March 24, 2015}}</ref> Hogan posthumously inducted "Macho Man" Randy Savage into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2015 three days later.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Troy |title=Hulk Hogan inducts Macho Man into the WWE Hall of Fame |url=https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2015/03/watch_hulk_hogan_induct_macho.html |access-date=July 25, 2025 |work=cleveland.com |date=March 29, 2015}}</ref> The next night at WrestleMania 31, Hogan, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, representing the nWo, interfered in the Sting–Triple H match on behalf of Sting, where they battled D-Generation X (DX) members Billy Gunn, X-Pac, Road Dogg, and Shawn Michaels.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Varsallone |first1=Jim |title=D-Generation X, nWo, Sting together for huge WWE WrestleMania 31 moment |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article16869611.html |access-date=July 25, 2025 |work=Miami Herald |date=March 30, 2015}}</ref>

==== Racism scandal and departure ==== In July 2015, ''National Enquirer'' and ''Radar Online'' publicized an anti-black rant made by Hogan on a leaked sex tape recorded in 2007. In the recording, he is heard expressing disgust with the notion of his daughter dating a black man, referenced by repeated use of the racial slur "nigger".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/07/24/wwe-erases-hulk-hogan-mentions-from-web-site/ |title=WWE terminates Hulk Hogan's contract, erases him from Web site (updated) |last=Bonesteel |first=Matt |date=July 24, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724220009/http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/07/24/wwe-erases-hulk-hogan-mentions-from-web-site/ |archive-date=July 24, 2015}}</ref><ref name=radarscandal>{{cite web |url=http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/hulk-hogan-racist-scandal-n-word-caught-on-tape-wrestling/ |title=Hulk Hogan Racist Scandal — Pro Wrestling Icon Caught On Tape Saying N-Word In Bigoted Rant About Daughter Brooke's Dating – Radar Online |work=Radar Online |access-date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724205043/http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/hulk-hogan-racist-scandal-n-word-caught-on-tape-wrestling/ |archive-date=July 24, 2015 |date=July 24, 2015}}</ref> Hogan also said that he was "a racist, to a point".<ref name=radarscandal/> Once the recordings went public erupting in a media scandal, Hogan apologized for the remarks, which he said is "language that is offensive and inconsistent with [his] own beliefs".<ref name=peopleapology>{{cite news |last1=Kimble |first1=Lindsay |title=Hulk Hogan Apologizes for 'Unacceptable' Racist Rant as He Is Scrubbed from WWE Hall of Fame |url=http://www.people.com/article/hulk-hogan-racist-rant-statement |work=People |access-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724215657/http://www.people.com/article/hulk-hogan-racist-rant-statement |archive-date=July 24, 2015 }}</ref> Hogan reportedly also used homophobic slurs in the taped conversation.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Howard |first1=Dylan |last2=Cronin |first2=Melissa |last3=Cartwright |first3=Lachlan |title=A New Low! Hulk Hogan Spits Vile Homophobic Slurs In Latest Rant From Leaked Audiotape — The Last Straw For Fans? |url=http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/hulk-hogan-homophobic-rant-revealed-audiotape-transcript-racist-n-word/ |access-date=July 29, 2015 |date=July 28, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728203443/http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/hulk-hogan-homophobic-rant-revealed-audiotape-transcript-racist-n-word/ |archive-date=July 28, 2015|website=Radar Online}}</ref> It was later reported that Hogan had used racist language in a 2008 call to his then-imprisoned son, Nick, and also said that he hoped they would not be reincarnated as black males.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a660952/hulk-hogan-is-under-fire-again-after-more-racially-charged-comments-emerge.html |title=Hulk Hogan is under fire again after more racially-charged comments emerge |last=Rigby |first=Sam |date=July 30, 2015 |website=Digital Spy |access-date=August 2, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801221103/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a660952/hulk-hogan-is-under-fire-again-after-more-racially-charged-comments-emerge.html |archive-date=August 1, 2015}}</ref>

On July 24, WWE terminated their contract with Hogan;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-terminates-contract-with-hulk-hogan-27695748 |title=WWE has terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan) |newspaper=WWE |access-date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726190512/http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-terminates-contract-with-hulk-hogan-27695748 |archive-date=July 26, 2015}}</ref> however, Hogan's lawyer said Hogan chose to resign.<ref name=peopleapology/> In response to the scandal, WWE removed almost all references to Hogan from their website, including his entry from its WWE Hall of Fame page and his merchandise from WWE Shop. Hogan's characters were removed from WWE video games,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |title=Hulk Hogan removed from all-things WWE, including Tough Enough, plus Hogan posts cryptic tweet |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_86433.shtml |website=pwtorch.com |access-date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724113840/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_86433.shtml |archive-date=July 24, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Montag |first=Ali |title=WWE splits with Hulk Hogan amid reported comments |date=July 24, 2015 |work=CNBC.com |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/24/wwe-splits-with-hulk-hogan-amid-reported-comments.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725012459/http://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/24/wwe-splits-with-hulk-hogan-amid-reported-comments.html |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Mattel halted production of his action figures, and retailers including Target, Toys "R" Us, and Walmart pulled his merchandise from their online stores.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Michael |title=Hulk Hogan Fall-Out – Major Retailers Pull Merchandise, Update – Mattel halting production |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_86521.shtml |website=pwtorch.com |access-date=July 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729184048/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_86521.shtml |archive-date=July 29, 2015}}</ref> Hogan gave an interview with ''Good Morning America'' on August 31 in which he pleaded forgiveness for his racist comments, attributing these to a racial bias inherited from his neighborhood while growing up.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gma.yahoo.com/hulk-hogan-racial-slur-scandal-please-forgive-people-112815982--abc-news-celebrities.html |title=Hulk Hogan on Racial Slur Scandal: 'Please Forgive Me ... People Get Better' |date=August 31, 2015 |work=Yahoo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001171020/https://gma.yahoo.com/hulk-hogan-racial-slur-scandal-please-forgive-people-112815982--abc-news-celebrities.html |archive-date=October 1, 2015}}</ref> Hogan said that the term "nigger" was used liberally among friends in Tampa; former neighbors disputed this.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/08/31/hulk-hogan-racial-slurs-south-tampa/71480068/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150930015238/http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/08/31/hulk-hogan-racial-slurs-south-tampa/71480068/ |archive-date=September 30, 2015 |title=Hulk Hogan under fire after slamming neighborhood on national TV |date=August 31, 2015 |work=10NEWS}}</ref>

