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How Hulk Hogan went from childhood hero to controversial figure | DW News
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July 25, 2025
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5:57Now PlayingThe former wrestler reportedly died at his Florida home of cardiac arrest. Hogan's trademark mustache, bandana and massive physique made him a wrestling icon, particularly in the 1980s. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was one of WWE's most recognizable stars. He was the main attraction for the organisation's first ever edition of its flagship event Wrestlemania in 1985. His larger-than-life persona and perma-tanned physique became the leading image of pro-wrestling during its initial boom in popularity in the 1980s. With Hogan as the leading fighter, WWE became a family-friendly entertainment franchise worth billions of dollars. Hogan remained a huge WWE star for years, taking on Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and WWE owner Vince McMahon in the ring. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 after winning at least six WWE championship titles.
After he retired from fighting in 2003, Hogan embarked on a successful film and TV career. He made a number of appearances in movies and television shows, including films such as "Rocky III" and "Santa With Muscles." He also starred in a reality show about his own life called Hogan Knows Best. Hogan also appeared in one episode of the iconic 80s show The A-Team. In later years, he was also known as a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, calling the Republican leader a "gladiator" who was his "hero." Hogan recreated his signature move at last year's Republican National Convention (RNC), dramatically ripping off his shirt, while endorsing Trump's bid for re-election.
"Let Trumpamania run wild! Let Trumpamania rule again! Let Trumpamania make America Great Again!" Hogan shouted.Posting on his Truth Social platform, the US president said the "Hulkster" was "MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart."
"He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive," Trump said. Trump's son, Donald Jr, also paid tribute to Hogan, posting an image on X of him with the ex-wrestler wearing a Trump-Vance election campaign T-shirt. US Vice President JD Vance also took to X to pay tribute to Hogan, whom he called "a great American icon."
Controversies
Hogan's career was also dogged by multiple scandals. He was suspended by the WWE in 2015 after secret video recording showed him using a racial slur against Black people. He was reinstated in 2018 after the WWE said Hogan had made "numerous apologies" and was "working with young people … helping them learn from his mistake." A year later, a jury in Florida awarded Hogan $115 million (€98 million) in a lawsuit against Gawker Media over a sex-tape. Gawker posted a video in 2012 of Hogan having sex with the wife of his former best friend. Hogan sued on the grounds that his privacy had been violated.
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