Latest news with #RealAmerican
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Hulk Hogan obituary
Hulk Hogan, who has died of a cardiac arrest aged 71, was the most famous personality in the world of wrestling, a flamboyant figure whose deep tan, blond horseshoe moustache, bright bandanas and heavily muscled body were known across the globe, even to those who had little interest in the sport. As the most recognisable face of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the US, Hogan helped to build what had initially been a fairly parochial brand into a hugely lucrative phenomenon, watched on television by millions. Though the wrestling was all fakery, Hogan held the WWF's title belt a number of times across those boom years, including over a four-year stretch in the mid-1980s. Thereafter he largely maintained his dominance, while switching between the WWF and various other competitions over the next two decades. During a typical bout he would soak up blow after blow from his opponent until defeat seemed inevitable, only to suddenly snap into a fury that would turn the encounter around, often finishing things off with a trademark leg drop by bouncing off the rope, leaping into the air and then landing, leg first, on to his foe. Perhaps his most acclaimed performance came during 1987 in the third iteration of wrestling's annual WrestleMania event, in front of 93,000 fans at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, where he won the world heavyweight championship against the 2.24m (7ft 4in), 220kg (35st) André the Giant, who was said to have been unbeaten in the ring for almost 15 years. The bout set pay-per-view television records at the time, and confirmed Hogan's position at the centre of WWF's money-making machine. Hogan was born Terry Bollea, in Augusta, Georgia, the son of Ruth (nee Moody), a dance teacher, and Peter Bollea, a building site foreman. Growing up in Tampa, Florida, where he went to Robinson high school, he first worked as a dockworker while developing his showmanship as a bass guitar player in local rock bands. After a short period at the University of South Florida, he dropped his studies in 1977 to pursue wrestling. Eventually taking the Hulk moniker, after the muscle-bound comic book character The Incredible Hulk, at 2m (6ft 7in) and 137kg (21st) he was certainly built for the name, to which he added the alliterative Hogan in 1979 when he joined the WWF. He came to wider attention in 1982 after a memorable appearance in the film Rocky III as the combative wrestler Thunderlips, who matches Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in a charity fight. Having initially been branded as a bad guy in the ring, by the mid-80s Hogan had been recast by the WWF as the opposite, and he was striding into the ring to the song Real American by Rick Derringer, fighting for national pride against sinister 'foreign' rivals such as the Iron Sheik, nominally representing Iran, and Nikolai Volkoff, supposedly appearing on behalf of the Soviet Union. Soon the US was subject to a long period of 'Hulkamania' as Hogan reached even wider fame, selling out stadium events, commanding massive TV audiences and appearing in further wrestling-related film roles, including in No Holds Barred (1989) and Mr Nanny (1993), while also starring as a mercenary in the television series Thunder in Paradise (1994). He lent his name to video games, a chain of restaurants and a merchandising empire that was turning over $1.7bn by 1991. In 1994, around the time he confessed that he had used steroids, Hogan moved to a new franchise, World Championship Wrestling (WCW), with whom he adopted a more villainous but equally popular persona. He was WCW's star performer for several years until returning to the WWF (by then renamed WWE) in 2002, after which he left and returned several times, wrestling for other entities in between. He was still taking part in occasional bouts into his 60s, but by then was more frequently in the public eye for other reasons, including from 2005 to 2007 in the reality TV series Hogan Knows Best, which looked in on his family life. In 2012 Hogan sued the Gawker website for posting a video of him having sex with a friend's wife, claiming invasion of privacy. Four years later a court awarded him $140m in damages, although he eventually settled for $31m as the website's owners filed for bankruptcy. In 2015 the release of another section of the same video showed him using racist language, for which he apologised unreservedly. In recent years he had been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, and last year he appeared at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, tearing off his top in typical Hulk style to reveal a Trump/Vance shirt underneath. Hogan was married three times and divorced twice. He is survived by his third wife, Sky Daily, two children, Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage, to Linda Claridge, and two grandchildren. Hulk Hogan (Terry Gene Bollea), wrestler, born 11 August 1953; died 24 July 2025
Business Wire
14 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Real American Beer Unveils First Local Legends Honorees
BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Real American Beer announced the first winners of its nationwide Local Legends campaign—a celebration of everyday Americans who show up for their communities with grit, heart, and humility. This announcement carries special meaning. Local Legends was a program Hulk Hogan was deeply passionate about, and one he helped create. As a co-founder of Real American Beer, Hulk believed in honoring real people doing real work—and in using the brand as a platform to lift others up. 'Whether they're first responders, running local businesses, or just lending a hand when no one's looking—these are the people who make America work,' said Hulk Hogan, co-founder of Real American Beer. 