Hulk Hogan

Infobox Wrestler
name=Hulk Hogan
names=The Super Destroyer
Sterling Golden
Terry Boulder
Incredible Hulk Hogan
Terry "Hulk" Hogan
Hulk Hogan
Hulk Machine
Immortal Hulk Hogan
Hollywood Hulk Hogan
Hollywood Hogan
Mr. America

Terrance "Terry" Gene Bollea [cite web|url= http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_documents/1207_hogan_3_wm.pdf|title=Hulk Hogan Divorce Papers|accessdate=2007-12-10|publisher=TMZ.com|format=PDF] (born August 11, 1953) better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, is an American actor, and retired professional wrestler. He starred in the VH1 reality show "Hogan Knows Best" and is the co-host of "American Gladiators" on NBC. He currently stars in the reality show Brooke Knows Best

Bollea had mainstream popularity in the mid 1980s through the early 1990s as the all-American, working-class hero character Hulk Hogan in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF—now World Wrestling Entertainment) and was notable in the mid-to-late 1990s as "Hollywood" Hogan, a villainous nWo leader, in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Following WCW's fold, he made a brief return to the WWE in the early 2000s, revising his heroic character by combining elements of his two most famous personas.

Bollea was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and is officially a twelve-time world champion: a six time WWF/E Champion and a six time WCW World Heavyweight Champion as well as a former one time Tag Team Champion with Edge.cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/hulkhogan/titlehistory|title=Hulk Hogan's Title History|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13] He is also the winner of the Royal Rumble in 1990 and 1991.

Childhood

The son of Ruth, a homemaker and dance teacher, and Peter Bollea, a construction foreman, he was raised in Tampa, Florida. As a boy, he was a pitcher in Little League Baseball. He began watching professional events at 16 years old. While in high school, he revered Dusty Rhodes, and he regularly attended cards at the Tampa Sportatorium. It was at one of those wrestling cards where he first turned his attention towards "Superstar" Billy Graham and looked to him for inspiration. [WWE Hall of Fame speech] Hogan was also a skilled musician, spending ten years playing bass guitar in several Florida-based rock bands.cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g1epc/is_bio/ai_2419200552|title=Hulk Hogan|publisher=St. James Encyclopedia of Pop Culture|author=Patrick Jones|accessdate=2007-10-25|year=2002] Many of the wrestlers who competed in the Florida territory at that time visited the bars where Hogan was performing. He then attended the University of South Florida, of which he later dropped out; he spent most of his time at a local gym, where he met pro wrestler Mike Graham, the son of legendary wrestler and National Wrestling Alliance president Eddie Graham. Hogan's physical stature also caught the attention of Jack Brisco and his brother Gerald. Together, they convinced Hogan to try wrestling. Having been a wrestling fan since childhood, Hogan agreed, and in 1976, Mike Graham introduced Hogan to Hiro Matsuda, who was among the sport's top trainers. According to Hogan, during their first training session, Matsuda sarcastically asked him, "So you want to be a wrestler?" and purposely broke Hogan's leg. [cite book|title=Hollywood Hulk Hogan|author=Hulk Hogan|publisher=Simon and Schuster|pages=25|year=2002|isbn=0743475569]

Wrestling career

Early career

Within a year, Matsuda had prepared him for his professional debut, in which Eddie Graham booked him against Brian Blair in Fort Myers, Florida on August 10, 1977. [cite web|url=http://www.oldschool-wrestling.com/geeklog/article.php/20061017223545426|title=Old School Wrestling — Florida results 1977 (August 10)] A short time later, Bollea donned a mask and assumed the persona of "The Super Destroyer," a hooded character first played by Don Jardine and subsequently used by several other wrestlers. A few months later, he joined Louie Tillet's Alabama territory, where he tag teamed with Ed Leslie (later known as Brutus Beefcake) as Terry and Ed Boulder. These early matches as a tag team with the surname Boulder being used by both men prompted a rumor among wrestling fans unaware of the inner workings of the sport that Hogan and Beefcake were brothers, as few people actually knew their real names outside of immediate friends, family, and of course the various promoters the two worked for. During this time, he appeared on a talk show, where he sat beside Lou Ferrigno, star of the television series "The Incredible Hulk". The host commented how Terry, who stood 6 ft 7 in and weighed 295 pounds with 24 inch biceps, actually dwarfed "the Hulk." As a result, Bollea began performing as Terry "The Hulk" Boulder and sometimes wrestled as Sterling Golden.