The scandal spurred a range of responses from across the professional wrestling industry. Hogan received some support from his African-American peers. Virgil,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2015/07/24/hulk-hogan-racist-n-word-virgil/ |title=WWE Legend Virgil – The Hulk Hogan I Knew Was Not Racist |date=July 24, 2014 |website=TMZ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026235812/http://www.tmz.com/2015/07/24/hulk-hogan-racist-n-word-virgil |archive-date=October 26, 2015}}</ref> Dennis Rodman<ref>{{cite tweet |user=dennisrodman |date=July 24, 2015 |number=624624182521917440 |title=I've known @HulkHogan for 25 years. Here he is hanging with Kylin in NJ. There isn't a racist bone in that mans body.}} {{cite tweet |user=dennisrodman |date=July 24, 2015 |number=624624728041488385 |title=Lets lend our support to the Hulkster @HulkHogan who most certainly is not a racist}}</ref> and Kamala each spoke positively about their experiences with Hogan and did not believe he was racist.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/602515-kamala-supports-hulk-hogan-was-told-vince-mcmahon-does-not-like-black-people-kliq-behind-the-curtain-preview-video |title=Kamala Supports Hulk Hogan |date=July 28, 2015 |last=Jansen |first=Jonathen |website=WrestleZone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730193504/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/602515-kamala-supports-hulk-hogan-was-told-vince-mcmahon-does-not-like-black-people-kliq-behind-the-curtain-preview-video |archive-date=July 30, 2015}}</ref> Other black wrestlers working in the WWE made more critical comments, including Mark Henry, who said he was pleased by WWE's "no tolerance approach to racism" response and that he was hurt and offended by Hogan's manner and tone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/601543-mark-henry-issues-statement-on-hulk-hogan-comments |title=Mark Henry Issues Statement On Hulk Hogan Comments |first=Nick |last=Paglino |website=WrestleZone |date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101044158/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/601543-mark-henry-issues-statement-on-hulk-hogan-comments |archive-date=November 1, 2015}} {{cite tweet |user=TheMarkHenry |number=624653728931557376 |date=July 24, 2015 |title=I'm disappointed in the comments made by Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan). I've known Terry for a long time as both a work colleague and as someone I consider a friend. I'm hurt and offended that he expressed his feelings in the manner and tone that was presented on the tape. I am, however, pleased that the WWE took swift action in response to his comments and I support the position the organization is taking in this matter: a no-tolerance approach to racism.}}</ref> Booker T said he was shocked and called the statements unfortunate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/hulk-hogan-n-word-scandal-wrestler-booker-t-is-shocked-by-the-statements/ |website=TheWrap.Com |first=Greg |last=Gilman |title=Hulk Hogan N-Word Scandal: Wrestler Booker T Is 'Shocked By the Statements' |date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208211245/https://www.thewrap.com/hulk-hogan-n-word-scandal-wrestler-booker-t-is-shocked-by-the-statements/ |archive-date=December 8, 2015}} {{cite tweet |user=bookert5x |number=624612626220236800 |date=July 24, 2015 |title=I am shocked by the statements made by Hulk Hogan. It's unfortunate, but that's something that he's going to have to deal with.}}</ref> In the time that followed, numerous African-Americans associated with wrestling expressed some level of support for Hogan including: Rodman,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Dennis-Rodman-Defends-Hulk-Hogan-WWE-Termination-73797.html |title=Dennis Rodman Defends Hulk Hogan After WWE Termination |date=July 25, 2015 |website=Cinemablend |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213030/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Dennis-Rodman-Defends-Hulk-Hogan-WWE-Termination-73797.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Rock,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.etonline.com/news/169081_dwayne_johnson_talks_hulk_hogan_racist_rant |title=Dwayne Johnson on Hulk Hogan Racist Rant: 'We've All Talked Trash' |website=Entertainment Tonight |date=July 31, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213427/https://www.etonline.com/news/169081_dwayne_johnson_talks_hulk_hogan_racist_rant |url-status=live }}</ref> Booker T<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2018/05/28/booker-t-wwe-hulk-hogan/ |title=Booker T Says Hulk Hogan Belongs Back In WWE |website=TMZ |date=May 28, 2018 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213028/https://www.tmz.com/2018/05/28/booker-t-wwe-hulk-hogan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kamala,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2531386-the-ugandan-giant-kamala-responds-to-former-foe-hulk-hogans-racist-remarks |title=The Ugandan Giant, Kamala, Responds to Former Foe Hulk Hogan's Racist Remarks |last=King |first=Jason |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213408/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2531386-the-ugandan-giant-kamala-responds-to-former-foe-hulk-hogans-racist-remarks |url-status=live }}</ref> Virgil,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/hulk-hogans-friend-fellow-wwe-6133818 |title=Hulk Hogan's friend and fellow WWE legend Virgil defends star |last1=Bucktin |first1=Christopher |last2=McGeorge |first2=Alistair |date=July 24, 2015 |website=mirror |access-date=September 4, 2019 |last3=Rutter |first3=Claire |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213357/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/hulk-hogans-friend-fellow-wwe-6133818 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mr. T,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ojha |first1=Adarsh |title=Are Hulk Hogan and Mr. T Still Friends Despite Former's Controversial and Highly Criticized Comments? |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-are-hulk-hogan-and-mr-t-still-friends-despite-formers-controversial-and-highly-criticised-comments/ |access-date=June 17, 2022 |work=EssentiallySports |date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616220408/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-are-hulk-hogan-and-mr-t-still-friends-despite-formers-controversial-and-highly-criticised-comments/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Henry,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2018/07/mark-henry-on-what-he-told-hulk-hogan-backstage-at-wwe-642850/ |title=Mark Henry On What He Told Hulk Hogan Backstage At WWE Extreme Rules |date=July 17, 2018 |website=Wrestling Inc. |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=September 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914230857/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2018/07/mark-henry-on-what-he-told-hulk-hogan-backstage-at-wwe-642850/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Big E.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thebiglead.com/2019/04/07/big-e-offers-his-blessing-for-hulk-hogan-redemption-after-apology-at-wrestlemania-35/ |title=Big E Offers His Blessing for Hulk Hogan Redemption After Apology at WrestleMania 35 |date=April 8, 2019 |website=The Big Lead |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213031/https://thebiglead.com/2019/04/07/big-e-offers-his-blessing-for-hulk-hogan-redemption-after-apology-at-wrestlemania-35/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Fifth return to WWE (2018–2025) === Hogan returned to the WWE in 2018, and apologized to WWE wrestlers in a backstage statement.<ref name="apol">{{cite magazine |last1=Winkie |first1=Luke |date=July 24, 2025 |title=Everyone Hated Hulk Hogan |url=https://slate.com/culture/2025/07/hulk-hogan-died-death-news-cause-trump.html |magazine=Slate |access-date=August 1, 2025 |archive-date=July 30, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730011513/https://slate.com/culture/2025/07/hulk-hogan-died-death-news-cause-trump.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Several African-American wrestlers, including The New Day, Titus O'Neil, Mark Henry, Shelton Benjamin and JTG doubted the sincerity of Hogan's apology,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/wwe/news/14203/11440338/wwe-new-day-issue-statement-on-hulk-hogans-return-to-the-company|title=WWE: New Day issue statement on Hulk Hogan's return to the company|website=Sky Sports|access-date=July 25, 2025|archive-date=July 30, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730223450/https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/wwe/news/14203/11440338/wwe-new-day-issue-statement-on-hulk-hogans-return-to-the-company|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/wwe/news/14203/11441459/wwe-titus-oneil-questions-hulk-hogan-return-to-hall-of-fame|title=WWE: Titus O'Neil questions Hulk Hogan return to Hall of Fame|website=Sky Sports|access-date=July 25, 2025|archive-date=July 29, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729003319/https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/wwe/news/14203/11441459/wwe-titus-oneil-questions-hulk-hogan-return-to-hall-of-fame|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/titus-oneil-comments-hulk-hogans-apology-wwe-roster-262006/|title=Titus O'Neil comments on Hulk Hogan's apology to WWE roster|date=July 19, 2018|website=F4W/WON|access-date=July 25, 2025|archive-date=July 25, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725142720/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/titus-oneil-comments-hulk-hogans-apology-wwe-roster-262006/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/featured-top-story/349636-shelton-benjamin-responds-to-hulk-hogan-calling-him-by-the-wrong-name/|title=Shelton Benjamin responds to Hulk Hogan calling him by the wrong name|first=Jerome|last=Wilen|date=May 6, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2025/01/09/mark-henry-not-surprised-fans-booed-hulk-hogan/|title=Mark Henry Not Surprised Fans Booed Hulk Hogan At Raw Premiere In L.A.|first=T. M. Z.|last=Staff|date=January 9, 2025|website=TMZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44884853|title=Hulk Hogan: Black WWE stars weigh in on his Hall of Fame reinstatement|date=July 19, 2018|via=www.bbc.com}}</ref> due to Hogan warning wrestlers to be "mindful about being recorded without their knowledge" during his apology instead of addressing his comments.<ref name="apol"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/wrestling/breaking-news/article/hulk-hogan-and-the-ugliness-that-changed-everything-194320235.html|title=Hulk Hogan and the ugliness that changed everything|first=Kel|last=Dansby|date=July 24, 2025|website=Yahoo Sports|access-date=July 25, 2025|archive-date=July 25, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725094430/https://sports.yahoo.com/wrestling/breaking-news/article/hulk-hogan-and-the-ugliness-that-changed-everything-194320235.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ewrestling.com/article/jtg-hulk-hogan-i-cant-forgive-you-admitting-youre-racist/|title=JTG On Hulk Hogan: "I Can't Forgive You For Admitting You're Racist" | EWrestling|first=Matt|last=Boone|date=August 6, 2018|access-date=July 25, 2025|archive-date=August 30, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250830100642/https://ewrestling.com/article/jtg-hulk-hogan-i-cant-forgive-you-admitting-youre-racist/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 15, 2018, he was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/hulk-hogan-reinstated-into-wwe-hall-of-fame |title=Hulk Hogan reinstated into WWE Hall of Fame |work=WWE |access-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715210833/https://www.wwe.com/article/hulk-hogan-reinstated-into-wwe-hall-of-fame |url-status=live }}</ref> Vince McMahon stated, "I knew he wasn't racist. ... He said some racist things. He should pay for that, and he did."<ref name="mcmahonaddress">{{cite magazine |last1=Ucchino |first1=Rick |title=Vince McMahon Addresses Hulk Hogan's Character, Decision To Bring Him Back To WWE |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/vince-mcmahon-addresses-hulk-hogan-character-decision-to-bring-him-back-to-wwe |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=August 13, 2025 |date=August 13, 2025 |archive-date=August 13, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813171243/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/vince-mcmahon-addresses-hulk-hogan-character-decision-to-bring-him-back-to-wwe |url-status=live }}</ref> Hogan made his on-screen return on November 2, 2018, as the host of Crown Jewel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/hulk-hogan-makes-his-return-to-wwe-as-host-of-crown-jewel-event-in-saudi-arabia/ |title=Hulk Hogan makes his return to WWE as host of Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia |date=October 31, 2018 |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101175748/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/hulk-hogan-makes-his-return-to-wwe-as-host-of-crown-jewel-event-in-saudi-arabia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 7, 2019, Hogan returned to ''Raw'' to present a tribute to Gene Okerlund, who had died five days prior.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Paddock |first1=Matty |title=Hulk Hogan returns to WWE Raw for first time since 2015 to pay tribute to 'Mean' Gene Okerlund |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-raw-review-recap-hulk-hogan-returns-mean-gene-okerlund-dead-tribute-death-a8717211.html |access-date=July 25, 2025 |work=The Independent |date=January 8, 2019 |archive-date=August 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809045421/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-raw-review-recap-hulk-hogan-returns-mean-gene-okerlund-dead-tribute-death-a8717211.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the following years, Hogan appeared on several WWE events, like the 2019 and 2020 Hall of Fame ceremonies, where he inducted Brutus Beefcake in 2019 and was inducted for a second time as part of the New World Order (with Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman) in 2020.<ref name="ESPN.com-2019">{{cite web |date=December 9, 2019 |title=WWE to honor nWo with Hall of Fame induction |website=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/28256144/wwe-honor-nwo-hall-fame-induction |access-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209170405/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/28256144/wwe-honor-nwo-hall-fame-induction |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Wade |title=Keller's WWE Hall of Fame segment report 4/6: Brutus Beefcake with Hulk Hogan induction speech, Hogan opens with "Let me tell ya' something, Mean Gene." |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/04/06/kellers-wwe-hall-of-fame-segment-report-4-6-brutus-beefcake-with-hulk-hogan-induction-speech-hogan-opens-with-let-me-tell-ya-something-mean-gene/ |access-date=July 25, 2025 |website=PWTorch |date=April 6, 2019 |archive-date=September 12, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250912163617/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/04/06/kellers-wwe-hall-of-fame-segment-report-4-6-brutus-beefcake-with-hulk-hogan-induction-speech-hogan-opens-with-let-me-tell-ya-something-mean-gene/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He also hosted the 35th and 37th editions of WrestleMania, along with Alexa Bliss and Titus O'Neil respectively.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Khan |first1=Steve |title=WWE WrestleMania 37 night one live results: Banks vs. Belair |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-wrestlemania-37-night-two-live-results-reigns-vs-edge-vs-bryan-337991/ |access-date=July 25, 2025 |website=F4WOnline |date=April 10, 2021 |archive-date=August 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828151239/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-wrestlemania-37-night-two-live-results-reigns-vs-edge-vs-bryan-337991/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bath |first1=Dave |title=WWE WrestleMania 37 night two live results: Reigns vs. Edge vs. Bryan |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-wrestlemania-37-night-two-live-results-reigns-vs-edge-vs-bryan-337991/ |access-date=July 25, 2025 |website=F4WOnline |date=April 11, 2021 |archive-date=August 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828151239/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-wrestlemania-37-night-two-live-results-reigns-vs-edge-vs-bryan-337991/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kaye |first1=Mike |title=WrestleMania 35: WWE legend Hulk Hogan kicks off show with blunder |url=https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/04/wrestlemania-35-wwe-legend-hulk-hogan-kicks-off-show-with-blunder-what-did-he-call-metlife-stadium.html |access-date=July 25, 2025 |work=NJ.com |date=April 8, 2019 |archive-date=August 9, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809045421/https://www.nj.com/sports/2019/04/wrestlemania-35-wwe-legend-hulk-hogan-kicks-off-show-with-blunder-what-did-he-call-metlife-stadium.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also participated at Crown Jewel 2019, where he was the captain of a team opposing Ric Flair's team.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez for the WWE Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/31/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasquez-for-the-wwe-championship-seth-rollins-vs-bray-wyatt-in-a-falls-count-anywhere-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championsh/ |access-date=July 25, 2025 |website=ProWrestling.net |date=October 31, 2019 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117025741/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/31/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasquez-for-the-wwe-championship-seth-rollins-vs-bray-wyatt-in-a-falls-count-anywhere-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championsh/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 23, 2023, Hogan appeared on RAW's 30th anniversary show. On January 6, 2025, Hogan made his final appearance at a professional wrestling event during the ''Raw'' debut on Netflix, where alongside Jimmy Hart he cut a promo advertising his Real American Beer. Hogan was heavily booed by the crowd, which received widespread coverage in the media.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jennings |first=Danielle |date=January 7, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan Heavily Booed in His Return to ''WWE Raw'' as the Show Debuts on Netflix |url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-heavily-booed-return-wwe-raw-netflix-8770465 |work=People |access-date=January 7, 2025 |archive-date=January 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108175707/https://people.com/hulk-hogan-heavily-booed-return-wwe-raw-netflix-8770465 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Endorsements and business ventures == === Food, beverage, restaurants and wrestling shops === [[File:Hulk Hogan at Midway on high August 2024.png|thumb|246x246px|Hogan promoting Real American Beer at the Ohio State bar Midway on High in 2024]] Hogan created and financed a restaurant called Pastamania located in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.<ref name=WrestleCrap140>{{cite book |title=Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling |last=Reynolds |first=R.D. |page=[https://archive.org/details/wrestlecrapveryw00rdre/page/140 140] |publisher=ECW Press |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-55022-584-6 |url=https://archive.org/details/wrestlecrapveryw00rdre/page/140}}</ref> It opened on the Labor Day weekend of 1995 and was heavily promoted on WCW's live show ''Monday Nitro''. The restaurant, which remained in operation for less than a year, featured such dishes as Hulk-U's and Hulk-A-Roos.<ref name=WrestleCrap140/> In the 1990s, Hogan endorsed a blender, known as the Hulk Hogan Thunder Mixer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/hulk-hogan-thunder-mixers-love-notes-from-eric-bischoff-wrestling-trading-cards-more/|title=Hulk Hogan Thunder Mixers, Love Notes from Eric Bischoff, Wrestling Trading Cards & More! | The Worst of Misc|website=www.wrestlecrap.com}}</ref> He later endorsed a grill known as The Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill, voluntarily recalled as a fire hazard in 2008 along with other QVC and Tristar grills.<ref>{{cite web |title=QVC and Tristar Recall Electric Grills Due to Fire Hazard; Consumers to Receive New Instructions |url=https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2008/qvc-and-tristar-recall-electric-grills-due-to-fire-hazard-consumers-to-receive-new |access-date=July 3, 2023 |work=U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |date=March 6, 2008 |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703000412/https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2008/qvc-and-tristar-recall-electric-grills-due-to-fire-hazard-consumers-to-receive-new |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2006, Hogan unveiled Hogan Energy, a drink distributed by Socko Energy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hogan Energy Powered By Socko |publisher=BeverageWorld.com |date=September 27, 2006 |access-date=November 3, 2006 |url=http://www.beverageworld.com/content/view/33168/168/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705034431/http://www.beverageworld.com/content/view/33168/168/ |archive-date=July 5, 2008}}</ref> His name and likeness were also applied to a line of microwavable hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and chicken sandwiches sold at Wal-Mart called Hulkster Burgers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chipperprime.img.jugem.jp/20080426_337514.jpg |title=Hulkster Cheesburger. JPG Image |access-date=May 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929202754/http://chipperprime.img.jugem.jp/20080426_337514.jpg |archive-date=September 29, 2013}}</ref> On November 1, 2011, Hogan launched a website called Hogan Nutrition featuring many nutritional and dietary products.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hogannutrition.com |title=Hulk Hogan Nutrition |publisher=Hogannutrition.com |access-date=May 30, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603023111/http://hogannutrition.com/ |archive-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref>

