50 Facts About Hulk Hogan

Early Life and Beginnings

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, is a name synonymous with professional wrestling. His journey from a young boy in Georgia to a global wrestling icon is filled with fascinating details.

1. Early Life: Terry Gene Bollea was born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia.
2. Height and Weight: Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing over 300 pounds in his prime, Hogan's physique was as impressive as his wrestling skills.
3. Ring Name Origin: The name "Hulk Hogan" was created to appeal to Irish fans. "Hulk" was inspired by the Marvel Comics character, while "Hogan" was added to give an Irish touch.
4. Early Wrestling Career: Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977, debuting in the Florida wrestling circuit.
5. Training: He was trained by Hiro Matsuda, a renowned wrestler and trainer known for his rigorous training methods.
6. Early Ring Names: Before becoming Hulk Hogan, he wrestled under various names including "The Super Destroyer," "Sterling Golden," and "Terry 'The Hulk' Boulder".

Rise to Fame in WWF

Hogan's rise to fame in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) marked the beginning of an era that would change professional wrestling forever.

7. WWF Debut: Hogan gained worldwide recognition after signing with the WWF in December 1983.
8. WWF Success: During his initial run with the WWF, Hogan became a five-time WWF Champion, with his 1,474-day reign being the longest of the WrestleMania era.
9. WrestleMania Headliner: He headlined a record eight editions of WrestleMania, a feat later broken by Roman Reigns.
10. Saturday Night's Main Event: Hogan was a regular headliner of Saturday Night's Main Event and its spin-off The Main Event, headlining 31 editions of both shows combined.
11. Royal Rumble Champion: He is the first wrestler to win consecutive Royal Rumble matches, winning in 1990 and 1991.
12. Match with André the Giant: His match with André the Giant on WWF The Main Event on February 5, 1988, still holds American television viewership records with a 15.2 Nielsen rating and 33 million viewers.

Transition to WCW and nWo Era

After leaving WWF, Hogan's career took another significant turn when he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later became a part of the New World Order (nWo).

13. Departure from WWF: In 1993, Hogan left the WWF to pursue a career in film and television.
14. WCW Signing: He was lured back to the ring when he signed with WCW in 1994.
15. WCW World Heavyweight Championship: Hogan won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times and holds the record for the longest reign.
16. nWo Era: In 1996, he adopted the villainous persona of "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, leading the popular New World Order (nWo) stable.
17. Monday Night Wars: As a result, he became a major figure during the "Monday Night Wars," another boom of mainstream professional wrestling.
18. Starrcade Headliner: Hogan headlined WCW's annual flagship event Starrcade three times, including the most profitable WCW pay-per-view ever, Starrcade 1997.

Music and Other Ventures

Before wrestling, Hogan had a passion for music, and his career outside the ring is just as interesting.

19. Music Career: Before becoming a full-time wrestler, Hogan spent a decade playing fretless bass guitar in several Florida-based rock bands, including Ruckus.
20. College Education: He studied at Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida but dropped out to pursue his music career and eventually wrestling.
21. Band Formation: Hogan and two local musicians formed a band called Ruckus in 1976, which became popular in the Tampa Bay region.
22. Gym Training: During his spare time, Hogan worked out at Hector's Gym in the Tampa Bay area, where he began lifting weights.
23. Brisco Brothers Encounter: Many wrestlers competing in the Florida region visited the bars where Ruckus was performing, including the Brisco brothers, who later became important figures in his wrestling career.
24. Local Talk Show Appearance: In mid-1977, Hogan appeared on a local talk show in Memphis, where he sat beside Lou Ferrigno, star of the television series "The Incredible Hulk." The host commented on how Hogan, who stood 6 ft 7 in and weighed 295 pounds with 24-inch biceps, actually dwarfed "The Hulk".

Achievements and Records

Hogan's career is filled with numerous achievements and records that highlight his impact on the wrestling world.