In May 1979, Bollea had an early shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, whose holder was at the time generally recognized as the industry's best. In June 1979, Bollea won his first wrestling championship, the NWA Southeast Heavyweight Championship, recognized in Alabama and Tennessee when he defeated Ox Baker.

World Wrestling Federation (1979-1980)

Later that year, former NWA World Champion Terry Funk introduced Bollea to World Wrestling Federation (WWF) chief Vincent J. McMahon, who was impressed with his charisma and physical stature. McMahon gave Bollea the last name Hogan, as he was obsessed with using Irish names. [Fifteen Greatest Superstars of the '80s DVD] At this time, Hogan wrestled Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship, [cite web|title=WWF Show Results 1980|work=Angelfire|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/80.htm|accessdate=2007-02-27|year=1980] and he started his first big feud with André the Giant, which culminated in a match with André at Shea Stadium. [cite web|title=WWF Show Results 1980|work=Angelfire|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/80.htm|accessdate=2008-02-27|year=1980|date=August 9] Hulk Hogan claims in his autobiography that he and André the Giant were the reason for the Shea gate. However, Sammartino/Zbyszko sold out everywhere they wrestled leading up the show. Hogan and Andre wrestled in White Plains, New York, drawing 1,200 in a building that held 3,500 as the main event before they wrestled at Shea.

American Wrestling Association (1981–1983)

After filming his scene for "Rocky III", against McMahon's wishes, Hogan made his debut in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), owned by Verne Gagne. Hogan started his AWA run as a heel, taking on "Luscious" Johnny Valiant as his manager, but AWA audiences loved the muscular and more charismatic Hogan, and soon the AWA's bookers were compelled to turn Hogan face. Using "Eye of the Tiger" as his theme music, Hogan soon became the promotion's top babyface, and throughout 1983, he engaged in a big feud against AWA World Champion Nick Bockwinkel and his manager Bobby Heenan. Gagne, however, continued to tease the AWA audience by booking numerous screwjobs meant to keep the championship with Bockwinkel, who was a veteran of the territory and had assumed the mantle of the organization's centerpiece following Gagne's retirement from active competition. Because Hogan was not an "old school" technical wrestler, Gagne would not let him be champion. On several occasions, Hogan defeated Bockwinkel to win the title, only to have the decision later reversed. [ [http://www.wrestleinfo.com/Page35.html] ] This practice increasingly drew the ire of the fans, so much so that on one occasion, according to Hogan's autobiography and other books, one crowd nearly rioted until Hogan himself calmed the audience down.Fact|date=August 2008 Hogan himself also began to grow frustrated with Verne Gagne's unwillingness to give Hogan a larger share of his merchandise sales. Eventually, Gagne was finally ready to book Hogan to win the AWA title; however, according to Hogan, Gagne wanted a piece of the large money Hogan was making from his frequent trips to Japan, more control over the bookings that Hogan took overseas. Hogan refused flatly, saying he didn't need the AWA title at that point. Also according to Hogan in his autobiography, Verne wanted Hogan to be brought into the family by marriage before handing the AWA title over to him. Hogan, unwilling to give up his life as a bachelor just for the world title of the AWA, continued to turn down the belt. Shortly after these attempts to woo Hogan into giving Gagne more of a share of his profits and booking in Japan and attempts to bring him into the Gagne family, Hogan was lured back to the Northeast by Vince McMahon Jr., who had just recently purchased the WWF from his ailing father.