On New Year's Eve 2012, Hogan opened a beachfront restaurant called Hogan's Beach near Tampa, Florida.<ref>{{cite web |last=Forbes |first=Paula |url=http://eater.com/archives/2013/01/02/hulk-hogans-florida-restaurant-hogans-beach-opens-the-drinking-has-begun.php |title=Hogan's Beach, Hulk Hogan's Florida Restaurant, Opens: 'The Drinking Has Begun' – Hulk Hogan Wire – Eater National |publisher=Eater.com |date=January 2, 2013 |access-date=May 30, 2013 |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211033446/https://www.eater.com/2013/1/2/6501631/hogans-beach-hulk-hogans-florida-restaurant-opens-the-drinking-has |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hogansbeachtampa.com |title=Welcome to Hogan's Beach Tampa |work=hogansbeachtampa.com |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722121200/http://www.hogansbeachtampa.com/ |archive-date=July 22, 2015}}</ref> The restaurant dropped Hogan's name in October 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/97247/hogan-restaurant-closes.html?p=1 |title=Hogan Restaurant Closes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019232003/http://pwinsider.com/article/97247/hogan-restaurant-closes.html?p=1 |archive-date=October 19, 2015}}</ref> Hogan later opened Hogan's Hangout in Clearwater Beach.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/openings-closings/article/21075790/listen-up-brother-hogans-hangout-in-clearwater-is-hiring |title=Listen up, brother, Hogan's Hangout in Clearwater is hiring right now |date=July 2019 |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724225748/https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/openings-closings/article/21075790/listen-up-brother-hogans-hangout-in-clearwater-is-hiring |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017, Hogan opened a memorabilia store in Orlando. A second store was opened in New York City in 2024, and a third opened in Pigeon Forge in 2025, shortly before his death. In 2024, Hogan launched Real American Beer, a light beer brand.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://therealamerican.com/ |title=The Beer America Built |publisher=Real American Beer |access-date=January 13, 2025 |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114020816/https://therealamerican.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Robledo |first=Anthony |date=June 12, 2024 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/06/12/hulk-hogan-real-american-beer-lager-brand/74052573007/ |title=Hulk Hogan launches 'Real American Beer' lager brand in 4 states with 13 more planned |work=USA Today |access-date=January 13, 2025 |archive-date=January 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114020816/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/06/12/hulk-hogan-real-american-beer-lager-brand/74052573007/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Politics === In 2008, Hogan endorsed Barack Obama for president. In 2011, he recanted his endorsement after Obama used Hogan's "Real American" theme song without his permission during that year's White House Correspondents' Dinner.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/tna-news/27479-hulk-hogan-isnt-a-fan-of-president-obama/|title=Hulk Hogan isn't a fan of President Obama|first=Adam|last=Martin|date=October 15, 2011}}</ref> Hogan endorsed Mitt Romney in the 2012 United States presidential election.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hulk-hogan-romney-endorsement-obama_n_1952313|title=WATCH: Hulk Hogan Explains Romney Endorsement|date=October 9, 2012|website=HuffPost|access-date=August 17, 2025|archive-date=December 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205232505/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hulk-hogan-romney-endorsement-obama_n_1952313|url-status=live}}</ref> In the leadup to the 2016 United States presidential election, Hogan said he wanted to be Donald Trump's pick for vice president.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/252248-the-hulk-wants-to-be-trumps-running-mate/|title=Hulk Hogan: I want to be Trump's running mate|first=Rebecca|last=Shabad|work=The Hill|date=August 29, 2015|access-date=August 17, 2025|archive-date=August 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809152354/https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/252248-the-hulk-wants-to-be-trumps-running-mate/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hogan formally endorsed Trump for president at the 2024 Republican National Convention.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Balk |first=Tim |date=July 19, 2024 |title=Why Hulk Hogan Is Speaking at the Republican National Convention |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/18/us/politics/hulk-hogan-rnc-speech-trump.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=July 19, 2024 |archive-date=July 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719152519/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/18/us/politics/hulk-hogan-rnc-speech-trump.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also spoke at the 2024 Trump rally at Madison Square Garden.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Hulk Hogan, Dr. Phil, Elon Musk Speak at Donald Trump's Insult-Filled Rally at Madison Square Garden |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/hulk-hogan-dr-phil-elon-musk-donald-trump-rally-madison-square-garden-1236046330/ |access-date=October 29, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter }}</ref>

=== Other === [[File:IzzyBischoffHogan2.png|thumb|right|RAF COO Izzy Martinez (left), CMO Eric Bischoff, and co-founder Hulk Hogan during their May 2025 press tour]]

In October 2007, Hogan transferred all trademarks referring to himself to his liability company named Hogan Holdings Limited. The trademarks include Hulk Hogan, "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, Hulkster, Hogan Knows Grillin, Hulkamania.com, and Hulkapedia.com.<ref name=Moniz>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestle-complex.com/headlines/judgement_day_08_Hulk_hogan_news_ravens_trade.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210093126/http://www.wrestle-complex.com/headlines/judgement_day_08_hulk_hogan_news_ravens_trade.shtml |archive-date=February 10, 2008 |last=Moniz |first=Shawn |title=Hogan Transfers Trademarks To Liability Company |publisher=Wrestle-Complex.com |access-date=November 1, 2007 |date=November 1, 2007}}</ref> In April 2008, Hogan announced that he would license Gameloft to create a ''Hulkamania Wrestling'' video game for mobile phones.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS178401+21-Apr-2008+PRN20080421 "Gameloft Announces Licensing Deal With Wrestling Superstar Hulk Hogan"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111164157/http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS178401+21-Apr-2008+PRN20080421 |date=January 11, 2009 }}. Reuters (April 21, 2008). Retrieved November 3, 2008.</ref> In 2010, Hogan starred alongside Troy Aikman in commercials for Rent-A-Center.<ref>{{YouTube|V7fKYAJ41hM|RAC TV "Seal The Deal"}}. Retrieved on May 8, 2011.</ref> On March 24, 2011, Hogan made an appearance on ''American Idol'', surprising Paul McDonald and James Durbin, who were both wrestling fans. On October 15, 2010, Endemol Games UK announced ''Hulk Hogan's Hulkamania'', an online gambling game featuring video footage of Hogan.<ref name=Endemol1>{{cite web |title=Endemol signs Hulk Hogan |url=http://www.egrmagazine.com/news/595547/news-in-brief-playtech-endemol-signs-hulk-hogan-nova-scotia-passes-on-egaming.thtml |access-date=August 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425012338/http://www.egrmagazine.com/news/595547/news-in-brief-playtech-endemol-signs-hulk-hogan-nova-scotia-passes-on-egaming.thtml |archive-date=April 25, 2011}}</ref><ref name=Endemol2>{{cite web |last=Nesmeth |first=Eliot |title=Endemol and hulk hogan team up for online gaming deal |url=http://www.ericbischoff.com/press/37-press/128-endemol-and-hulk-hogan-team-up-for-online-gaming-deal |access-date=August 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001013240/http://www.ericbischoff.com/press/37-press/128-endemol-and-hulk-hogan-team-up-for-online-gaming-deal |archive-date=October 1, 2011}}</ref>

In October 2013, Hogan partnered with Tech Assets, Inc. to open a web hosting service called Hostamania.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/hulk_hogan_announces_launch_of_website_hosting_company_hostamania_/prweb11197629.htm |title=Hulk Hogan Announces Launch of Website Hosting Company, 'Hostamania' |publisher=PRWeb |date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007123747/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/10/prweb11197629.htm |archive-date=October 7, 2013}}</ref> A commercial video promoting the service featured Hogan parodying Jean-Claude Van Damme's GoDaddy.com commercials and Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" music video.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/10/04/hulk-hogan-miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-hostamania/ |title=Hulk Hogan Man Thongin' In Miley Cyrus Spoof Video |work=TMZ |date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011012205/http://www.tmz.com/2013/10/04/hulk-hogan-miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-hostamania/ |archive-date=October 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/hulk-hogan-parodies-miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-video-commercial-article-1.1476521 |title=Hulk Hogan wears thong, straddles wrecking ball in Miley Cyrus spoof video for new ad |last=Eby |first=Margaret |work=New York Daily News |date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016094205/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/hulk-hogan-parodies-miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-video-commercial-article-1.1476521 |archive-date=October 16, 2013}}</ref> Hogan became a distributor for multi-level marketing company ViSalus Sciences after looking for business opportunities outside of wrestling.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Hulk Hogan on Personal Branding, Family Life and Reality TV |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2011/08/22/Hulk-hogan-on-personal-branding-family-life-and-reality-tv/ |last=Schawbel |first=Dan |magazine=Forbes |page=3 |date=August 22, 2011 |access-date=August 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927221007/http://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2011/08/22/hulk-hogan-on-personal-branding-family-life-and-reality-tv/ |archive-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref> Hogan supported the American Diabetes Association.<ref>{{cite web |title=American diabetic association celebrity supporters |url=http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/655-american-diabetes-association |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905074241/http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/655-american-diabetes-association |archive-date=September 5, 2011}}</ref> In 2019, it was announced that Chris Hemsworth would portray Hogan in a biopic, directed by Todd Phillips.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=February 20, 2019 |title=Chris Hemsworth to Play Hulk Hogan in Biopic Directed by Todd Phillips (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/chris-hemsworth-play-hulk-hogan-biopic-1186126 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221012724/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/chris-hemsworth-play-hulk-hogan-biopic-1186126 |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |work=Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> However, plans for the film had been scrapped by 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ankers-Range |first=Adele |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Joker Director Todd Phillips Says Hulk Hogan Biopic With Chris Hemsworth No Longer Happening |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/joker-director-todd-phillips-hulk-hogan-biopic-chris-hemsworth-no-longer-happening |website=IGN |access-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007183221/https://www.ign.com/articles/joker-director-todd-phillips-hulk-hogan-biopic-chris-hemsworth-no-longer-happening |url-status=live }}</ref> Hogan co-founded Real American Freestyle (RAF) in April 2025, and he served as the promotion's commissioner.<ref name="t150">{{cite web | last=Mejia-Hilario | first=Irving | title=Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff launch Real American Freestyle wrestling league | website=Sports Business Journal | date=April 30, 2025 | url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/04/30/hulk-hogan-eric-bischoff-launch-real-american-freestyle-wrestling-league/ | access-date=July 20, 2025}}</ref>

== Other media == {{Main|Hulk Hogan filmography}}

=== Acting === [[File:Hulk Hogan's handprints in cement (Great Movie Ride, Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios).jpg|thumb|The handprints of Hulk Hogan in front of The Great Movie Ride at Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park]] Hogan's crossover popularity led to several television and film roles. Early in his career Hogan played the part of Thunderlips in ''Rocky III'' (1982). He also appeared in ''No Holds Barred'' (1989), before starring in family films ''Suburban Commando'' (1991), ''Mr. Nanny'' (1993), ''Santa with Muscles'' (1996), and ''3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain'' (1998).<ref name="imdb">{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001356/ |title=Hulk Hogan |website=IMDb |access-date=October 24, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011033155/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001356/ |archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> Hogan also appeared in 1992 commercials for Right Guard deodorant. He starred in his own television series, ''Thunder in Paradise'', in 1994. He is the star of ''The Ultimate Weapon'' (1998), in which Brutus Beefcake also appears in a cameo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0186647/ |title=The Ultimate Weapon (1997) |website=IMDb |date=May 15, 2002 |access-date=October 24, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014210230/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0186647/ |archive-date=October 14, 2007}}</ref>

In 1997, Hogan starred in the TNT original film ''Assault on Devil's Island'', as the leader of a commando unit featuring fellow genre veterans Carl Weathers and Shannon Tweed. Eric Bischoff was also listed as an executive producer. The characters were considered for a regular series, but instead received a second feature-length showcase two years later, called ''Assault on Death Mountain''.<ref name="Hogan 2002 85">{{cite book |title=Hollywood Hulk Hogan |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=Simon and Schuster |year=2002 |page=85 |isbn=978-0-7434-7556-3}}</ref>

