News of Hulk Hogan’s death at the age of 71 has reverberated across the UK and worldwide, reminding us that few figures have ever loomed as large over wrestling and popular culture. Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan’s passing on 24 July 2025 marks the end of a colossal era in sport and entertainment, but his impact continues to be felt both in the ring and beyond.
The Birth of a Legend
Hogan began his journey in Florida’s wrestling scene back in 1977, adopting the Hulk Hogan persona upon joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) two years later. With his striking physique, distinctive handlebar moustache, and outsized charisma, he quickly captured the imagination not only of American audiences but also fans across the UK. British viewers may recall the surge in wrestling’s popularity on Sky TV and national television throughout the 1980s, when Hogan’s presence became a weekly fixture and lunchboxes, action figures, and magazines spread “Hulkamania” nationwide.
Hulkamania Sweeps the UK and the World
On 23 January 1984, Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden, claiming his first WWF Championship and igniting what would soon be marketed as “Hulkamania.” This was not just a steady rise—it was a phenomenon. Through the 1980s and early 1990s, wrestling evolved into mainstream family entertainment and the WWF crossed over into national and international notoriety. The huge crowds, eye-popping storylines and celebrity crossovers—including a memorable tag team event with Mr. T at the inaugural WrestleMania—cemented Hogan as a global icon.
In the UK, young fans and families would gather on Saturday mornings to watch Hogan’s latest battles. Many British wrestling enthusiasts trace their love for the sport back to “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan, whose red-and-yellow ring gear and thunderous theme song became universal symbols of power and resilience.
Financial Success and Enduring Brand
By the late 1980s, Hogan had become one of the highest-paid superstars in entertainment. His earnings from wrestling peaked at $2.5 million per year in the early 1990s, driven by headline events, pay-per-view appearances, and sky-high merchandise sales. Income from an expanding collection of action figures, video games, and even food products like “Hulk Hogan’s Pastamania” all contributed to an enduring fortune.
At the time of his death, Hogan’s net worth was estimated at $25 million, a figure which reflects both the scale of his success and the personal and financial setbacks he later endured. Divorce settlements and lavish spending reduced what at one time had been a £50 million peak. Yet, through continued endorsements, appearances, and royalties, Hogan’s brand stayed strong into the social media age.
Wrestling’s Greatest Showman
Hogan’s career spanned over four decades, with highlights that include six WWE (formerly WWF) championships and two Royal Rumble wins. He headlined an astonishing eight WrestleMania events and built enduring rivalries with fellow legends like Andre the Giant, Ultimate Warrior, and Ric Flair. Hulk Hogan’s 1987 clash with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III drew an audience of over 93,000—the largest indoor live crowd in North American sports history at the time.
His storylines helped define the “Golden Era” of wrestling, and his larger-than-life persona remains the blueprint for every superstar that followed. UK wrestling fans tracked his evolution from all-conquering hero to Hollywood villain in the New World Order (nWo), a character arc that revitalised his career and kept British audiences enthralled during the Monday Night Wars between WWF and WCW.
Crossover Celebrity and Pop Culture Icon
Hulk Hogan’s reach extended beyond wrestling. After a cameo as Thunderlips in Rocky III, he secured lead roles in family comedies, action series and pop culture mainstays. His reality TV series Hogan Knows Best gave a new generation insight into his personal life, while UK tabloids and TV shows regularly covered his latest drama, controversies and comebacks.
Despite enduring controversy—from a high-profile sex tape scandal and the fallout from racist remarks, to legal battles with Gawker Media—Hogan often found ways to return to public favour. His lawsuit victory over Gawker netted him an estimated $10 million payout after legal costs, underscoring the extraordinary highs and lows that marked his journey.
Lasting Influence: The UK and Beyond
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just an American star. In the UK, his presence helped introduce professional wrestling to a mass audience and cultivated lifelong fans. His appearances at London arenas, on ITV and Sky Sports, and at UK wrestling conventions made him a beloved figure to generations. British promoters credit him with paving the way for later global superstars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena.
After semi-retirement, Hogan maintained strong ties to British and European wrestling, including launching the Real American Freestyle league just months before his death. According to league co-founder Chad Bronstein, Hogan saw wrestling as brotherhood—a proving ground for greatness. The RAF league, which had just secured its first major UK broadcaster, pledged to keep Hogan’s legacy central to its mission after his passing.
Tributes and Reflections
The wrestling community responded to Hogan’s death with an outpouring of tributes. John Cena, Triple H, Ric Flair, and other stars have celebrated his influence on their lives and careers. Hogan’s family, including his wife Sky and children Brooke and Nick, continue to reflect on the complexity of his legacy, which includes both triumph and estrangement.
Conclusion
Hulk Hogan’s death closes the book on one of wrestling’s most colourful and influential chapters. For British fans, his journey from hulking newcomer to global superstar remains a benchmark of sporting charisma. Hogan’s voice, image, and larger-than-life presence turned wrestling into an entertainment powerhouse and ensured that the echoes of “Hulkamania” will be heard long into the future. His legacy lives on wherever sports and spectacle meet.
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