by Rosa Parra
Every sport has its standout player who redefined the league, just as every sector has someone whose contributions are unforgettable. In Hollywood, figures like Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe are legendary icons instantly recognizable across generations. Michael Jordan transformed the NBA’s image and set a new standard for athletes in brand partnerships. In wrestling, Hulk Hogan is the one individual who single-handedly elevated the industry and achieved global recognition. Regardless of age, everyone knows who Hulk Hogan is, and he deserves respect for his contributions and the evolution he brought to wrestling.
It’s perfectly acceptable to disagree with his political views or to critique his personality and work ethic. Many of his former colleagues have shared some intriguing stories. The last decade of Hogan’s life was marked by controversy. Ten years ago, a sex tape featuring him was leaked, in which he was heard making racist remarks. Although he attempted to apologize and regain the fame he enjoyed in the ’80s, he never fully succeeded. His last public appearance occurred earlier this year in Los Angeles at the premiere of Monday Night Raw on Netflix. He was booed off the stage and later claimed it was due to his political beliefs. This reasoning seems inconsistent, especially since The Undertaker, who openly supports Trump and even interviewed him on his podcast, did not receive any boos that night. The wrestling community has not forgiven Hogan for his remarks.
Personally, I was disappointed when I heard what he said. However, I will never celebrate the death of any person, regardless of their actions. When I first learned about his passing, I felt conflicted. I understood that his controversies had overshadowed his legacy, which would have been more impactful otherwise. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of separating the person from their art. While Hulk Hogan, the wrestler, will be sadly missed and his legacy is undeniable, Terri Bollea (his legal name) revealed his true self through his actions and statements; his ego and racism exposed a less admirable side of him.
As a wrestling fan, it’s hard to imagine where the wrestling entertainment industry would be today without Hulk Hogan. His larger-than-life persona has attracted countless new fans to the wrestling world. Although I didn’t become a fan until a little later in his peak era, I consider myself a “Attitude Era” baby, having grown up during the mid-to-late 90s and early 2000s. My mom was a huge fan of his, and she introduced me to wrestling. I will never forget watching Hogan vs. The Rock at WrestleMania 18—an unforgettable match that showcased the clash of two generations, culminating in Hogan passing down the torch. His NWO era was also a pivotal time that redefined wrestling.
The memories, experiences, and influence Hogan has had on his fans are worth celebrating. While it’s okay to have conflicting feelings about his legacy, we cannot deny his instrumental importance in the industry. He is a legend who left an undeniable mark, paving the way for every wrestler that came after him. Hulk Hogan is synonymous with wrestling and has had a lasting impact on the pop cultural zeitgeist.
Editor’s Note. Hogan did publicly apologized for those racist remarks. In a statement to People magazine, he said, “Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it. This is not who I am.” Hogan as well was baptized in December 2023 at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida, alongside his wife, Sky Daily. Hogan described the baptism as a pivotal moment, stating, “Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life,” and noted that it made him feel “all new.”