In 1995, he appeared on TBN's ''Kids Against Crime''. Hogan made cameo appearances in ''Muppets from Space'', ''Gremlins 2: The New Batch'' (the theatrical cut) and ''Spy Hard'' as himself. Hogan played the role of Zeus in ''Little Hercules in 3D''. Hogan made two appearances on ''The A-Team'' in 1985 and 1986, along with Roddy Piper. He appeared on ''Suddenly Susan'' in 1999.<ref name="Hogan 2002 85"/> Hogan voiced "The Dean" in the 2011 animated show ''China, IL''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Keegan |title=Hulk Hogan's Greatest Cultural Contribution Was His Adult Swim Show with Greta Gerwig |url=https://www.cracked.com/article_47547_hulk-hogans-greatest-cultural-contribution-was-his-adult-swim-show-with-greta-gerwig.html |access-date=July 25, 2025 |work=cracked.com |date=July 24, 2025 |archive-date=July 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724235412/https://www.cracked.com/article_47547_hulk-hogans-greatest-cultural-contribution-was-his-adult-swim-show-with-greta-gerwig.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Matheson |first1=Whitney |title=A chat with ... the creators of Adult Swim's 'China, IL' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/09/19/china-il-adult-swim/2837589/ |access-date=July 25, 2025 |work=USA Today |date=September 19, 2013 |archive-date=July 25, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725142720/https://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/09/19/china-il-adult-swim/2837589/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Reality television and hosting === In July 2005, VH1 premiered ''Hogan Knows Best'' a reality show which centered around Hogan, his then-wife Linda, and their children Brooke and Nick.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan Knows Best: About the Series |publisher=VH1 |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/hogan_knows_best/series_about.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020025828/http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/hogan_knows_best/series_about.jhtml |archive-date=October 20, 2008}}</ref> In July 2008, a spin-off entitled ''Brooke Knows Best'' premiered, which focused primarily on Hogan's daughter Brooke.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brooke Knows Best |publisher=VH1 |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/brooke_knows_best/series.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719121334/http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/brooke_knows_best/series.jhtml |archive-date=July 19, 2008}}</ref> In 2008, Hogan hosted the comeback series of ''American Gladiators'' on NBC.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sportsfeatures.com/index.php?section=pp&action=show&id=43247 |title=Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan To Host The Return Of Popular Competition Series "American Gladiators" Coming To NBC Midseason |access-date=October 3, 2007 |date=October 3, 2007 |publisher=Sports Features Communications |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011211922/http://sportsfeatures.com/index.php?section=pp&action=show&id=43247 |archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> He also hosted and judged the short-lived reality show, ''Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN0533898420080606 |title=Former celebrities compete in CMT wrestling show |access-date=June 6, 2008 |date=June 5, 2008 |work=Reuters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110070259/http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN0533898420080606 |archive-date=January 10, 2009}}</ref> Hogan had a special titled ''Finding Hulk Hogan'' on A&E on November 17, 2010.<ref name="bhetv1">{{cite news |url=http://tv.broadwayworld.com/article/AE_Presents_Finding_Hulk_Hogan_20010101#ixzz13bCIqYKe |title=A&E Presents Finding Hulk Hogan |access-date=November 1, 2010 |date=October 27, 2010 |agency=Reuters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708095202/http://tv.broadwayworld.com/article/AE_Presents_Finding_Hulk_Hogan_20010101#ixzz13bCIqYKe |archive-date=July 8, 2011}}</ref> In 2015, Hogan was a judge on the sixth season of ''Tough Enough'', alongside Paige and Daniel Bryan,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-tough-enough/hulk-hogan-chris-jericho-paige-daniel-bryan-headline-new-season-wwe-tough-enough-27362450 |title=Hulk Hogan, Chris Jericho, Paige and Daniel Bryan headline new season of WWE Tough Enough |website=WWE.com |date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=May 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509023409/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-tough-enough/hulk-hogan-chris-jericho-paige-daniel-bryan-headline-new-season-wwe-tough-enough-27362450 |archive-date=May 9, 2015}}</ref> but due to that year's Hogan scandal, he was replaced by The Miz.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Klompus |first1=Jack |title=The Miz takes over from Hulk Hogan as a judge on WWE's Tough Enough |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a660631/the-miz-takes-over-from-hulk-hogan-as-a-judge-on-wwes-tough-enough/ |access-date=July 25, 2025 |work=Digital Spy |date=July 29, 2015 |archive-date=September 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250905002818/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a660631/the-miz-takes-over-from-hulk-hogan-as-a-judge-on-wwes-tough-enough/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Music and radio === thumb|upright=0.6|Hulk Hogan in 1988 Hogan released a music CD, ''Hulk Rules'', as Hulk Hogan and the Wrestling Boot Band, which also included Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart, his then-wife Linda and J.J Maguire.<ref name=wbtb /> Despite negative reviews, ''Hulk Rules'' reached No. 12 on the ''Billboard'' Top Kid Audio chart in 1995.<ref name=wbtb>{{cite news|url=https://whatculture.com/wwe/10-worst-moments-in-hulk-hogans-career?page=4|title=C10 Worst Moments In Hulk Hogan's Career|publisher=whatculture.com|date=August 15, 2014|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=March 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314004212/https://whatculture.com/wwe/10-worst-moments-in-hulk-hogans-career?page=4|url-status=live}}</ref> One of the songs, "Hulkster in Heaven", was purportedly written about murder victim James Bulger.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brozen |first=Nadine |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/14/style/chronicle-823295.html |title=Chronicle |date=February 14, 1994 |access-date=August 28, 2025 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116042832/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/14/style/chronicle-823295.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Hogan and Green Jellÿ in 1993 performed a cover version of Gary Glitter's song "I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)".<ref name="Eves">{{cite web |last1=Benitez-Eves |first1=Tina |title=3 Songs You Didn't Know Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Wrote |url=https://americansongwriter.com/3-songs-you-didnt-know-hulk-hogan-wrote/ |access-date=July 25, 2025 |work=American Songwriter |date=July 19, 2024 |archive-date=July 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724200705/https://americansongwriter.com/3-songs-you-didnt-know-hulk-hogan-wrote/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the 1980s, Hogan appeared in the music video for Dolly Parton's wrestling-themed love song "Headlock on My Heart" for Parton's show ''Dolly''.<ref name="Eves" /> Hogan was a regular guest on Bubba the Love Sponge's radio show. He also served as the best man at Bubba's January 2007 wedding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.btls.com/show-staff/bubba |title=Bubba's staff profile |publisher=Bubba the Love Sponge.com |access-date=April 20, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225004250/http://www.btls.com/show-staff/bubba |archive-date=December 25, 2010}}</ref> On March 12, 2010, Hogan hosted his own radio show titled ''Hogan Uncensored'', on Sirius Satellite Radio's Howard 101.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_40523.shtml |title=TNA News: Hulk Hogan to begin weekly satellite radio show on Monday nights before TNA Impact |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=April 9, 2010 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=April 20, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412023116/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_40523.shtml |archive-date=April 12, 2010}}</ref>

=== Merchandising === The Wrestling Figure Checklist records Hogan as having 171 different action figures, produced between the 1980s and 2010s from numerous manufacturers and promotions.<ref>{{Cite book |last=George |first=Harvey |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wrestling-Figure-Checklist-Definitive-Professional-ebook/dp/B08HVLCNKV |title=Wrestling Figure Checklist: The Definitive Guide to the Action Figures of Professional Wrestling |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115011055/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wrestling-Figure-Checklist-Definitive-Professional-ebook/dp/B08HVLCNKV |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Video games === Hogan provided his voice for the 2011 game ''Saints Row: The Third'' as Angel de la Muerte, a member of the Saints.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/118/1182800p1.html |title=Hulk Hogan Joins Saints Row Cast |first=Jamie |last=Feltham |date=July 20, 2011 |access-date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212090910/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/118/1182800p1.html |archive-date=February 12, 2012}}</ref> In October 2011, he released a video game called ''Hulk Hogan's Main Event''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/hulk-hogans-main-event/platform/xbox360 |title=Hulk Hogan's Main Event |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=October 11, 2011 |access-date=May 22, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426152908/http://www.gamespot.com/hulk-hogans-main-event/platform/xbox360/ |archive-date=April 26, 2012}}</ref>

== Legal issues and controversies== === Firearm possession === [[File:Hulk Hogan in Toronto.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Hogan in Toronto in 2009]] In 1980, Hogan was arrested in New Jersey for possession of a firearm. He entered into a pretrial intervention program, then served six months' probation resulting in the felony charge being dropped.<ref name="Tumble">[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-12-mn-5287-story.html Wrestling's Star Takes a Tumble] John Cherwa and Houston Mitchell, ''Los Angeles Times'' (March 12, 1992) {{Webarchive|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217010058/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-12-mn-5287-story.html |date=April 22, 2023 }}</ref>

=== Marvel Comics trademark agreement === In 1984, similarities between Hogan and Marvel Comics' Incredible Hulk led to a legal agreement. Titan Sports, Marvel, and Hogan signed a deal granting Marvel the trademarks to "Hulk Hogan", "Hulkster", and "Hulkamania" for 20 years. As part of the agreement, the WWF could no longer refer to Hogan as "The Incredible Hulk" or "Hulk", or use purple and green in his presentation. Marvel also received 0.9% of Hogan-related merchandise revenue, $100 per match, and 10% of Hogan's other earnings under the name.<ref>{{cite web |title=1985 Marvel/Hulk Hogan/Titan Sports Contract - Wwe - Entertainment |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/304714653/1985-marvel-hulk-hogan-titan-sports-contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402042519/https://www.scribd.com/doc/304714653/1985-marvel-hulk-hogan-titan-sports-contract |archive-date=April 2, 2018 |website=Scribd}}</ref><ref name="Mule">{{cite web |date=April 4, 2014 |title=When Hulk Hogan and Marvel Collided |url=http://redheadedmule.com/comics/hulk-hogan-marvel/10579/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727065916/http://redheadedmule.com/comics/hulk-hogan-marvel/10579/ |archive-date=July 27, 2015 |access-date=August 8, 2015 |work=Red-Headed Mule}}</ref> This agreement would carry over into Hogan's time in WCW, which by 1996, had become a sister company to Marvel rival DC Comics through their parent company Time Warner. Hogan was using the "Hollywood Hogan" persona at that time, avoiding potential legal conflicts. In reference to the dispute, a story in 1988's ''Marvel Comics Presents #45'' had a panel where a wrestler resembling Hogan was tossed through an arena roof by the Incredible Hulk as he had "picked the wrong name."<ref>{{cite web |date=June 26, 2014 |title=Someone Bought This: Hulk Hogan Vs. The Incredible Hulk in an epic battle of The Hulks! |url=https://www.wrestlecrap.com/sbt/someone-bought-this-hulk-hogan-vs-the-incredible-hulk-in-an-epic-battle-of-the-hulks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211033434/https://www.wrestlecrap.com/someone-bought-this/hulk-hogan-vs-the-incredible-hulk-comic/ |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |access-date=July 25, 2023 |website=Wrestlecrap}}</ref>

=== Belzer lawsuit === {{further|Belzer v. Bollea}} On March 27, 1985, Richard Belzer requested on his cable television talk show ''Hot Properties'' that Hogan demonstrate one of his signature wrestling moves. Hogan put Belzer in a modified guillotine choke, which caused Belzer to pass out. When Hogan released him, Belzer hit his head on the floor, sustaining a laceration to the scalp that required a brief hospitalization. Belzer sued Hogan for $5 million and later settled out of court. In 2006, it was claimed{{By whom|date=December 2025}} that the settlement totaled $5 million, half from Hogan and half from Vince McMahon. However, Belzer suggested that the settlement amount was closer to $400,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wrestlings-greatest-shoots-wrestlemania-edition-hulk-hogan-vs-richard-belzer/ |title=Wrestling's Greatest Shoots, 'WrestleMania' Edition: Hulk Hogan vs. Richard Belzer |author=The Masked Man |work=Grantland |access-date=August 11, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921012131/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wrestlings-greatest-shoots-wrestlemania-edition-hulk-hogan-vs-richard-belzer/ |archive-date=September 21, 2015 |date=April 2, 2014}}</ref>

==={{Anchor|Testimony in McMahon trial}}Steroid usage and testimony in McMahon trial === {{further|United States v. McMahon}} In 1991, on ''The Arsenio Hall Show'', Hogan denied using steroids, stating "I trained 20 years two hours a day to look like I do. But the things that I'm not, I am not a steroid abuser and I do not use steroids."<ref>{{cite episode |date=July 16, 1991 |title=Hulk Hogan on the Arsenio Hall Show |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-RggiPU2xQ |series=The Arsenio Hall Show |series-link=The Arsenio Hall Show |access-date=July 30, 2025 |archive-date=July 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250726045055/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-RggiPU2xQ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/07/26/the-story-of-hulk-hogan-tabloid-terrorism-and-wwf-exit-part-3/|title=The Story of Hulk Hogan: "Tabloid Terrorism" and WWF Exit (Part 3)|first=John|last=Pollock|date=July 26, 2025|access-date=July 30, 2025|archive-date=August 8, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250808043240/https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/07/26/the-story-of-hulk-hogan-tabloid-terrorism-and-wwf-exit-part-3/|url-status=live}}</ref> Billy Graham, a fellow wrestler, in a 1991 interview on ''Inside Edition'', stated that he injected Hogan with steroids in the 1980s.<ref name=":0">{{cite episode |date=1991 |title=Wrestling Steroid Scandal 1991 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkeungMYZeE |series=Inside Edition |series-link=Inside Edition |access-date=July 30, 2025 |archive-date=July 31, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731185211/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkeungMYZeE |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1993, media reports indicated that Hogan was a heavy steroid user.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/features/hulk-hogan-controversies-sex-tape-maga-wrestling-b2801846.html|title=From sex tape to MAGA: Hulk Hogan was no stranger to controversy in and outside ring|date=August 4, 2025|website=The Independent}}</ref>