Over twenty years later, just prior to Hulk Hogan's WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2005, the revived AWA, under the authority of owner Dale Gagne (real last name: Gagner), relented and acknowledged the legitimacy of Hogan's two title wins over Nick Bockwinkel, making him a two-time AWA champion. [ [http://www.awastars.com/hogan.html awastars.com] - "AWA World Champion: HOLLYWOOD HULK HOGAN!! By Sean Bush"] This resolution, however, has been regarded as apocryphal to most as the resurrected AWA is generally regarded as an entirely different body than the Verne Gagne-owned AWA of old. As recently as the release of the DVD "The Spectacular Legacy of the AWA", interviews between Hogan and the Gagnes show that there is still animosity between both parties, indicating the unlikelihood Hogan's AWA title reign would have been retroactively instated under the original ownership. The WWE also sought legal action against Dale Gagne, due to alleged trademark infringement, which calls Gagne's claims to ownership of the AWA into doubt, and as such may render the resolution moot, as the WWE only recognizes twelve American world titles being attributed to Hulk Hogan, and the AWA World Title is not among that number.

New Japan Pro Wrestling (1980–1983)

A great deal of Hogan's early success was achieved in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Japanese wrestling fans were in awe of the gargantuan blond American and nicknamed him "Ichiban" (which translates to "Number One"). Hogan first appeared in Japan on May 13, 1980, while he was still with the WWF. He toured the country from time to time over the next few years, facing a wide variety of opponents ranging from Tatsumi Fujinami to Abdullah the Butcher. When competing in Japan, Hogan used a vastly different repertoire of wrestling moves, relying on more technical, traditional wrestling holds and maneuvers as opposed to the power-based, brawling style U.S. fans became accustomed to seeing from him. Another difference is that Hogan used a running forearm lariat (called the "Axe Bomber") as his finisher in Japan, as opposed to the running leg drop that has been his traditional finisher in America. On June 2, 1983, Hogan became the first International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) tournament winner, defeating Japanese wrestling icon Antonio Inoki by knockout in the finals of a 10-man tournament featuring top talent from throughout the world. Hogan and Inoki also worked as partners in Japan, winning the prestigious MSG Tag League tournament two years in a row: in 1982 and 1983. Hogan's popularity in Japan was so great, he even recorded an album there—a forerunner to the World Wrestling Federation's "Rock 'n' Wrestling" of the mid 1980s.

World Wrestling Federation,first run; (1983–1993)

Birth of Hulkamania

After purchasing the World Wrestling Federation with his father in 1982. Vincent.K. McMahon had plans to expand the territory into a nationwide promotion, and he handpicked Hulk Hogan to be the company's showpiece attraction due to his charisma and name recognition. Hogan made his return to the WWF at a television taping in St. Louis, Missouri on December 27, 1983 defeating Bill Dixon. [cite web|title=WWF Show Results 1983|work=Angelfire|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/83.htm|accessdate=2008-02-27|year=1983|date=December 27] Initially, Hogan was a heel, allied with veteran wrestler-turned-manager "Classy" Freddie Blassie; however, this was short-lived.

On January 7, 1984 edition of "Championship Wrestling", Hogan saved Bob Backlund from a three-way assault. [cite web|title=WWF Show Results 1984|work=Angelfire|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/84.htm|accessdate=2008-02-27|year=1984|date=January 7] Hogan's turn was explained simply by Backlund: "He's changed his ways. He's a great man. He's told me he's not gonna have Blassie around". The storyline shortcut was necessary because less than three weeks later on January 23, Hogan won his first WWF Championship, pinning The Iron Sheik (who had Blassie in his corner) in Madison Square Garden. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454120|title=Hulk Hogan's first WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12] The storyline accompanying the victory was that Hogan was a "last minute" replacement for the Sheik's original opponent Bob Backlund, and became the champion by way of being the first man to escape the camel clutch (the Iron Sheik's signature move).cite web|title=WWF Show Results 1984|work=Angelfire|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/84.htm|accessdate=2008-02-27|year=1984|date=January 23]

Immediately after the title win, commentator Gorilla Monsoon officially proclaimed "Hulkamania is here!" Hogan frequently referred to his fans as "Hulkamaniacs" in his interviews and introduced his three "demandments": training, saying prayers, and eating vitamins. Eventually, a fourth demandment (believing in oneself) was added following his feud with Earthquake in the 1990s. Hogan's ring gear developed a characteristic yellow-and-red color scheme; his ring entrances involved him ritualistically ripping his shirt off his body, flexing, and listening for audience cheers in an exaggerated manner. The majority of Hogan's matches during this time involved him wrestling heels who had been booked as unstoppable monsters, using a format which became near-routine: Hogan would deliver steady offense, but eventually lose momentum, seemingly nearing defeat. He would then experience a sudden second wind, fighting back while "feeding" off the energy of the audience, becoming impervious to attack—a process described as "hulking up". His signature maneuvers, the big boot and Atomic Leg Drop, would follow and ensure him a victory.

