‘MAGA All the Way’: Tributes Pour In for Wrestling Icon and Outspoken Trump Supporter Hulk Hogan
Donald Trump said he “lost a great friend” on Thursday.
On Truth Social, the President stated that Hulk Hogan embodied the essence of a strong, robust, intelligent individual with an enormous heart. He captivated audiences globally, leaving behind a significant cultural imprint.
Terry Gene Bollea, more famously recognized as Hulk Hogan in the wrestling world and beyond, passed away at the age of 71 in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday. His loved ones were by his side when he died. Widely known as Hulk Hogan, he leaves behind his wife, Sky Daily, ex-wives Linda Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel, and children Brooke and Nick.
Officials stated that Bollea was taken to the hospital following a report of cardiac arrest, with no indications of suspicious circumstances or wrongdoing related to his passing. It’s said he had been experiencing health problems in the past few weeks.
As a devoted cinephile, I echo the heartfelt words of his family: “He may no longer be with us, but his spirit will forever linger.” Let’s find comfort in the unforgettable moments and memories he generously shared with millions of fans like myself, across the globe, for more than four remarkable decades.
“Greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME”
Bollea will likely be remembered first and foremost for his career in wrestling.
Originally hailing from Georgia in August 1953, he spent his formative years in Florida. Leaving college behind, he honed his skills on the bass guitar within local music groups. It was during the 70’s that Jack and Gerry Brisco, professional wrestlers, chanced upon him. Enthused by his potential, they encouraged Bollea to give wrestling a try and introduced him to trainer Hiro Matsuda. Legend has it that Matsuda intentionally injured Bollea’s leg as a show of dedication to the sport.
In his autobiography, Matsuda (who passed away in 1999) described the individual as a large, handsome man. I challenged him by saying, “If you can match my pace, I’ll provide you with an opportunity.” He accepted and went on to become one of the most renowned wrestlers in the United States.
In Florida and surrounding areas, Hulk Hogan wrestled alongside future star Brutus Beefcake, who was then known as Ed Leslie. They often teamed up using the tag-team names Terry and Ed Boulder, or simply the Boulder Brothers. During the early stages of his career, Hulk Hogan also fought under different ring names like Super Destroyer or Sterling Golden.
His well-known ring name was influenced by a 1978 talk show appearance on Memphis television alongside Lou Ferrigno, the actor famous for portraying the massive title character in the TV series “The Incredible Hulk.” Despite Ferrigno’s reputation for size, Bollea, who stood at 6 ft. 7 in., seemed even larger. This led Bollea to adopt the nickname Terry “The Giant Hulk” Boulder.
In 1979, the head of the World Wrestling Federation, Vincent McMahon, had a meeting with Bollea, proposing to rename him to an Irish name and color his hair red. However, Bollea decided to go by Hogan and retained his natural blonde hair.
Right off the bat, Bollea achieved recognition both domestically and abroad, competing in various American and Japanese wrestling promotions.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where Bollea performed from 1980 to 1985 and again from 1993 to 1994 and in 2003, acknowledged in a tribute that Bollea made a substantial impact on Japanese history.
As a dedicated fan of the squared circle, I can’t help but reminisce about an icon who left an indelible mark on the wrestling world – none other than Hulk Hogan. On Thursday, none other than Vince McMahon, son of our beloved WWF founder and the man who rebranded it as World Wrestling Entertainment post a trademark squabble with the World Wildlife Fund, took to X to pay tribute to this legend.
Hulk Hogan was more than just a Superstar; he was the epitome of greatness, revered and adored across the globe. He wasn’t just a wrestling sensation, but a global phenomenon who paved the way for others in this industry. His determination and relentless pursuit of success were unprecedented, making him the ultimate entertainer. He poured his heart and soul into every performance, acknowledging, respecting, and loving the audience that reciprocated his affection.
Bubba Ray Dudley played a crucial role in the transition of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) from a local draw to a global entertainment powerhouse, as stated by WWE in an official announcement.
During the 80s and into the 90s, which was famously called “Hulkamania,” Bollea, who was known for his powerful entrance music (Rick Derringer’s “Real American”), massive biceps referred to as “24-inch pythons,” legendary feuds like the one with Andre the Giant, and catchphrases such as “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, was unquestionably the main attraction in wrestling.