In 1994, Hogan, having received legal immunity, testified in the trial of Vince McMahon relating to shipments of steroids received by both parties from WWF physician George T. Zahorian III.<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/how-hulk-hogan-became-the-ultimate-american-bad-guy-111075/|title=How Hulk Hogan Became the Ultimate American Bad Guy|first=Jason|last=Diamond|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=August 23, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2025|archive-date=September 6, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250906044505/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/how-hulk-hogan-became-the-ultimate-american-bad-guy-111075/|url-status=live}}</ref> Under oath, Hogan admitted that he had used anabolic steroids since 1976 to gain size and weight, but that McMahon had neither sold him the drugs nor ordered him to take them. The evidence given by Hogan proved extremely costly to the government's case against McMahon. Due to this and jurisdictional issues, McMahon was found not guilty.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/23/nyregion/a-promoter-of-wrestling-is-acquitted.html |title=A Promoter Of Wrestling Is Acquitted |newspaper=The New York Times |date=July 23, 1994 |access-date=March 19, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319152909/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/23/nyregion/a-promoter-of-wrestling-is-acquitted.html |archive-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref>

During his testimony, Hogan said that he and King Kong Bundy had gone to McMahon to tip him off over Jesse Ventura's unionization efforts in 1986.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/32437/jesse-ventura-talks-about-his-heat-with-hulk-hogan-his-career-ending-health-scare-quitting-the-wwf-for-hollywood-and-more.html?p=1|title=JESSE VENTURA TALKS ABOUT HIS HEAT WITH HULK HOGAN, HIS CAREER ENDING HEALTH SCARE, QUITTING THE WWF FOR HOLLYWOOD AND MORE | PWInsider.com|website=www.pwinsider.com|access-date=July 26, 2025|archive-date=August 9, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809045428/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/32437/jesse-ventura-talks-about-his-heat-with-hulk-hogan-his-career-ending-health-scare-quitting-the-wwf-for-hollywood-and-more.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2024/08/11/jesse-ventura-endorses-kamala-harris-speaks-out-against-trump-as-a-draft-dodger-and-rips-into-hulk-hogan-for-ratting-him-out-when-he-tried-to-start-a-union/ |title=Jesse Ventura endorses Kamala Harris, speaks out against Trump as a "draft dodger," and rips into Hulk Hogan for ratting him out when he tried to start a union |date=August 12, 2024 |access-date=July 26, 2025 |archive-date=September 7, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250907074441/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2024/08/11/jesse-ventura-endorses-kamala-harris-speaks-out-against-trump-as-a-draft-dodger-and-rips-into-hulk-hogan-for-ratting-him-out-when-he-tried-to-start-a-union/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Shoemaker | first=David | title=» On WWE and Organized Labor | website= » Sports and Pop Culture from our rotating cast of writers – Grantland | date=July 18, 2012 | url=https://grantland.com/features/wwe-hell-cell-john-cena-history-wrestling-real-scripted-labor-movement/ | access-date=September 5, 2025}}</ref> Hogan later stated "Vince already knew about it, I just said I didn't think it was a good idea. [Ventura] was running his mouth like usual, trying to get everyone on board, everyone knew".<ref name="hoganshock">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/50286/hulk-hogan-is-shocked-by-the-rock-talks-steroids-whether-he-would-go-back-to-wwe-and-more.html?p=1|title=Hulk Hogan Is Shocked by the Rock, Talks Steroids, Whether He Would Go Back to WWE and More|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref> This led to criticism; no professional wrestlers' union has been established.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2022/10/14/pollocks-news-update-the-bray-wyatt-effect-wwe-labor-issues-aew-in-toronto-figures/|title=Pollockk's News Update: The Bray Wyatt effect, WWE labor issues, AEW in Toronto figures|first=John|last=Pollock|date=October 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/07/26/the-story-of-hulk-hogan-wwf-goes-national-part-2/|title=The Story of Hulk Hogan: WWF Goes National (Part 2)|first=John|last=Pollock|date=July 26, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pwinsider.com/article/191828/did-wwe-expect-what-they-got-from-hulk-hogan-the-rumble-in-saudia-arabia-union-busting-and-more.html?p=1|title=Did WWE Expect What They Got From Hulk Hogan, The Rumble in Saudi Arabia, Union Busting and More|website=pwinsider.com}}</ref>

=== Sexual assault allegation and extortion lawsuit === In January 1996, Hogan was accused of sexual assault by a 29-year-old businesswoman on Labor Day weekend in 1995, at the first ''WCW Nitro'' taping at the Mall of America in Minneapolis.<ref name="WON">Meltzer, Dave ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' January 15, 1996</ref><ref name="CT">{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/01/07/hulk-hogan-sues-over-sex-charge/|title=Hulk Hogan Sues Over Sex Charge|work=Chicago Tribune|date=January 7, 1996}}</ref><ref name="WON97">Meltzer, Dave ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' March 17, 1997</ref><ref>Meltzer, Dave ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' October 28, 1996</ref> Gene Okerlund claimed he was with Hogan the whole day and denied the allegations.<ref name="WON"/> The woman and her lawyer sent Hogan a letter offering to settle the case financially before making it public, and Hogan sued for extortion.<ref>Meltzer, Dave ''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' January 22, 1996</ref><ref name="CT"/> The woman filed a counter-suit against Hogan in 1997.<ref name="WON97"/>

=== Gawker lawsuit === {{main|Bollea v. Gawker}}

In 2012, ''Gawker'' released a short clip of a sex tape between Hogan and Heather Clem, the estranged wife of radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gawker.com/5948770/even-for-a-minute-watching-hulk-hogan-have-sex-in-a-canopy-bed-is-not-safe-for-work-but-watch-it-anyway |title=Even for a Minute, Watching Hulk Hogan Have Sex in a Canopy Bed is Not Safe For Work but Watch it Anyway |last=Daulerio |first=A. J. |authorlink=A. J. Daulerio |date=October 4, 2012 |publisher=Gawker |access-date=February 17, 2013 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150703232454/http://gawker.com/5948770/even-for-a-minute-watching-hulk-hogan-have-sex-in-a-canopy-bed-is-not-safe-for-work-but-watch-it-anyway |archive-date=July 3, 2015}}</ref> Hogan stated that the tape was made without his knowledge or consent,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hulk-hogan-devastated-leak-sex-tape-article-1.1178397 |title=Hulk Hogan 'devastated' by leak of sex tape filmed six years ago with friend's wife Heather Clem; Lawyer says wrestler suffered the 'ultimate betrayal' |work=NY Daily News |access-date=May 30, 2013 |location=New York |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525011122/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hulk-hogan-devastated-leak-sex-tape-article-1.1178397 |archive-date=May 25, 2013}}</ref> and he sued Bubba and Heather Clem for invading his privacy on October 15, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hulk-hogan-sue-bubba-love-sponge-sex-tape-article-1.1184039 |title=Hulk Hogan to sue former friend Bubba the Love Sponge, sex tape partner Heather Clem for invasion of privacy |work=The New York Daily News |access-date=October 15, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017032733/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hulk-hogan-sue-bubba-love-sponge-sex-tape-article-1.1184039 |archive-date=October 17, 2012}}</ref> A settlement with Bubba was announced later that month,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/10/29/us/ap-us-hulk-hogan-sex-tape.html |title=Hulk Hogan Settles Sex Tape Lawsuit With DJ |work=The New York Times}}</ref> who subsequently issued a public apology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/358041/hulk-hogan-settles-sex-tape-lawsuit-with-bubba-the-love-sponge |title=Hulk Hogan Settles Sex Tape Lawsuit With Bubba the Love Sponge |last=Gicas |first=Peter |date=October 29, 2012 |publisher=E! Online |access-date=February 12, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310213147/http://www.eonline.com/news/358041/hulk-hogan-settles-sex-tape-lawsuit-with-bubba-the-love-sponge |archive-date=March 10, 2013}}</ref> In lawsuit financed by Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/tech-billionaire-thiel-backing-wrestler-hogans-gawker-lawsuit-040625660.html |title=Tech billionaire Thiel helps Hulk Hogan |last1=McBride |first1=Sarah |last2=Somerville |first2=Heather |date=May 25, 2016 |publisher=Yahoo Tech |access-date=May 26, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526152009/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/tech-billionaire-thiel-backing-wrestler-hogans-gawker-lawsuit-040625660.html |archive-date=May 26, 2016}}</ref> Hogan also sued ''Gawker'' for $100 million for defamation, loss of privacy, and emotional pain.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://observer.com/2015/11/hulk-hogan-v-gawker-ugh/ |title=Hogan suing for $100 million |date=November 3, 2015 |work=Observer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109163755/http://observer.com/2015/11/hulk-hogan-v-gawker-ugh/ |archive-date=January 9, 2016}}</ref> In 2015, clips from the tape with Hogan using slurs led to Hogan departing WWE. After a 2016 trial, Hogan was awarded $115 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nytimes.com/2016/03/19/business/media/gawker-hulk-hogan-verdict.html |title=Hulk Hogan Awarded $115 Million in Privacy Suit Against Gawker |date=March 18, 2016 |work=The New York Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318234429/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/19/business/media/gawker-hulk-hogan-verdict.html |archive-date=March 18, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/mar/18/hulk-hogan-awarded-115m-in-damages-in-gawker-sex-tape-lawsuit |title=Hulk Hogan awarded $115m in Gawker sex tape lawsuit |last1=Woolf |first1=Nicky |last2=Helmore |first2=Edward |date=March 19, 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |access-date=March 19, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318235238/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/mar/18/hulk-hogan-awarded-115m-in-damages-in-gawker-sex-tape-lawsuit |archive-date=March 18, 2016}}</ref> Also, on August 11, 2016, a Florida judge gave Hogan control of the assets of A. J. Daulerio, former ''Gawker'' editor-in-chief, who was involved in the posting of Hogan's sex tape.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lawnewz.com/high-profile/judge-rules-that-hulk-hogan-gets-control-of-former-gawker-editors-assets/ |title=Judge rules Hogan control of Former Gawker Editor's Assets |last=Bixenspan |first=David |date=August 11, 2016 |access-date=August 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813125835/http://lawnewz.com/high-profile/judge-rules-that-hulk-hogan-gets-control-of-former-gawker-editors-assets/ |archive-date=August 13, 2016}}</ref> ''Gawker'' ultimately reached a $31 million settlement with Hogan in November 2016.<ref name="settlement">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/03/business/media/gawker-hulk-hogan-settlement.html |title=Gawker and Hulk Hogan Reach $31 Million Settlement |date=November 2, 2016 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 2, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105235429/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/03/business/media/gawker-hulk-hogan-settlement.html |archive-date=November 5, 2016}}</ref>

=== Alleged fabrications === Hogan was accused multiple times of fabricating elements of his past. ''The Independent'' called Hogan "a great believer in self-mythologising".<ref name="Lies?"/> According to ''The Independent'', Hogan claimed that Elvis Presley was a big fan of his, although Hogan had been a professional wrestler for less than a week at the time of Presley's death.<ref name="Lies?">{{Cite web|url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/hulk-hogan-death-wwe-wrestling-obituary-b2586383.html|title=Hulk Hogan dead at 71: The controversial wrestling legend who built a global brand|date=July 24, 2025|website=The Independent}}</ref> Hogan once claimed that the "difference in time zones" flying between the United States and Japan caused him to wrestle "400 days in a single year".<ref name="Lies?"/>

After Survivor Series in 1991, Hogan accused The Undertaker of injuring his neck with a Tombstone piledriver. The Undertaker later denied injuring Hogan, stating he had performed the move safely.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/29242242/undertaker-first-wwe-title-win-hulk-hogan-memories-montreal-screwjob|title=Undertaker on first WWE title win against Hulk Hogan, memories of Montreal Screwjob|date=May 31, 2020|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> In 2009, Hogan claimed that both the Rolling Stones and Metallica wanted him to play bass guitar for them. Metallica singer James Hetfield and Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger have both denied Hogan's claim.<ref name="si.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wrestling-news/hulk-hogan-claims-he-turned-down-advances-from-two-pop-music-icons|title=Hulk Hogan Claims He Turned Down Advances From Two Pop Music Icons|date=October 27, 2024|website=Wrestling On Fannation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/hulk-hogans-rock-star-dreams-to-join-rolling-stones-metallica-248409/|title=Hulk Hogan's Rock Star Dreams: To Join Rolling Stones, Metallica|first=Rolling|last=Stone|magazine=Rolling Stone |date=November 3, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Lies?"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pwinsider.com/article/65336/hulk-hogan-says-he-could-have-been-a-legend-in-a-different-business-is-a-big-fan-of-electric-stimulation.html?p=1|title=HULK HOGAN SAYS HE COULD HAVE BEEN A LEGEND IN A DIFFERENT BUSINESS, IS A BIG FAN OF ELECTRIC STIMULATION | PWInsider.com|website=pwinsider.com}}</ref> Hogan also claimed that he turned down advances from both Cher and Madonna.<ref name="si.com"/>