'And we're proud to celebrate them the Real American way.' The first honorees include: Matthew Holubik – Tampa, FL A U.S. Navy veteran and Hillsborough County firefighter and paramedic, Matthew Holubik has dedicated his life to protecting others. Known for his quiet strength and unwavering service, Holubik is called 'a real American badass' by those who know him. From serving in uniform to saving lives, Matthew's courage and humility define him as a true Local Legend. For Matthew, being a Real American comes down to this: 'It means showing up for your community—no matter how big or small the act of service may be. It's about doing your part, lending a hand, and standing for something greater than yourself…' Jenny Campbell – Austin, TX A U.S. Air Force veteran, mother of three, sports card collector, and legal assistant, Jenny Campbell is described as 'the goal-setter with a heart of gold.' After enlisting at 32, she now works at a family law firm supporting clients through challenging life moments—and shares her passion through her online card shop, Jenny Marie Sports Cards. Through service, community fundraising, and family-first values, Jenny embodies the spirit of showing up with purpose. When asked what being a Real American means to her, Jenny shared: 'It means honoring your roots, lifting others up, and doing your part—whether that's in uniform, at home, or in your community. It's about showing up even when it's hard and staying true to your values.' 'Last week shook us all and even as we process the loss, honoring and celebrating incredible people like Jenny and Matthew through the Local Legends program reinforces our purpose, carrying on Hulk's mission to bring people together,' said Terri Francis, CEO of Real American Beer. 'We're building a brand rooted in everyday American pride, showing up in real communities with real momentum. The appetite for Real American Beer is only getting louder.' This campaign is part of Real American Beer's broader marketing firepower, which includes being the Official Beer of WWE and title sponsor of the upcoming Real American Freestyle wrestling league, set to premiere exclusively on FOX Nation. With high-impact partnerships and massive brand momentum, Real American Beer is fast becoming the beer of the bold. Real American Beer is continuing to accept nominations on a rolling basis. Winners will be selected throughout the year and recognized in marketing, merch, and more. To nominate a Local Legend in your town, post a photo on Instagram, tag @therealamericanbeer, and use the hashtag #RABLocalLegends along with your city name. Full campaign details are available at Co-founded by WWE legend Hulk Hogan, Real American Beer (RAB) is a premium light beer that's proudly American-made and owned. At 4.2% ABV, with just 110 calories and 4g carbs, RAB is available in 28 states and growing—on a mission to bring people together, one beer at a time. Learn more at and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nashua's Triple H pays tribute to Hulk Hogan after WWE legend dies. What he said.
Famous wrestler and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) executive Triple H spoke out recently after Hulk Hogan's passing. The 71-year-old professional wrestling legend, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died on July 24, 2025, and many public figures have memorialized the late athletic entertainer, including Paul Levesque, the chief content officer of the WWE, also known as Triple H. Levesque, born and raised in Nashua, New Hampshire, made a post on Instagram honoring Bollea's legacy as a WWE superstar. "WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry 'Hulk Hogan' Bollea," Levesque said. Here's what else Levesque said about Bollea. Triple H on Hulk Hogan's passing Levesque, like Bollea, was also a popular wrestler in the WWE and remembered one moment he shared with the departed wrestler in the Instagram post, posting a 2002 photo of himself and Bollea in a wrestling ring as well as a series of photos of Bollea as Hulk Hogan. "He was the archetype of what it meant to be a 'Superstar' - a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world," Levesque said. Bollea was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, the first time in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone as Hulk Hogan, and the second time as "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan as part of the New World Order, a wrestling faction Bollea formed with Kevin Nash and the late Scott Hall. "Hulk Hogan, clad in red and yellow or nWo black and white, was simply put, iconic," Levesque said. "As a Real American or the leader of one of the industry's biggest factions, he transcended and elevated the entire business to heights never before seen - in every country and on every continent." The WWE executive went on to say that his family gives their condolences to the Bollea family as well as friends and fans of the deceased entertainer. Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@ This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Triple H of Nashua, NH honors Hulk Hogan's life after wrestler's death Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hulk Hogan was ‘being run into the ground' before he died with work schedule while dealing with 25 surgeries in 10 years
Hulk Hogan admitted he was struggling with his health in the year before his sudden death Thursday and some of those close to him thought he was taking it too far, The Independent has learned. But others close to him said it was just his way, and that he insisted on being on the road and showing up to meet fans because he was 'running the show'. Jimmy VanderLinden — who goes by "Jimmy Van" online and founded the professional wrestling publication Fightful — alleges he spoke with people close to Hogan who were upset at his heavy work schedule. "People close to Hulk Hogan had told me they weren't happy that his management team was 'running him into the ground,' promoting his beer brand over the last year," VanderLinden wrote in a social media post. The 71-year-old wrestler, whose real name was Terry Bollea, had been promoting Real American Beer, which used his likeness for its branding, in the last few months of his life. The company provided The Independent with the following statement: 'Hulk Hogan wasn't being 'run into the ground' — he was running the show. As the co-founder of Real American Beer, this brand was his vision from day one. He led by example, insisted on being on the road and showed up because he wanted to. Not for money. Not for press. For his fans. He built this for them — and no one was going to stop him from showing up and shaking every hand. That's what being a Real American meant to him.' A spokesperson for Empire Agency, which repped Hogan but had no involvement in Real American Beer or its marketing push, told The Independent they also thought he was pushing too hard before he fell ill. 