WWE’s success can be attributed in part to the larger-than-life personalities who battle it out in the ring, and among these towering figures, none loomed larger than Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea,” as stated by Paul Michael “Triple H” Levesque, current WWE executive. “He raised the entire industry to unprecedented heights.
“There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another,” Levesque added.
Many other current and former wrestlers offered their own tributes to Bollea.
Steve “Sting” Borden couldn’t express enough gratitude for everything Bollea did for him and wrestling fans worldwide. He adored Bollea and will deeply miss him, referring to him as the best of all time.
Ric Flair, who Bollea described as the greatest of all time while referring to himself as second best, shared a heartfelt tribute: “Hulk has been by my side since we began in the wrestling industry. An extraordinary athlete, talent, friend, and father! Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for it. One of the first to visit me in the hospital when I had a 2% chance of survival, he prayed by my bedside. Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick. Hulkster, no one will ever come close to matching your greatness!
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, accompanied by a video clip from their 2002 encounter. “In 1984, I returned your ‘HULKSTER’ headband to you in the locker room at Madison Square Garden,” he wrote. “As a 17-year-old boy who had caught it when you threw it into the crowd, I was fortunate enough to be the one to return it. Seventeen years later, still feeling like a kid, and here I am standing in the ring, facing you – one of my wrestling idols, in the main event of WRESTLEMANIA. The match was significant as we were both striving to become the best of all time.
In that fateful night, you might’ve handed over the baton to me, but let me tell you, mate, you were the one who ‘filled the house,’ meaning you packed every arena and stadium throughout the nation during your heyday as Hulk Hogan. Straight from my core, and speaking on behalf of this unpredictable, thrilling universe of professional wrestling we adore, I want to express my gratitude to you now, and forever…Thank you for filling the house, brother.
“Superhero for so many”
As a kid who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when remembering Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) following his passing on Thursday. Regardless of whether you were into wrestling or not, they were an undeniable part of pop culture back then. In fact, it seemed like they were everywhere for anyone who came of age during that era.
As per an obituary published in the Los Angeles Times, Bollea was often requested by the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 1992 and would visit up to 20 unwell children each week. He also had a significant number of official Hulk Hogan merchandise, ranging from action figures to vitamins, and served as a celebrity endorser in commercials for various products such as cereals, deodorants, and others.
Bubba Ray Dudley’s fame reached far beyond the wrestling arena, particularly as he diversified into other fields, such as acting.
As a movie critic reminiscing about my past encounters, I fondly recall meeting the remarkable talent and charismatic showman, Hulk Hogan, when he was just 26 years old. Sylvester Stallone recently shared this memory on Instagram, alongside a snap from our 1982 collaboration in Rocky III. The news of his passing has left me heartbroken, as Hogan was not only absolutely wonderful to work with but also brought an amazing skill set that made the film incredibly special.
During the 90’s, Bollea featured in various low-cost productions like the holiday comedy “Santa With Muscles” and action movie “The Ultimate Weapon”. He also played a crime-fighting ex-Navy SEAL in the short-lived series “Thunder in Paradise”, and made guest appearances, frequently as himself, on several TV shows such as “Suddenly Susan”, a sitcom headlined by Brooke Shields.
Relax, Hulk,” Shields posted on Instagram along with a photo of them arm wrestling on set in 1999. “This moment and the entire guest episode he starred in was truly special. Sending love to all those close to him today.
Between 2005 and 2009, VH1 broadcasted the reality series “Hogan Knows Best,” which was later followed by its spinoff “Brooke Knows Best.” This show focused on the lives of Bollea, his first wife Linda, their daughters Brooke and Nick.
In 1983, Hulk Hogan tied the knot with Linda Marie Claridge, who later became known as Linda Hogan. They parted ways in 2007. Following this, Hulk Hogan wed makeup artist Jennifer McDaniel in 2010, but their marriage ended in 2021. Most recently, in 2023, he exchanged vows with a yoga instructor named Sky Daily, who is two decades younger than him.
2012 brought significant turmoil to Hulk Hogan’s personal and professional life when a sex tape from 2007 featuring him with Heather Clem, who was then married to radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge Clem, was made public. Notably, Hulk Hogan and Bubba were once considered close friends, with Hulk even serving as best man at Bubba’s wedding in 2007.