In 2014, Hogan claimed that a missed phone call resulted in him missing an opportunity to endorse what became the George Foreman Grill. Foreman's son later said Hogan was not considered.<ref name="grill">{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/hulk-hogan-george-foreman-grill-claim-debunked-by-youtube-channel|title=Hulk Hogan's George Foreman Grill Claim Debunked By YouTube Channel|date=March 29, 2025|website=Wrestling On Fannation}}</ref> In 2010, Hogan said that he was offered the starring role in the film ''The Wrestler'' but turned it down. Director Darren Aronofsky later said he never considered Hogan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/hulk-hogan-wants-a-role-in-the-expendables-3-darren-aronofsky-denies-claim-that-he-was-the-wrestler-before-rourke-105039/|title=Hulk Hogan Wants A Role In ‘The Expendables 3,’ Darren Aronofsky Denies Claim That He Was ‘The Wrestler’ Before Rourke|first=Charlie|last=Schmidlin|publisher=Indie Wire|date=October 12, 2012|accessdate=March 20, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/darren-aronofsky-calls-hulk-hogan-out-on-the-wrestler-claim/|title=Darren Aronofsky Calls Hulk Hogan Out on The Wrestler Claim|first=Jeremy|last=Thomas|publisher=411 Mania|date=October 13, 2012|accessdate=March 20, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pwinsider.com/article/72604/stop-the-presseshulk-hogan-called-on-saying-a-movie-role-was-written-for-him.html?p=1|title=Stop the Presses.....Hul Hogan Called on Saying a Movie Role Was Written for Him |website=pwinsider.com}}</ref> Hogan claimed in a radio interview to have a {{convert|10|in|cm|adj=on}} penis; however, during the ''Gawker'' trial, he admitted this was not true, stating he was speaking in character.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/hulk-hogan-wrestling-character-penis-court-video/|title=Hulk Hogan - My Character Has Bigger Penis Than Me (VideoO)|first=Ryan|last=Satin|date=March 8, 2016|website=TheSportster}}</ref>

== Personal life == [[File:Linda Hogan.jpg|thumb|Linda Hogan]] In 1983, Hogan married his first wife, Linda Claridge. They had two children: a daughter, Brooke, and a son, Nick.<ref name=Bartlett>{{cite news |last1=Bartlett |first1=Rhett |title=Hulk Hogan, Pro Wrestler Who Became a Household Name, Dies at 71 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/hulk-hogan-dead-wrestler-1236328145/ |access-date=July 24, 2025 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 24, 2025}}</ref> On November 20, 2007, Linda filed for divorce,<ref name=tmzdiv>{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2007/11/23/hulk-and-wife-headed-for-divorce-court/ |title=Hulk and Wife Headed for Divorce Court |date=November 23, 2007 |publisher=TMZ.com |access-date=November 23, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123143833/http://www.tmz.com/2007/11/23/hulk-and-wife-headed-for-divorce-court/ |archive-date=January 23, 2009}}</ref> stating publicly that she decided to end her marriage after discovering that Hogan had an affair.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b67542_linda_hogan_hulks_affair_killed_our.html |title=Linda Hogan: Hulk's Affair Killed Our Marriage |publisher=E! Online |date=November 6, 2008 |access-date=May 21, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507174623/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b67542_linda_hogan_hulks_affair_killed_our.html |archive-date=May 7, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=De Leon |first=Chris |title=Linda Hogan Blames Christiane Plante for Failed Marriage with Hulk |work=E!News |publisher=BuddyTV |date=November 7, 2008 |url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/hogan-knows-best/linda-hogan-blames-christiane-24323.aspx |access-date=February 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214170309/http://www.buddytv.com/articles/hogan-knows-best/linda-hogan-blames-christiane-24323.aspx |archive-date=February 14, 2009}}</ref> Hogan denied ever cheating on Linda,<ref name=lk455156hlidn>{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=159 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}}</ref> and stated if he could change one thing in his life it would be to "get divorced right after Nick was born".<ref name="hoganshock"/> In the divorce settlement, Hogan retained around 30% of the couple's liquid assets, totaling around $10 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Details of Hulk Hogan's costly divorce become public |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/11/hulk-hogan-divorce-settlement-costly-details-linda-bollea/1 |access-date=September 22, 2014 |work=USA Today |date=November 23, 2011}}</ref> Hogan said he contemplated suicide after the divorce and credited ''American Gladiators'' co-star Laila Ali with preventing it.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hulk Hogan says he considered suicide after breakup |last=France |first=Lisa Respers |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2009-10-21/entertainment/hulk.hogan.book_1_terry-bollea-hulk-hogan-laila-ali |publisher=CNN |date=October 21, 2009 |access-date=April 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013191902/http://articles.cnn.com/2009-10-21/entertainment/hulk.hogan.book_1_terry-bollea-hulk-hogan-laila-ali |archive-date=October 13, 2010}}</ref>

Hogan began a relationship with Jennifer McDaniel in early 2008.<ref name=DiamondRing>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/12/02/2009-12-02_hulk_hogan_engaged_to_jennifer_mcdaniel.html |title=From the wrestling ring to the diamond ring! Hulk Hogan engaged to Jennifer McDaniel |access-date=July 7, 2010 |work=Daily News |date=December 2, 2009 |location=New York |first=Cristina |last=Everett |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205030639/http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/12/02/2009-12-02_hulk_hogan_engaged_to_jennifer_mcdaniel.html |archive-date=December 5, 2009}}</ref> The two were engaged in November 2009<ref name=DiamondRing/> and married on December 14, 2010, in Clearwater, Florida.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/18413/105/ |title=Sun. update: Survivor Series preview; New PPV main; Is Hogan married: UFC cut;Rock promo last night |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |date=November 21, 2010 |access-date=November 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216013920/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/18413/105 |archive-date=February 16, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_46056.shtml |title=Hogan News: Hogan wedding update – TMZ reports on brawl during Hogan's wedding ceremony tonight in Florida |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |date=December 14, 2010 |access-date=December 15, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218192838/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_46056.shtml |archive-date=December 18, 2010}}</ref> The couple divorced in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garvey |first=Marianne |date=March 1, 2022 |title=Hulk Hogan is divorced from second wife Jennifer McDaniel |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/01/entertainment/hulk-hogan-divorced/index.html |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=CNN}}</ref> Hogan became engaged to yoga instructor Sky Daily in July 2023, proposing to her at actor Corin Nemec's wedding reception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wrestler Hulk Hogan proposes to girlfriend at St. Petersburg wedding |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/2023/07/28/hulk-hogan-engaged-tampa-st-petersburg-birchwood/ |access-date=August 2, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Ryan |date=August 2, 2023 |title=Report - Hulk Hogan Proposed To His Girlfriend At Corin Nemec's Wedding |url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/report-hulk-hogan-proposed-to-his-girlfriend-at-corin-nemecs-wedding |access-date=August 2, 2023 |website=eWrestlingNews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> They married on September 22, 2023.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Klack |first=Erin |date=September 23, 2023 |url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-marries-girlfriend-sky-daly-florida-7973944 |title=Hulk Hogan Marries Sky Daily in Florida Months After Revealing Engagement |magazine=People |access-date=September 24, 2023}}</ref>

Hogan had two grandchildren through Brooke who were born in January 2025. Due to their estrangement he had not met them by the time he died in July 2025.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-didnt-meet-daughter-brooke-newborn-twins-says-her-husband-exclusive-11783604|title=Hulk Hogan Didn't Meet Daughter Brooke's Twins Before His Death, Her Husband Says: He Had 'No Interest' (Exclusive)|first=Natasha|last=Dye|publisher=People|date=August 1, 2025|accessdate=August 6, 2025}}</ref> Although Sky was listed in Hogan's will as his "surviving spouse", his son Nick was the only person named in Hogan's will as a beneficiary.<ref name="hoganwill">{{cite news|url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-left-5-million-behind-after-death-1-person-sole-beneficiary-11807282|title=Hulk Hogan Left Around $5 Million Behind After His Death with Just 1 Person as the Sole Beneficiary|first=Natasha|last=Dye|publisher=People|date=September 10, 2025|accessdate=November 29, 2025}}</ref><ref name="z928" />

===Religious beliefs=== Hogan was public about his Christian faith, stating that he was "saved" at the age of 14 and had "leaned on" his religion throughout his life.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan Leans on His Faith |url=http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/idolchatter/2009/04/wrestlerreality-tv-star-hulk-h.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301134011/http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/idolchatter/2009/04/wrestlerreality-tv-star-hulk-h.html |archive-date=March 1, 2014 |date=April 17, 2009}}</ref> Hogan attributed his salvation to the Youth Ranches of Hank Lindstrom, where he would specifically emphasize John {{bibleverse-nb||John|3:16|ESV}} and salvation by faith alone.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ctSR_k_960UC&dq=Hank+Lindstrom+hulk+hogan&pg=PA17 |title=Hollywood Hulk Hogan |date=December 6, 2002 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-0-7434-7556-3 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Hogan |first1=Hulk |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-r8gB_j8a-UC&dq=Hank+Lindstrom+hulk+hogan&pg=PA29 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last2=Dagostino |first2=Mark |date=August 6, 2024 |publisher=Macmillan + ORM |isbn=978-1-4299-8790-5 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Justin |title=HE MAINTAINED FAITH IN SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2008/10/17/he-maintained-faith-in-science-and-the-bible/ |access-date=September 3, 2025 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref> He and his wife, Sky Daily, were baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida on December 20, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gryboski |first=Michael |date=December 21, 2023 |title=Hulk Hogan, wife get baptized at Florida church: 'Only love' |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/only-love-hulk-hogan-and-wife-get-baptized-at-fla-church.html |url-status=live |work=The Christian Post |publisher=The Christian Post, Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221202356/https://www.christianpost.com/news/only-love-hulk-hogan-and-wife-get-baptized-at-fla-church.html |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |access-date=May 30, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Van de Riet |first=Emily |date=December 21, 2023 |title=Hulk Hogan gets baptized at age 70: 'Greatest day of my life' |url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2023/12/21/hulk-hogan-gets-baptized-age-70-greatest-day-my-life/ |url-status=live |website=www.fox5vegas.com |publisher=Fox 5 Vegas |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730204435/https://www.fox5vegas.com/2023/12/21/hulk-hogan-gets-baptized-age-70-greatest-day-my-life/ |archive-date=July 30, 2025 |access-date=May 30, 2026}}</ref> However, his wife Sky's family are Scientologists, which contributed to Hogan's daughter Brooke distancing herself from the family, due to fear of the church's litigious nature.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=August 5, 2025 |title=BROOKE HOGAN EXPLAINS WHY SHE REMOVED HERSELF FROM HULK HOGAN'S WILL, WISHES SHE HAD BEEN LEFT IN CHARGE OF HIS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/198994/brooke-hogan-explains-why-she-removed-herself-from-hulk-hogans-will-wishes-she-had-been-left-in-charge-of-his-intellectual-property.html?p=1 |url-status=live |website=www.pwinsider.com |publisher=PWInsider |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916013558/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/198994/brooke-hogan-explains-why-she-removed-herself-from-hulk-hogans-will-wishes-she-had-been-left-in-charge-of-his-intellectual-property.html?p=1 |archive-date=September 16, 2025 |access-date=May 30, 2026}}</ref>

=== Health issues === Hogan suffered numerous health issues, particularly with his back, since retiring as a wrestler following years of heavy weight-training and jolting as a wrestler.<ref name=Decline>{{cite web |url=https://www.theweek.com/article/index/96230/Hulk_Hogans_painful_decline |title=Hulk Hogan's painful decline |publisher=TheWeek.com |date=May 15, 2009 |access-date=May 13, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516153144/http://www.theweek.com/article/index/96230/Hulk_Hogans_painful_decline |archive-date=May 16, 2009}}</ref> He underwent at least 25 medical procedures, including back surgeries, and knee and hip replacements.<ref name="Spata">[https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2025/07/31/hulk-hogan-cause-of-death-heart-cancer-clearwater/ A busy Hulk Hogan was recovering from surgery at time of death] Christopher Spata, ''Tampa Bay Times'' (July 31, 2025) {{Webarchive|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260301115158/https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2025/07/31/hulk-hogan-cause-of-death-heart-cancer-clearwater/ |date=July 31, 2025 }}</ref> After the procedures failed to cure his back problems, Hogan underwent traditional spinal fusion surgery in December 2010, which enabled him to return to his professional activities. In January 2013, Hogan filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the Laser Spine Institute for $50 million, saying that the medical firm persuaded him to undergo a half-dozen "unnecessary and ineffective" spinal operations that worsened his back problems.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.messalaw.com/hulk-hogan-alleges-medical-malpractice-in-lawsuit-against-spine-surgeons/|title=Hulk Hogan Alleges Medical Malpractice in Lawsuit Against Spine Surgeons|date=January 28, 2013|website=Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers | PA Accident Attorneys}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/civil/wrestler-hulk-hogan-sues-laser-spine-institute-alleging-unnecessary/1270466/|title=Wrestler Hulk Hogan sues Laser Spine Institute, alleging unnecessary surgeries|website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref> He claimed that the six procedures he underwent over a period of 19 months only gave him short-term relief.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/hulk-hogan-sues-spine-clinic-for-millions-alleging-unnecessary-surgeries-severely-damaged-his-career/article_6a7f773a-d90f-53f0-b11b-39f44b94e53b.html|title=Hulk Hogan sues spine clinic for millions, alleging unnecessary surgeries 'severely damaged' his career|first=Jeff Weiner Orlando|last=Sentinel|date=January 14, 2013|website=Toronto Star}}</ref> In addition, the Laser Spine Institute used his name on their advertisements, which Hogan claimed was without his permission.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-14/hulk-hogan-wrestles-with-laser-spine-center-in-lawsuit.html |title=Hulk Hogan Wrestles with Laser Spine Center in Lawsuit |last=Armstrong |first=David |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=January 15, 2013 |access-date=November 23, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224334/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-14/hulk-hogan-wrestles-with-laser-spine-center-in-lawsuit.html |archive-date=December 2, 2013}}</ref> The Laser Spine Institute shut down in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Laser Spine Institute Shut Down after Lawsuits and Financial Problems |url=https://palmerinjurylaw.com/blog/laser-spine-institute-shut-down-after-lawsuits-and-financial-problems/ |website=Palmer Lopez |date=June 13, 2019 |access-date=July 25, 2025}}</ref> In July 2025, Brooke Hogan stated that Hogan's health had already been declining in 2023, and that he had undergone numerous surgeries by that point in time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-daughter-brooke-breaks-silence-tribute-after-his-death-11779181|title=Hulk Hogan's Daughter Brooke Breaks Silence with Emotional Tribute Following His Death|first1=Julie|last1=Mazziotta|first2=Grace|last2=Jordan-Weinstein|publisher=People|date=July 29, 2025|accessdate=July 30, 2025}}</ref>