25. Height Comparison: Watching the show backstage, Mary Jarrett noticed that Hogan was actually bigger than Ferrigno, who was well-known for his role as the Incredible Hulk.
26. WWF Championship Wins: Hogan won the WWF Championship five times during his initial run with the company.
27. Longest Reign: His 1,474-day reign as WWF Champion is recognized as one of the longest in the championship's history.
28. Consecutive Royal Rumble Wins: He is the first wrestler to win consecutive Royal Rumble matches, a feat that showcases his enduring popularity and skill.
29. Television Appearances: Beyond wrestling, Hogan has made numerous television appearances, including a notable incident where he knocked Richard Belzer unconscious on live TV during a promotion for the first WrestleMania.
30. Settlement with Belzer: The parties involved reached an undisclosed settlement after Belzer sued Hogan, Mr. T, and Titan Sports (the former corporate name for WWF/WWE) for $5 million.
31. Sports Illustrated Cover: Hogan is the only professional wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, appearing on the April 1985 issue as "Pro Wrestling's Top Banana".
32. Marvel Licensing Agreement: In 1984, Marvel and the WWF worked out a compromise where Marvel would license the rights to the name "Hulk Hogan" for 20 years in exchange for monetary compensation. Marvel received .009 percent of the gross on any Hulk Hogan merchandise sold and $100 for every match Hogan wrestled in.
33. Merchandising Phenomenon: Hogan's merchandise became a huge phenomenon, with his iconic bandana and mustache becoming symbols of his character.
34. Movie Career: Hogan has appeared in several movies, including "Rocky III," which led to him being fired from the WWF due to the old-school thought that wrestlers should never do TV and movies.
35. Pop Culture Icon: Beyond wrestling, Hogan has become an all-around pop culture icon, known for his larger-than-life personality and unmatched charisma.
36. Guinness World Record: Hogan holds a Guinness World Record for the most leg drops in a minute, a testament to his enduring popularity and skill in the ring.
37. 12-Time World Champion: Throughout his career, Hogan has won a total of 12 world championships, solidifying his place as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
38. Famous Rivalries: Hogan has had many iconic rivalries over the years, including feuds with wrestlers such as The Ultimate Warrior, Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock.
39. Height Loss Due to Surgeries: Although Hogan's billed height is 6 feet 7 inches, he has lost about three inches in height due to surgeries.
40. Pythons and Physique: He famously hyperbolized about his 24-inch pythons, which were a significant part of his wrestling persona.

Later Career and Legacy

Even in his later years, Hogan's influence on wrestling and pop culture remains undeniable.

41. Career Span: Hogan’s career spanned decades, countries, and different promotions, including the AWA, WWE, WCW, and TNA.
42. Main Eventing in WCW: After his original Hulkamania run in WWE, Hogan main evented in WCW and reinvented himself as a heel.
43. Sporadic TNA Appearances: Hogan wrestled sporadically during his time with TNA, maintaining his status as a wrestling legend even in his later years.
44. Guinness World Record for Leg Drops: Hogan holds a Guinness World Record for the most leg drops in a minute, showcasing his signature move and enduring popularity.
45. Sports Illustrated Dispute: There is some disagreement about whether Hogan is the only pro wrestler to ever be on the cover of Sports Illustrated, but it is clear that he is the only one to be featured strictly because of his pro wrestling career.
46. Merchandise Revenue: Marvel received .009 percent of the gross on any Hulk Hogan merchandise sold as part of their licensing agreement with the WWF.
47. Match Compensation: Hogan also paid Marvel $100 for every match he wrestled, which was significant given that he wrestled up to 300 matches per year at points.
48. Injury Settlements: Hogan has been involved in several injury settlements throughout his career, including one with Richard Belzer after an incident on live TV.
49. WWF/WWE Legacy: Hogan is widely regarded as the most recognized wrestling star worldwide and the most popular wrestler of the 1980s, helping to usher in the 1980s professional wrestling boom.
50. Legacy and Impact: Through his career, Hogan has achieved numerous accolades and has left an indelible mark on the industry, cementing his place as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.

Hulk Hogan's Lasting Legacy

Hulk Hogan's impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. From his early days in the Florida wrestling circuit to becoming a global icon, Hogan's career is filled with unforgettable moments. His larger-than-life persona, impressive physique, and memorable catchphrases made him a household name. Hogan's influence extended beyond the ring, with appearances in movies, TV shows, and even a Guinness World Record for the most leg drops in a minute. His rivalries with legends like André the Giant and The Rock are etched in wrestling history. Despite controversies and challenges, Hogan's legacy remains intact. He helped shape the wrestling industry, inspiring countless fans and future wrestlers. Hulk Hogan's name will forever be synonymous with professional wrestling, cementing his place as one of the greatest to ever step into the ring.