Over the next year, Hulk Hogan became the face of pro wrestling as McMahon pushed the WWF into a pop culture enterprise with the The Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection on MTV, drawing record houses, pay-per-view buyrates, and television ratings in the process. The centerpiece attraction for the first WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, Hogan teamed with real-life friend Mr. T to defeat his archrival "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm1/results/|title=WrestleMania I official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|year=1985|date=March 31] [cite web|title="Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff & "Rowdy" Roddy Piper w/ Cowboy Bob Orton vs. Hulk Hogan & Mr. T w/ "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka|work=WWE|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm1/mainevent1/|accessdate=2008-02-27|year=1985|date=March 31] On the first-ever edition of "Saturday Night's Main Event", Hogan successfully defended the WWF title against Cowboy Bob Orton in a match which Hogan won by disqualification. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/may111985|title=Saturday Night's Main Event I results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|date=May 11, 1985]

In the process, Hogan was portrayed as a real-life superhero while reaching out to young fans. The consummate role model, he was named the most requested celebrity of the 1980s for the Make-a-Wish Foundation children's charity. As a result, Hogan transformed the business into a sports entertainment spectacle that appealed to prime-time audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Never before had the industry seen anything like Hulkamania, as Hulk Hogan action figures and T-shirts began turning up in malls across the nation. Moreover, Hogan was featured on the covers of "Sports Illustrated", "TV Guide", and "People" magazines, while also appearing on "The Tonight Show" and having his own CBS Saturday morning cartoon titled "Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling". Hogan went on to headline eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, and he also co-hosted "Saturday Night Live" on March 30, 1985 during this lucrative run. Hogan also owned another money-making machine in the early 1990s; AT&T reported that his 900 number information line was the single biggest 900 number in the industry from 1991 to 1993. Hogan operated the 900 number through his stint in WWF and then recreated it when he joined World Championship Wrestling. [cite web|url=http://www.reference.com/search?q=900%20number|title=Hulk Hogan Divorce Papers|accessdate=2007-12-10|publisher=TMZ.com]

WWF Champion (1984–1988)

On the October 5, 1985 edition of "Saturday Night's Main Event", he successfully defended the title against Nikolai Volkoff in a flag match. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/oct051985|title=Saturday Night's Main Event II results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|date=October 5, 1985] He met long-time rival Roddy Piper in a WWF title match at the historic Wrestling Classic pay-per-view (PPV) event. Hogan retained the title by disqualification after Bob Orton interfered and hit Hogan with his cast. [cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/85.htm|title=WWF Show Results 1985|publisher=Angelfire|accessdate=2008-04-12|year=1985|date=November 7] Hogan had many challengers in the way as the new year began. Throughout 1986, Hogan made successful title defenses against challengers such as Terry Funk, [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/jan041986|title=Saturday Night's Main Event IV results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|year=1986|date=January 4] "The Magnificient" Don Muraco, [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/march011986|title=Saturday Night's Main Event V results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|date=March 1, 1986] King Kong Bundy (in a steel cage match at WrestleMania 2), [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm2/results/|title=WrestleMania 2 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|date=April 2, 1986] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm2/mainevent/|title=King Kong Bundy vs. Hulk Hogan - WWE Championship Steel Cage Match|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|year=1986|date=April 2] Paul Orndorff, [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/oct041986|title=Saturday Night's Main Event VII results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|year=1986|date=October 4] and Hercules Hernandez. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/nov291986|title=Saturday Night's Main Event VIII results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|date=November 29, 1986]