== Death == On May 14, 2025, Hogan underwent a four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion operation.<ref name="Spata"/> During the procedure, Hogan's phrenic nerve, which helps the diaphragm contract and expand to allow the lungs to inhale and exhale air, was severed.<ref name="NZHerald">[https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/hulk-hogan-death-medical-malpractice-suspected-investigation-ongoing/FLCBPLJFAZE35EYNQYBVXOTLH4/ Hulk Hogan death: Medical malpractice suspected, investigation ongoing] ''The New Zealand Herald'' (August 23, 2025) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20250823194000/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/hulk-hogan-death-medical-malpractice-suspected-investigation-ongoing/FLCBPLJFAZE35EYNQYBVXOTLH4/ |date=August 23, 2025 }}</ref> Close friends Jimmy Hart and Eric Bischoff noted a rapid decline in Hogan's health following his neck fusion surgery. Hart shared that Hogan avoided visitors to prevent infection,<ref name="jimmyhartspeaksondeath">{{cite news |last=Neumann |first=Sean |date=July 25, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan's Friend Jimmy Hart Reveals WWE Star's Final Moments, Says His Health Took Sudden Turn 'Overnight' (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-friend-jimmy-hart-reveals-wwe-star-final-moments-exclusive-11779455 |accessdate=July 25, 2025 |publisher=People}}</ref> while Bischoff recalled Hogan sounding weak and expressing embarrassment over his condition.<ref name="BischoffMF">{{cite magazine|last=Kryger |first=Kelsey |date=July 30, 2025 |title=Eric Bischoff Opens Up About Hulk Hogan's Health Issues |url=https://www.mensfitness.com/news/eric-bischoff-reveals-what-hulk-hogan-said-before-his-death |magazine=Men's Fitness |access-date=July 31, 2025}}</ref> On June 18, 2025, radio host Bubba the Love Sponge reported that Hogan was seriously ill in the hospital and "might not make it".<ref name="Spata"/>

Hogan died at his Clearwater, Florida, home on the morning of July 24, 2025, at the age of 71.<ref name="HoganDeathNews">{{cite news |last=Carswell |first=Sue |date=July 24, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan, Pro-Wrestling Superstar and TV Personality, Dies at 71 |url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-pro-wrestling-legend-tv-personality-dead-at-71-11738891 |access-date=July 31, 2025 |publisher=People}}</ref> He collapsed while doing therapy after returning home from the hospital,<ref name="Spata"/> and was taken by paramedics to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 am.<ref name="Kindelan">[https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/wwe-star-hulk-hogan-cause-death-revealed/story?id=124249036 WWE star Hulk Hogan's cause of death revealed] Katie Kindelan, ABC News (July 31, 2025) {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20250807010346/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/wwe-star-hulk-hogan-cause-death-revealed/story?id=124249036 |date=August 7, 2025 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXOkk2fvskU |title=Hulk Hogan death: police update |date=July 24, 2025 |last=LiveNOW from FOX |access-date=August 20, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref> His official cause of death was acute myocardial infarction (a heart attack).<ref>{{Citation |title=Assessment of myocardial reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction |date=May 19, 2004 |work=Primary Angioplasty |pages=196–209 |url=https://doi.org/10.3109/9780203507476-18 |access-date=July 31, 2025 |publisher=CRC Press |doi=10.3109/9780203507476-18 |isbn=978-0-203-50747-6|url-access=subscription }}</ref> His medical records later revealed he had also had chronic lymphocytic leukemia and atrial fibrillation.<ref name="HoganDeath">{{cite news |last=Dye |first=Natasha |author2=Ross, Alex |date=July 31, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan's Cause of Death Revealed 1 Week After Wrestler Died at 71 |url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-cause-of-death-revealed-11778525 |access-date=July 31, 2025 |publisher=People}}</ref><ref name="hogancauseofdeathleukemiacremation">{{cite news |last=Caplan |first=Anna Lazarus |date=July 31, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan Revealed to Have Leukemia Before His Death at 71 |url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-revealed-have-leukemia-before-his-death-11782577 |accessdate=July 31, 2025 |publisher=People}}</ref>

On August 5, 2025, Hogan's first funeral service was held at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida with widow Sky Daily, ex-wife Linda Hogan, Jimmy Hart, Eric Bischoff, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Kevin Nash, Paul Wight, Ted DiBiase, Sting, Lex Luger, Vince McMahon, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, Ric Flair, Dennis Rodman, Kid Rock, Theo Von, Bam Margera, Tito Ortiz, Dean Malenko, and Brutus Beefcake among those in attendance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/199026/additional-names-in-attendance-at-hulk-hogan-funeral.html?p=1|title=Additional Names At Hulk Hogan Funeral|first=Mike|last=Johnson|publisher=PWI Insider|date=August 6, 2025|accessdate=November 26, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/hulk-hogan-funeral-service-death-c740fe98275e02bc79cb737e1ec74460|title=Dozens gather at Florida church for Hulk Hogan's funeral service|first=Curt |last=Anderson|publisher=Associated Press|date=August 5, 2025|accessdate=August 6, 2025}}</ref><ref name=twoaugust5services>{{cite news |last1=Marr |first1=Madeline|date=August 6, 2025 |title=Report On WWE Legend Hulk Hogan's Cause Of Death Reveals Secret Cancer Battle |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/miami-com/miami-com-news/article311604724.html |work=Miami Herald |access-date=August 6, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2025/08/05/hulk-hogan-funeral/|title=Hulk Hogan:Celebs Arrive For Memorial Service ... Wife Sky, Linda Hogan, Triple H, Kid Rock|publisher=TMZ|date=August 5, 2025|accessdate=August 6, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/hulk-hogan-funeral-indian-rocks-baptist-church/67-cadc355b-429a-4e70-8cf6-5c14a4034d60|title=Stars, family honor Hulk Hogan at his funeral, then celebrate his life at his restaurant|first=Chris|last=Hurst|publisher=WTSP|date=August 6, 2025|accessdate=August 6, 2025}}</ref> Hogan's daughter Brooke, who was estranged from her father since 2023, did not attend his funeral services.<ref name=funeralandcremation>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-funeral-wwe-star-laid-rest-florida-11785027|title=Hulk Hogan Laid to Rest in Private Funeral in Florida|first1=Julie|last1=Mazziotta|first2=Grace|last2=Jordan-Weinstein|publisher=People|date=August 5, 2025|accessdate=August 5, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/5439095-brooke-hogan-hulk-hogan-funeral/|title=Brooke Hogan did not attend Hulk Hogan's funeral: 'He didn't want one'|first=Sol|last=Rivera|work=The Hill|date=August 6, 2025|accessdate=August 6, 2025}}</ref> Following another funeral service which was held at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Clearwater, Florida, Hogan was cremated.<ref name=funeralandcremation /><ref name=twoaugust5services /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://clutchpoints.com/celebrity/celebrities-attended-hulk-hogan-funerall|title=The celebrities who attended Hulk Hogan's funeral|first=Autumn|last=Hawkins|publisher=ClutchPoints|date=August 5, 2025|accessdate=August 6, 2025}}</ref> Nick Hogan was named as the sole heir of his estate and took over his role as commissioner of Real American Freestyle.<ref name="q832">{{cite web | last=Shakhnazarova | first=Nika | title=Hulk Hogan left over $5M in assets, did not name daughter Brooke as beneficiary of estate | website=New York Post | date=September 10, 2025 | url=https://nypost.com/2025/09/10/sports/hulk-hogan-left-over-5m-in-assets-did-not-name-daughter-brooke-as-beneficiary-of-estate/ | access-date=September 13, 2025}}</ref><ref name="z928">{{cite web | last=Harp | first=Justin | title=Nick Hogan Honors Hulk Hogan at New Wrestling Promotion Event | website=Us Weekly | date=August 30, 2025 | url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/nick-hogan-honors-hulk-hogan-at-new-wrestling-promotion-event/ | access-date=August 31, 2025}}</ref><ref name="hoganwill" />

== Tributes and legacy == thumb|Hogan in August 2005 Hogan has been described as one of the largest attractions in professional wrestling history and a major reason why Vince McMahon's expansion of his promotion worked. Wrestling historian and journalist Dave Meltzer stated: "You can't possibly overrate his significance in the history of the business. And he sold more tickets to wrestling shows than any man who ever lived."<ref>{{cite tweet |user=davemeltzerWON |number=1341929868125073408 |title=There's a lot you can say about him, but you can't possibly overrate his significance in the history of the business. And he sold more tickets to wrestling shows than any man who ever lived and I don't expect anyone to ever sell more tickets than he did ever. |date=December 24, 2020 |access-date=December 25, 2020}}</ref> Hogan himself had previously said he was the second-greatest wrestler ever, after Ric Flair,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mendhe |first1=Abhilash |title="I'm #2"- Hulk Hogan calls former WWE Champion 'third greatest wrestler of all time' |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-i-m-2-hulk-hogan-calls-former-wwe-champion-third-greatest-wrestler-time |access-date=June 13, 2022 |work=Sportskeeda |date=February 11, 2022 |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612040224/https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-i-m-2-hulk-hogan-calls-former-wwe-champion-third-greatest-wrestler-time |url-status=live }}</ref> although Chris Jericho has stated that Hogan was a better worker than Flair and that working with him was one of the favorite moments of his career.<ref>{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Paul |date=May 7, 2023 |title=Chris Jericho: Hulk Hogan Is a Better Worker Than Ric Flair |work=Wrestling News |url=https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/chris-jericho-hulk-hogan-is-a-better-worker-than-ric-flair |access-date=May 11, 2023 |archive-date=May 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511005017/https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/chris-jericho-hulk-hogan-is-a-better-worker-than-ric-flair |url-status=live }}</ref> Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes has said numerous times that Hogan's WrestleMania X8 match with The Rock is the greatest match in wrestling history and that it epitomized what professional wrestling is.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=CodyRhodes |number=977349057113919489 |title=Hogan vs Rock. I don't trust anybody who says otherwise. (Also, I answer this every time we do one of these ha) |date=March 24, 2018 |Access-date=June 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |user=CodyRhodes |number=1018238315223396353 |title=The best match ever is Hogan/Rock. When I ask my friends their all time favorite, if they say anything else...I can determine they haven't grasped what wrestling is yet. |date=July 15, 2018 |Access-date=June 17, 2022}}</ref> Bret Hart has issued both praise and criticism for Hogan, lauding his look and describing him as a "hero" to both fans and fellow wrestlers, but calling his in-ring abilities "very limited".<ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=December 14, 2021 |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/12/14/bret-hart-hulk-hogan-was-68-and-a-one-out-of-three-wrestler-he-didnt-know-a-headlock-from-a-headlamp/ |title=Bret Hart: Hulk Hogan was 6'8 and a one-out-of-three wrestler, he didn't know a headlock from a headlamp |access-date=April 10, 2022 |work=POST Wrestling |archive-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704211125/https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/12/14/bret-hart-hulk-hogan-was-68-and-a-one-out-of-three-wrestler-he-didnt-know-a-headlock-from-a-headlamp/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cutis |first1=Jennifer |title=Bret Hart calls Hulk Hogan a hero… Bret Hart says, "it's hard to make everybody happy" |url=https://www.wrestlingnewsplus.com/bret-hart-says-hulk-hogan-is-a-hero-says-hulk-was-considerate-to-him/ |access-date=June 13, 2022 |work=Wrestling News Plus |date=January 25, 2021 |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518133322/https://www.wrestlingnewsplus.com/bret-hart-says-hulk-hogan-is-a-hero-says-hulk-was-considerate-to-him/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McCarthy |first1=Alex |title=Bret Hart compares Hulk Hogan as a wrestler against himself |url=https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/732697/bret-hart-hulk-hogan-wwe/ |access-date=June 13, 2022 |work=talkSPORT |date=July 15, 2020 |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813041452/https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/732697/bret-hart-hulk-hogan-wwe/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hogan has been ranked as one of the top ten greatest pro wrestlers of all time by both ''Sports Illustrated'' and ''IGN''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2016 |title=A definitive ranking of the top 101 wrestlers of all time |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/07/26/wwe-wcw-ecw-100-best-wrestlers-all-time |access-date=April 17, 2026 |website=SI |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Matt |date=April 5, 2024 |title=The Top 25 Wrestlers of All Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-top-25-wrestlers-of-all-time |access-date=April 17, 2026 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> In 2018, David Levin of ''Bleacher Report'' wrote "Hulkamania is the greatest concept ever created in wrestling." Adding, "Hogan made wrestling a national phenomenon in the mid-1980s."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Levin |first=David |title=Professional Wrestling: The 50 Greatest Wrestlers of the 1980s |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/768893-professional-wrestling-the-50-greatest-wrestlers-of-the-1980s |access-date=April 17, 2026 |website=bleacherreport.com |language=en}}</ref>