'We also thought that he was going too far with his health, but we couldn't do anything, because of his deal with the promoter and some other representative dealing with this beer business,' the spokesperson said. Rumors swirled on social media in the weeks before his death that Hogan had health issues. Last month, Todd Clem — otherwise known as "Bubba the Love Sponge," a radio show host with a long and sordid history with Hogan — told his listeners that "allegedly Hogan is in the hospital and I've heard people say that he might not make it." Hogan's management and family denied the claims. The wrestler's wife, Sky Daily, said at the time that he'd only undergone neck surgery. His friend, former WWE personality and longtime in-character manager Jimmy Hart, insisted in a post that Hogan had recently been singing karaoke. The post has now been removed. A spokesperson for Hogan told The Independent last week that Hogan's surgery had "indeed been successful" and that there was "no reason to panic." "He just needs from time to time a medical check up," the spokesperson added. But by July, Clem hadn't changed his tune, warning listeners that "I don't know if we'll ever see Hogan again." On July 21, just days before the WWE icon's death, Clem wrote an update on X, citing people close to Hogan, that the wrestler had been moved from a hospital "to his home in a hospital bed with private doctors." "Transfer was done in secrecy — unmarked ambulances, garage entry, middle of the night," Clem wrote. The Clearwater Police Department said during a brief press conference that Hogan was "experiencing a serious medical related issue" when they arrived. He died after he was transferred to a hospital. Hogan addressed his health when he last September appeared on an episode of fellow WWE star Logan Paul's "Impaulsive" podcast. Hogan noted at the top of the show that he'd been up until 3:30 am the night prior, and mentioned he'd only gotten two hours of sleep another night that week. When asked by Paul's co-host, Mike Majlak, if he needs sleep, Hogan says he does, and noted that when he doesn't get enough sleep, it hurts his back. 'Oh God yeah bro, if I don't man, my back and everything..." Hogan says, implying his back will hurt if he doesn't get enough sleep. He then told the men about all of the surgeries he's needed in the last decade. 'I've had like 25 surgeries in the last ten years. Ten of them were back surgeries,' Hogan told Paul. 'Nobody told me this gimmick stuff was fake. I've had 10 back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything.' Hogan was active in professional wrestling across a number of companies from 1977 to 2012. Despite the staged outcomes, the slams and slaps and chair shots were real, and took a toll on his body. He recalled advice he received from the legendary Andre the Giant about protecting his body in his early career. 'Andre used to tell me, 'Boss, don't fall down. You won't get back up,'' Hogan said. 'It was like a 22-foot boxing ring that had lumps in it, boards sticking up—it was horrible.' Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hulk Hogan death: Former WWE writer says The Hulkster took wrestling from 'a niche market to pop culture'
Hulk Hogan, the biggest name in pro-wrestling, died on July 24 following a cardiac arrest. The 71-year-old icon's death marked the end of an era for the industry. The likes of Ric Flair and CM Punk took to social media to condole his demise. A veteran writer, who worked closely with Hogan during his career, has now reacted to the tragedy and paid tribute the WWE Hall of Famer's legacy Vince Russo says Hulk Hogan 'put wrestling on the map' Vince Russo is a recognisable name in the professional wrestling business. He rose to fame in the 1990s and went on to work with WCW and the WWE. During his time with the now-defunct promotion, he was closely associated with Hulk Hogan. In an exclusive interview with Indiatimes, the writer paid tribute to the late legend and said he 'put wrestling on the map'. Russo also highlighted that it was Hogan who helped the industry gain mainstream attention. 'He brought wrestling into the MAIN STREAM. He took it from a niche market to Pop Culture. In other words---he LITERALLY put wrestling on the map,' he said Pro-wrestling initially followed a territorial system where promoters refrained from putting up shows in markets outside their parent one. This changed when Vince McMahon took over the WWE (then called WWWF) from his father around 1980. He then built the company around Hogan, the face of the promotion. 'The Immortal One' emerged as a cultural icon because of his macho physique, 'pythons' and catchphrases. His 'whatcha gonna do…' catchphrase in particular garnered mainstream attention. His 'Real American' theme song to caught on with the icon. Hogan also appeared in Rocky III, which further added to his popularity, In the 1990s, Hogan was an inseparable part of WCW and and later revitalised the promotion by forming the nWo with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. This would usher in the 'Monday Night Wars' with WWE, which many regard as the golden period of pro wrestling About Hulk Hogan Hulk Hogan feuded with legends such as The Undertaker, Ric Flair, and The Rock during his iconic career. He also had memorable matches against the likes of Warrior and Brock Lesnar, which he lost. The list of Hogan's rivals also includes the likes of Sgt Slaughter, Randy Savage, Goldberg, and of course Andre the Giant. His last televised match for the WWE took place at SummerSlam 2006 where he beat Randy Orton in a competitive match. Hogan his survived by his wife Sky Daily and children (Nick and Brooke). His death has left a void in the industry that will never be filled again. RIP, 'brother'!