In the fall of 1986, Hogan occasionally wrestled in tag matches with The Machines as Hulk Machine under a mask copied from New Japan Pro Wrestling gimmick "Super Strong Machine." [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/machines.html|title=The Machines Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-12] [cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/86.htm|title=WWF Show Results 1986| accessdate=2007-07-01|author=Graham Cawthon|date=September 16, 1986] At WrestleMania III in 1987, Hogan was booked to defend the title against André the Giant, who had been the sport's premier star and was pushed as undefeated for the previous two decades. A new storyline was introduced in early 1987; Hogan was presented a trophy for being the WWF Champion for three consecutive years.cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/ruggedroadstomania/roadstomania1|title=The Big One|last=McAvennie|first=Mike|date=March 30, 2007|accessdate=2007-10-19|publisher=WWE] André the Giant, a good friend came out to congratulate him.cite book|title=Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s|last=Shields|first=Brian|publisher=Simon and Schuster|year=2006|isbn=1416532579|pages=p.38] Shortly afterwards, André was presented a slightly smaller trophy for being "undefeated in the WWF for 15 years." Hogan came out to congratulate André, who walked out in the midst of Hogan's speech. Then, on an edition of "Piper's Pit", Hogan was confronted by Bobby Heenan, who announced that André was his new protégé, and Andre challenged Hogan to a title match at WrestleMania III.cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_4_4/ai_94123536|title=The main events: ladies and gentlemen, may we present the 25 most memorable matches in the last 25 years|last=Eck|first=Kevin|publisher=Wrestling Digest|accessdate=2007-10-14|month=December | year=2002] [cite web|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania20/WrestleMania3.html|title=Steamboat - Savage rule WrestleMania 3|last=Powell|first=John|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=2007-10-14] cite book|title=Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s|first=Brian|last=Shields|publisher= Simon and Schuster|pages=p.26|year=2006|isbn=1416532579] At WrestleMania III, Hogan successfully defended the WWF World Heavyweight Championship against André the Giant. During the match, Hogan bodyslammed the 520-pound Frenchman and won the match after executing a scoop slam and a leg drop. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm3/results/|title=WrestleMania III official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|year=1987|date=March 29] cite book|title=The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling|last=Loverro|first=Thom|publisher=Simon and Schuster|year=2006|isbn=1416510583]

Hogan remained WWF Champion for four years and 13 days (1,474 days). [cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/thist/world.html|title=WWE World Heavyweight Championship History|work=Complete WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12] He became the third longest reigning WWF Champion in the process, only after Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund. In front of 33 million viewers, however, Hogan finally lost the belt to André on the February 5 edition of "The Main Event" after a convoluted scam involving "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase and "evil" twin referee Earl Hebner (in place of the match's appointed arbiter, his twin brother Dave Hebner). After André delivered a belly to belly suplex on Hogan, Hebner counted the pin while Hogan's left shoulder was clearly off the mat.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/880205.html|title=The Main Event results - February 5, 1988|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-12] After the match, André handed the title over to DiBiase to complete their storyline business deal. As a result, the WWF Championship was vacated for the first time in its 25-year history. At WrestleMania IV, Hogan participated in a tournament for the vacant WWF title to regain it and faced André in the tournament quarter-finals but their match resulted in a double disqualification. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm4/results/|title=WrestleMania IV official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|year=1988|date=March 27] Later that night in the main event, Hogan interfered and helped his on/off friend "Macho Man" Randy Savage in beating Ted DiBiase to win the vacant WWF title. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm4/mainevent/|title=Randy "Macho Man" Savage vs. "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase - WWE Championship Tournament Finals|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|year=1988|date=March 27] The relationship between the two would lead to the main event of the following WrestleMania.