Hogan was named the most requested celebrity of the 1980s for the Make-A-Wish Foundation children's charity. He was featured on the covers of ''Sports Illustrated'' (the first and as of 2013, only professional wrestler to do so), ''TV Guide'', and ''People'' magazines, while also appearing on ''The Tonight Show'' and having his own CBS Saturday morning cartoon titled ''Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://i.wwe9.com/inside/listthis/dreammatches |title=List This! Greatest Match-ups That Haven't Happened |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130091440/http://i.wwe9.com/inside/listthis/dreammatches |archive-date=January 30, 2017}}</ref> He also co-hosted ''Saturday Night Live'' on March 30, 1985. AT&T reported that the 900 number information line he ran while with the WWF was the single biggest 900 number from 1991 to 1993.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27600-fri-update-mcmahons-to-make-good-on-1-million-owed-from-70s-huge-weekend-schedule-ufc-notes-cena-update-orton-doing-stunts-jones-vs-dana-tons-more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923220741/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27600-fri-update-mcmahons-to-make-good-on-1-million-owed-from-70s-huge-weekend-schedule-ufc-notes-cena-update-orton-doing-stunts-jones-vs-dana-tons-more |archive-date=September 23, 2012 |title=Fri Update: McMahons to make good on $1 million owed from 70s, huge weekend schedule, UFC notes, Cena update, Orton doing stunts, Jones vs. Dana, tons more |work=Figure Four Wrestling |last=Alvarez |first=Bryan |date=September 21, 2012 |access-date=September 6, 2015}}</ref> Hogan continued to run a 900 number after joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW).<ref>{{cite magazine |page=69 |magazine=Billboard |date=June 3, 1995 |title=Select's Hulk Hogan Sings Between Bouts |first=Jim |last=Bessman |volume=107 |number=22 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref>

Following Hogan's death on July 24, 2025, many wrestlers paid tribute to Hogan on social media, such as Vince McMahon, The Rock, The Undertaker, Steve Austin, Rob Van Dam, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, Triple H, Ric Flair, Kane, Sting, Jake Roberts, Ted DiBiase Sr., Kurt Angle, The Miz, and Matt Hardy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://ew.com/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-hulk-hogan-tribute-remembers-wrestlemania-match-11779161|title=Dwayne Johnson pays tribute to Hulk Hogan, remembers their iconic 2002 WWE match: 'Never felt anything like that'|first=Jessica|last=Wang|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 25, 2025|accessdate=July 26, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Maniyar | first1=Aachal | title=Undertaker, John Cena, Triple H, Ric Flair, Kane and other WWE stars mourn Hulk Hogan's death | work=mint | date=July 25, 2025 | url=https://www.livemint.com/sports/undertaker-john-cena-triple-h-ric-flair-kane-and-other-wwe-stars-mourn-hulk-hogans-death-11753388128880.html }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Hulk Hogan remembered by Trump, wrestling world: 'Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart' | website=Los Angeles Times | date=July 24, 2025 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2025-07-24/hulk-hogan-dead-tributes-wwe-trump-ric-flair-triple-h }}</ref> Hogan was also remembered by people outside professional wrestling, including actor Sylvester Stallone, UFC President Dana White and U.S. President Donald Trump.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Martínez |first1=Sebastián |title=Dana White revela la influencia de Hulk Hogan en UFC |url=https://solowrestling.com/new/142809-dana-white-reacciona-a-la-muerte-de-hulk-hogan |website=Solowrestling |date=July 25, 2025 |access-date=July 25, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rubio |first1=Antonio |title=Donald Trump reacciona a la muerte de Hulk Hogan |url=https://solowrestling.com/new/142796-donald-trump-reacciona-a-la-muerte-de-hulk-hogan |website=Solowrestling |date=July 24, 2025 |access-date=July 25, 2025}}</ref> Ron DeSantis, governor of Hogan's home state of Florida, declared August 1 as Hulk Hogan Day and ordered flags at the Florida State Capitol flown at half-staff.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Scott |date=July 31, 2025 |title=DeSantis declares 'Hulk Hogan Day in Florida' after wrestling icon's death |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/desantis-declares-hulk-hogan-day-florida-following-wrestling-icons-death |access-date=July 31, 2025 |work=Fox News}}</ref> In October 2025, a waterfront trail in the Florida Gulf Coast city of Clearwater was renamed in Hogan's honor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payne |first=Kate |date=October 3, 2025 |title=Florida waterfront trail to honor wrestling legend Hulk Hogan |url=https://apnews.com/article/hulk-hogan-florida-clearwater-trail-renamed-07a22e4e9e868b722196bd6354fb8d60 |access-date=April 17, 2026 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>

WWE honored Hogan with multiple tributes: first with a ten-bell salute, on the July 25 episode of ''SmackDown'';<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/wrestling/article/wwe-smackdown-results-highlights-july-25-wwe-pays-tribute-to-hulk-hogan-021719280.html|title=WWE SmackDown results, highlights (July 25): WWE pays tribute to Hulk Hogan|first=Drake|last=Riggs|date=July 26, 2025|website=Yahoo Sports}}</ref> then, on the following episodes of ''Raw'' and ''NXT'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=July 29, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan's son joins WWE wrestlers in emotional tribute to his father |url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/news/nick-hogan-hulk-wwe-raw-b2797840.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729125824/https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/news/nick-hogan-hulk-wwe-raw-b2797840.html |archive-date=July 29, 2025 |work=The Independent |language=en |issn=1741-9743}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/hulk-hogans-son-nick-hogan-appears-on-wwe-raw-for-tribute/|title=Hulk Hogan's Son Nick Hogan Appears on 'WWE Raw' for Tribute|first=Haley|last=Miller|publisher=Vice News|date=July 29, 2025|accessdate=July 29, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://411fmania.com/wrestling/wwe-tribute-hulk-hogan-10-bell-salute-nxt-7-29-25/|title=WWE Pays Tribute To Hulk Hogan With 10-Bell Salute On NXT|first=Jeremy|last=Thomas|publisher=411 Mania|date=July 29, 2025|accessdate=July 30, 2025}}</ref> and also at SummerSlam.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-son-nick-hogan-fights-back-tears-wwe-tribute-after-wrestlers-death-11783888|title=Hulk Hogan's Son Nick Fights Back Tears as WWE Pays Tribute to the Late Wrestler at SummerSlam|first=Escher|last=Walcott|publisher=People|date=August 3, 2025|accessdate=August 6, 2025}}</ref> Meanwhile, TNA dedicated its July 24 episode of ''Impact!'' to Hogan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/tna-tribute-hulk-hogan-impact-7-24-25/tna-impact-tribute-hulk-hogan-7-24-25/|title=TNA Impact Tribute Hulk Hogan 7-24-25|first=Jeremy|last=Thomas|publisher=411 Mania|date=July 24, 2025|accessdate=July 29, 2025}}</ref> In NJPW, Hogan was given a ten-bell salute, as well as a tribute ceremony, during the sixth night of the G1 Climax 35 tournament on July 26.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/07/26/njpw-gives-hulk-hogan-ten-bell-salute-at-g1-climax-35-night-6/|title=NJPW gives Hulk Hogan ten-bell salute at G1 Climax 35 Night 6|first=Jack|last=Wannan|publisher=POSTWrestling|date=July 26, 2025|accessdate=July 29, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/article/japan-10-bell-salute-ceremony-190000616.html|title=Here is New Japan's 10-bell salute and ceremony honoring Hulk Hogan|first=Sean|last=Rueter|publisher=SB Nation|website=sports.yahoo.com|date=July 26, 2025|accessdate=July 29, 2025}}</ref> Two days later, Hogan was honored on ''AEW Collision'' with a tribute from former WCW commentator Tony Schiavone.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/news/94687/Tony-Schiavone-Delivers-AEWs-First-On-Air-Tribute-to-Hulk/|title=Tony Schiavone Delivers AEW's First On-Air Tribute to Hulk Hogan|first=Ben|last=Kerin|publisher=Wrestling News Source|date=July 27, 2025|accessdate=July 29, 2025}}</ref> At the same time, many commentators noted his complicated legacy due to his backstage politics, his racial comments, and his support for Donald Trump.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/198545/looking-at-hulk-hogans-career-part-one.html?p=1|title=Looking at Hulk Hogan's Career – Part One|website=www.pwinsider.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Stryer |first1=Hel |title=Hulk Hogan: A Complicated Legacy |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/hulk-hogan-a-complicated-legacy/ |website=411Mania |access-date=July 25, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=joseph |title=Chelsea Green Responds to Backlash for Not Addressing Hulk Hogan's Controversial Past on CBS |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/chelsea-green-backlash-mentioning-hulk-hogans-controversial-past/ |website=411Mania |access-date=July 25, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Lies?" /> Mark Henry, who was critical of Hogan following his racism scandal, spoke of his legacy after his death: "Regardless of his shortcomings, it didn't make him less of a wrestler. It didn't make him less of an entertainer. It's never going to take away from his greatness."<ref name="mcmahonaddress" />

In 2026, Hogan's iconic boots from WrestleMania X8, in his match against The Rock, were sold for a record $1,037,000 at Heritage Auctions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2026 |title=Hulk Hogan's WrestleMania I Boots Catch Record-Breaking Price Tag At Auction |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hulk-hogans-wrestlemania-boots-catch-195125881.html |access-date=March 10, 2026 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> During the WrestleMania 42 weekend, the first one since his death, the WWE hosted the "Hulk Hogan Experience" at WWE World, an exhibit featuring multiple photos and pieces of memorabilia from his career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=8newsnow.com Go inside WWE World and the Hulk Hogan Experience |url=https://www.8newsnow.com/news/las-vegas-now/go-inside-wwe-world-and-the-hulk-hogan-experience/}}</ref>

== Championships and accomplishments == {{Main|Hulk Hogan's championships and accomplishments}}

== Notes == {{Notelist}}

== References ==

=== Citations === {{Reflist}}

=== Sources === * {{cite book |last=Bischoff |first=Eric |year=2006 |title=Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash |title-link=Controversy Creates Cash |publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=978-1-4165-2729-9}} * {{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2002 |title=Hollywood Hulk Hogan |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-0-7434-7556-3}} * {{cite book |last1=Hogan |first1=Hulk |last2=Dagostino |first2=Mark |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}} * {{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2010 |title=My Life Outside the Ring: A Memoir |publisher= St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-0312588908 |url=}} * {{cite book |last=Loverro |first=Thom |year=2006 |title=The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-1-4165-1058-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/risefallofecw00thom}} * {{cite book |last=Shields |first=Brian |year=2006 |title=Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-1-4165-3257-6 |url=https://archive.org/details/mainevent00bria}}

== External links == {{Sister project links|wikt=no|commons=Hulk Hogan|b=no|n=no|q=Hulk Hogan|s=no|v=no|species=no|display=Hulk Hogan}} * {{Official website|http://www.hulkhogan.com}} * {{IMDb name|1356|Hulk Hogan}} * {{Professional wrestling profiles}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090303133633/http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/hogan.asp Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame profile] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20130425055722/http://www.impactwrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/1600-hulk-hogan TNA Impact Wrestling profile (archived)] * {{discogs artist|Hulk Hogan}}

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