Bollee took legal action not only against Bubba but also against Gawker, a media site that posted parts of his private video. This multi-million dollar lawsuit, financially backed by tech tycoon Peter Thiel, ultimately led to the downfall of Gawker and had a significant impact on online privacy. It’s often referred to as Bollea’s “enduring cultural contribution.
Following Bollea’s passing, Bubba expressed his grief and remorse to TMZ, stating, “We had our disagreements, and most of them were my fault. Despite our differences, I valued him as a friend during his lifetime, and I will cherish his memory as a friend in the future.” He also lamented, “I regret not being able to express my apologies for the actions that drove us apart.
In the year 2015, Hulk Hogan found himself embroiled in a racially charged scandal involving a sex tape with Bubba Clem. The tape contained audio where Hogan could be heard repeatedly using a derogatory racial slur and admitting to having racist tendencies. Hogan initially apologized for his choice of words, stating they were incongruous with his personal beliefs. He expressed self-disappointment, while his attorney stated he voluntarily left WWE. However, WWE claimed they had terminated his contract. Subsequently, Hogan re-joined WWE in 2018.
Several prominent Black wrestling figures voiced their support for Bollea, including Dwayne Johnson (also known as “The Rock”), Michael Jones (“Virgil”), Lawrence Tureaud (“Mr. T”), and Elijah Burke (“Da Pope”). They emphasized Bollea’s long-standing contributions to humanity in a positive manner.
Following Bollea’s passing, Burke expressed on X: “I’ll always remember the joy of wrestling alongside someone who significantly influenced my childhood memories.
“Trump-a-mania”
In 2008, Bollea shared with Jimmy Kimmel that until then, no one had asked for his opinion. If he were to express whom he truly supports, he’d pick Obama.
He appears to be the best option, he seems authentic,” Bollea stated. Notably, liberal media outlet The Huffington Post fabricated a political advertisement promoting this endorsement as well.
However, Hulk Hogan’s affection for Barack Obama didn’t endure. In 2011, he expressed his discontentment with the President during an interview with Fox News. “I was a strong supporter of Obama and I believed most of what he promised,” Hogan stated, followed by his disappointment that “not much has been accomplished.
In my own words, I expressed a tad of disappointment when Obama walked into the White House Correspondents’ Dinner that year using my iconic theme song “Real American.” It seems he didn’t even bother to ask for my permission first! Jokingly, I mentioned that I might just make an excellent President myself. Fast forward to 2012, I endorsed Mitt Romney in the presidential race.
In 2015, Hulk Hogan shared a tweet containing a controversial statement about President Obama’s use of a racial slur and kept his job, while losing his own after using the same word. He also expressed interest in becoming Vice President with Donald Trump later that year.
In a reference to his long-standing relationship with Trump that spans over several decades, Bollea delivered an impassioned speech, one Trump might describe as “completely electrifying,” during the Republican National Convention in 2024.
Speaking on stage in Milwaukee, Bollea expressed his preference for avoiding political matters. However, he felt compelled to speak up. He’s there because he wants everyone to understand that Donald Trump is a true American patriot, and he proudly stands behind him as the next President of the United States.
As a die-hard film enthusiast, I tore off my shirt, exposing a bold Trump-Vance tank top, and roared to the crowd: “Unleash the Trump-mania, my friend! Let Trump-mania triumph once more! May Trump-mania bring back America’s glory, Make America Great Again!
Vice President J.D. Vance expressed on X that Hulk Hogan was an influential American figure after his passing. As a child, he was one of the first individuals who Vance admired deeply. In our recent encounter, we had agreed to share beers together when we met again. Sadly, that meeting will now take place in another realm; may you find peace, my friend.
Besides House Speaker Mike Johnson and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, other Republicans paid their respects as well. Johnson described Bollea as someone who was “tall in both physical stature and in the impact he made on life.” DeSantis referred to him as a “significant figure” and a “true Floridian at heart.
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and political commentator, characterized Bollea as an authentic, distinctly American figure. Bravely innovative, imperfect yet undeterred. He possessed the audacity to uphold his personal convictions and never ceased advocating for his nation.
During the peak of Hulkamania, I enthusiastically endorsed Bollea’s “Demands”: dedicate time to training, make prayer part of daily routine, consume necessary vitamins, and most importantly, embrace self-belief.
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2025-07-25 14:08