Together, Hogan, Savage, and manager Miss Elizabeth formed a partnership known as The Mega Powers.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mega-powers.html|title=Mega Powers Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-12] After Savage became WWF Champion at WrestleMania IV, they feuded with The Mega Bucks (Ted DiBiase and André the Giant), and defeated them at the main event of the first-ever SummerSlam. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1988/results/|title=SummerSlam 1988 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|year=1988|date=August 29] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1988/mainevent1/|title=Hulk Hogan & "Macho Man" Randy Savage w/ Elizabeth vs. "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase & André the Giant w/ Virgil and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-12|year=1988|date=August 29] The Mega Powers, however, soon imploded from within in 1989, due to Savage's burgeoning jealousy of Hogan and his paranoid suspicions that Hogan and Elizabeth were "more than friends." This all started at Royal Rumble 1989, when Hogan accidentally eliminated Savage from the Royal Rumble match.cite web|url=http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/hogan.html|title=Hulk Hogan's Bio|work=Accelerator's Wrestling Rollercoaster|accessdate=2008-04-13] They began a feud with The Twin Towers, and defeated them on the February 3, 1989 edition of "The Main Event", but with controversy. During the match, Savage collided with Miss Elizabeth when he was thrown through the ropes to the floor. Hogan took her backstage to receive medical attention, thus abandoning Savage. He quickly returned to the ring but Savage slapped and turned on Hogan by leaving the ring. Hogan later won the match by himself.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/890203.html|title=The Main Event results - February 3, 1989|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-13] After the match, Savage attacked Hogan backstage and the Mega Powers exploded, which started a feud between the two. Their feud culminated in Hogan beating Savage for his second WWF Championship at WrestleMania V. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm5/results/|title=WrestleMania V official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=April 2, 1989] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm5/mainevent/|title=Hulk Hogan vs. Randy "Macho Man" Savage - WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=April 2, 1989] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454126|title=Hulk Hogan's second WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13]

econd reign as WWF Champion (1989–1993)

Hogan's second run lasted a year, during which time he starred in the movie "No Holds Barred". The film was the inspiration of a feud with Hogan's co-star Tom Lister, Jr., who appeared at wrestling events as his movie character, Zeus. Zeus was a monster heel who was "jealous" over Hogan's higher billing and wanted revenge. Hogan, however, was easily able to defeat Zeus in a series of matches across the country during late 1989, beginning with a tag team match at SummerSlam 1989, in which Hogan and Brutus Beefcake topped Zeus and Savage.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/hulkbrutus.html|title=Mega-Maniacs Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-13] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1989/results/|title=SummerSlam 1989 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=August 28, 1989] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1989/mainevent/|title=Hulk Hogan & Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake w/ Elizabeth vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage & Zeus w/ Sensational Sherri|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=August 28, 1989] Hogan and Beefcake defeated Zeus and Savage in a rematch at the No Holds Barred PPV to end the feud. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1980s.html#nhb|title=No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=December 27, 1989]

Also during his second run, Hogan won the 1990 Royal Rumble match. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881151/results/|title=Royal Rumble 1990 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=January 21, 1990] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881151/mainevent/|title=Hulk Hogan (spot No. 25) wins the Royal Rumble Match|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=January 21, 1990] He dropped the title to Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior in a title vs. title match at WrestleMania VI. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm6/results/|title=WrestleMania VI official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=April 1, 1990] cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm6/mainevent/|title=Ultimate Warrior vs. Hulk Hogan - Intercontinental and WWE Championship Match|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=April 1, 1990] It was the first time in over seven years that Hogan suffered a defeat with a clean finish.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/hulk-hogan.html|title=Hulk Hogan's Profile|accessdate=2007-12-10|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] This title match was unique because the two wrestlers were both faces, and Hogan graciously handed Warrior the belt and hugged him at the conclusion of the match.

Hogan soon became embroiled in a heated feud with the 468-pound Earthquake, who gained infamy by crushing Hogan's ribs in a sneak attack on "The Brother Love Show" in May 1990. On television, announcers explained that Hogan's injuries and his WrestleMania VI loss to The Ultimate Warrior both took such a huge toll on his fighting spirit that he wanted to retire. Viewers were asked to write letters to Hogan and send postcards asking for his return (they got a postcard-sized picture in return, autographed by Hogan, as a "thank-you"). Hogan returned by SummerSlam 1990 and for several months, dominated Earthquake in a series of matches across the country. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1990/results/|title=SummerSlam 1990 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=August 27, 1990] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1990/mainevent/|title=Hulk Hogan w/ Big Bossman vs. Earthquake w/ Jimmy Hart and Dino Bravo|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=August 27, 1990] His defeat of this overwhelmingly large foe caused Hogan to add a fourth demandment: believing in yourself. He would also be known as "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan.

