Hulk Hogan death: From lucky red underwear to Marvel deal - 7 mind-blowing facts about iconic wrestler

Time of India

3 days ago

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died on July 24 at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida. Hogan was more than just a wrestler—he was a cultural icon who reshaped the wrestling industry and remained a pop culture staple for decades. As fans around the world mourn his passing, here are seven incredible and lesser-known facts about the man behind the bandana.
1. He Wasn't Always Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida. Long before the world knew him as a wrestling superstar, he had dreams of making it big in music. He played bass guitar in several rock bands in Florida and even gained some recognition with a local group called 'Ruckus.' His size and charisma caught the attention of wrestling promoters, eventually leading to his transformation into 'Hulk Hogan.' The name was a strategic creation—'Hulk' came after he appeared on a talk show with actor Lou Ferrigno and was noticed to be bigger in size, while 'Hogan' was added by wrestling promoter Vincent J. McMahon to appeal to Irish-American audiences. Interestingly, Hogan did not legally change his name for years and continued to sign documents as Terry Bollea well into his career.
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2. Had A Different Finisher in Japan
While Hulk Hogan is globally known for finishing matches with his famous leg drop, that wasn't always the case—especially during his time wrestling in Japan. In Japanese wrestling promotions, Hogan would often use a move called the 'Axe Bomber,' a clothesline-style maneuver, as his actual finisher, with the leg drop serving only as a setup move. This difference in style highlighted how he adapted his performance based on audience expectations. His Japanese fans even gave him the nickname 'Ichiban,' which means 'Number One,' reflecting the respect he earned overseas for his versatility and showmanship.
3. A Driving Force Behind Wrestling's Global Explosion
Hulk Hogan played a central role in transforming wrestling from a regional attraction into a mainstream global spectacle. He was the face of
WWE
's first WrestleMania in 1985, a high-stakes event that changed how wrestling was marketed and consumed. Hogan's larger-than-life personality, combined with his crossover appeal, helped bring wrestling into American living rooms. A defining moment in his career—and in wrestling history—occurred in 1987 at WrestleMania III, when he bodyslammed the 500-pound André the Giant in front of a record-setting crowd of more than 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome. That moment became symbolic of professional wrestling's evolution into big-ticket entertainment.
4. Helped WCW Beat WWE in Ratings—for Over a Year
After dominating the wrestling world with WWE, Hogan made a surprising move to rival promotion WCW in the 1990s. There, he underwent one of the most shocking character transformations in wrestling history by turning heel—becoming a villain—and forming the New World Order (nWo) alongside Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. Shedding his heroic image, Hogan adopted the 'Hollywood Hogan' persona, complete with black gear and a defiant attitude. This reinvention helped WCW overtake WWE in TV ratings for 83 straight weeks, a feat that reshaped the competitive landscape of wrestling. The nWo storyline remains one of the most influential angles in wrestling history.
5. Marvel Technically Owned His Name for 20 Years
In an unusual business twist, the name 'Hulk Hogan' was tied to a licensing deal with Marvel Comics. As per CinemaBlend, in 1984, WWE and Marvel agreed that Hogan could use the 'Hulk' name, but only under certain conditions. Marvel retained the rights and received 0.009% of all Hulk Hogan-branded merchandise as part of the agreement. The contract also prohibited WWE from using the word 'Incredible' in any of Hogan's branding to avoid confusion with Marvel's character, The Incredible Hulk. The deal lasted for 20 years and is a unique example of how intellectual property shaped Hogan's branding and earnings during his peak.
6. Survived Plane Crashes—and Credited His Underwear
Hogan was known not only for his ring presence but also for his quirky superstitions. One of his most talked-about beliefs was tied to a specific pair of red underwear, which he wore every time he flew. As per a Sportskeeda report, Hogan believed these underwear brought him good luck, and he wore them religiously during air travel. He once credited them with saving his life after surviving not one, but two plane crashes. While it may sound strange, this odd superstition reflects the deep need for control and routine that performers often develop while navigating unpredictable schedules and high-risk lifestyles.
7. Took Down Gawker—and Changed Media Privacy Laws
In 2016, Hogan was at the center of a major legal battle that made headlines across the U.S. He sued Gawker Media after the outlet published an unauthorized and explicit video of him with a friend's wife, claiming a violation of his privacy. The court agreed, awarding Hogan a staggering $140 million in damages. The verdict was so financially damaging that Gawker Media was forced to shut down. The case had wide-ranging implications, sparking national conversations about privacy, consent, and journalistic ethics. It also marked one of the most significant victories for a celebrity in a privacy lawsuit.
Remembering a Wrestling Titan
Hulk Hogan's life was filled with both triumphs and controversies, from breaking attendance records and selling out arenas to dealing with addiction, scandals, and public criticism. Despite the ups and downs, he remained a central figure in American pop culture for over four decades. WWE, in a statement posted on social media, called him one of the most recognizable personalities in pop culture history and credited him with helping the company gain international fame in the 1980s.