Hogan became the first wrestler to win two Royal Rumble matches in a row, as he won the 1991 Royal Rumble match. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988116/results/|title=Royal Rumble 1991 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=January 19, 1991] cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988116/mainevent/|title=Hulk Hogan (spot No. 24) wins the Royal Rumble Match|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=January 19, 1991] At WrestleMania VII, Hogan stood up for the USA against Iraqi-sympathizer Sgt. Slaughter, defeating him for his third WWF Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm7/results/|title=WrestleMania VII official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=March 24, 1991] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm7/mainevent/|title=Hollywood Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter - WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=March 24, 1991] Hogan started a feud with The Undertaker in the fall of 1991 and lost the WWF title to Undertaker at Survivor Series due to interference from Ric Flair. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1991/results|title=Survivor Series 1991 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=November 27, 1991] cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1991/mainevent/|title=Undertaker def. Hulk Hogan to become new WWE Champion|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=November 27, 1991] Just six days later, Hogan regained the title in a match held on a special pay-per-view named This Tuesday in Texas, beginning his fourth WWF Championship reign but due to the controversy surrounding the end of both matches, the title was again declared vacant.cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454136|title=Hulk Hogan's fourth WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13]

The WWF Championship was decided at Royal Rumble 1992 in the Royal Rumble match. Hogan was eliminated by storyline friend Sid Justice and failed to regain the championship. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881152//mainevent/|title=Ric Flair (spot No. 3) wins the Royal Rumble Match to become new WWE Champion|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=January 19, 1992] The two patched things up and teamed up together on the February 8, 1992 edition of "Saturday Night's Main Event" against the new WWF Champion Ric Flair and The Undertaker. Sid turned heel by abandoning Hogan but Flair slapped the referee, which gave Hogan and Sid a disqualification victory. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/feb081992|title=Saturday Night's Main Event XXX results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=February 8, 1992] This began a feud between Hogan and Sid. In the ensuing months, Hulk Hogan announced he was contemplating retirement from wrestling and would "bow out" after his match against Sid at WrestleMania VIII. Hogan eventually won the match via disqualification due to interference by Sid's manager Harvey Wippleman. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm8/results/|title=WrestleMania VIII official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=April 5, 1992] cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm8/mainevent/|title=Sycho Sid vs. Hulk Hogan|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-13|date=April 5, 1992] Hogan was then attacked by Papa Shango (who was scripted to cause the disqualification, but arrived too late) and was saved by the returning Ultimate Warrior.

Hogan returned to the WWF in January 1993, helping out his friend Brutus Beefcake in his feud with Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster) and officially renamed themselves The Mega-Maniacs. At WrestleMania IX, Hogan and Beefcake took on Money Inc. for the WWF Tag Team Championship but ended up losing the match by disqualification.cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm9/results/|title=WrestleMania IX official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=April 4, 1993] Later that night, Hogan won his fifth WWF Championship by pinning Yokozuna only moments after Yokozuna's defeat of Bret Hart. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm9/mainevent/|title=Yokozuna vs. Bret "Hit Man" Hart - WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=April 4, 1993] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454131|title=Hulk Hogan's fifth WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-14] At the first annual King of the Ring pay-per-view on June 13, 1993, Hogan defended the championship against the former champion, Yokozuna, in his first title defense since defeating Yokozuna at WrestleMania IX. During the course of the match, Yokozuna kicked out of Hogan's signature leg drop. The hard-fought bout came to its close when a "Japanese photographer" (actually a disguised Harvey Wippleman) got on the apron and distracted Hogan, before shooting some sort of fireball out of the camera and into Hogan's face. This was followed by Yokozuna hitting a leg drop on Hogan for the pin. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html|title=King of the Ring 1993 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=June 13, 1993] After his victory, Yokozuna proceeded to give Hogan a Banzai Drop amidst the crying children and cursing adults. As Yokozuna celebrated, Hogan was helped back to the locker room by ringside officials as he clutched his face. Hulkamania had seemingly taken its final breath. This would be Hogan's last WWF pay-per-view appearance until 2002, as both he and Jimmy Hart were preparing to leave the promotion. Hogan would continue his feud on the house show circuit with Yokozuna until August 1993. After that, Hogan would sit out the rest of his contract which expired later that year.

In 1994, a steroids scandal threatened the WWF, and Hogan testified in court that he had used steroids over a period of 12 years "to get big" and had also introduced WWF Chairman Vince McMahon to steroids during the filming of "No Holds Barred". Both men also had Pennsylvania doctor George Zahorian send steroids to WWF's corporate office via FedEx. Hogan, however, never accused McMahon of distributing steroids himself, but Hogan also testified that steroid use was rampant in the WWF. His testimony may have kept McMahon out of prison, but it hurt both Hogan and the WWF's public image.

World Championship Wrestling (1994–2000)

Early run (1994–1996)

After Hogan left the WWF in the summer of 1993, he decided to take a few months off from wrestling to concentrate on movies, television, and his family. In June 1994, Hogan signed with Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and began appearing on television the next month. Hogan won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in his debut match, defeating Ric Flair in a 'dream' match at Bash at the Beach. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411021|title=Hulk Hogan's first WCW Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-14] After overcoming the likes of Flair, [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#94|title=Halloween Havoc 1994 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=October 23, 1994] The Butcher (former partner Brutus Beefcake), [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#94|title=Starrcade 1994: Triple Threat results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=December 27, 1994] Vader, [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#94|title=SuperBrawl V results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=February 19, 1995] [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#95|title=Uncensored 1995 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=March 19, 1995] [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#95|title=Bash at the Beach 1995 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=July 16, 1995|] and the Dungeon of Doom [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#95|title=Fall Brawl 1995: WarGames results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=September 17, 1995] for the next eighteen months, Hogan dropped the belt to The Giant at Halloween Havoc 1995 via DQ. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#95|title=Halloween Havoc 1995 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=October 29, 1995] Following the controversial loss (which was due to a "contract clause"), the WCW title became vacant.

In early 1996, Hogan feuded with The Giant [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#VI|title=SuperBrawl VI results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=February 11, 1996] and with the Alliance to End Hulkamania. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#96|title=Uncensored 1996 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=March 24, 1996] After coming out victorious from his feuds, Hogan began to only appear occasionally on WCW programming. It was also around this time, WCW fans began to grow tired of seeing Hogan's "red-and-yellow good guy" persona they had seen for ten years in the WWF. This led to one of the most talked about moments in wrestling history in the summer of 1996. During a six man tag team match at Bash at the Beach, Hulk Hogan interfered on behalf of The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall), attacking babyface Randy Savage. This action caused Hogan to turn heel for the first time in over ten years.cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/wcw96.htm|title=WCW Show Results 1996|publisher=Angelfire|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=July 7, 1996] After the match, Hogan delivered a now-infamous promo, accosting the fans and WCW for underappreciating his talent and drawing power. This culminated with Hogan's announcement of the formation of a "New World Order of Wrestling" This statement gave the trio it's iconic name: The new World order (nWo).

New World Order (1996–1998)

This would come to fruition, as the stable, known officially as the New World Order (nWo), would gain prominence in the coming weeks and months.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/n/nwo-original.html|title=new World order (nWo) Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-14] Hogan grew a beard alongside his famous mustache and dyed it black, traded his red and yellow garb in for black clothing, renamed himself Hollywood Hogan, and returned to WCW programming eight days after his heel turn.

Hogan won his second WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Hog Wild, defeating The Giant for the title. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#96|title=Hog Wild results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=August 10, 1996] cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411038|title=Hulk Hogan's second WCW Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-14] He spray painted a black "nWo" across the title belt, scribbled across the nameplate, and referred to the title as the "nWo title" during this and any other time he held the title while in the nWo. Hogan then started a feud with Lex Luger after Luger and The Giant defeated Hogan and Dennis Rodman in a tag team match at Bash at the Beach 1997. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#95|title=Halloween Havoc 1995 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=October 29, 1995]

On the August 4, 1997 edition of "Nitro", Hogan lost the WCW title to Luger by submission via Luger's Torture Rack submission finisher. [cite web|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/19970804.htm|title=WCW Monday Night Nitro - Monday 08/04/97|publisher=DDT Digest|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=August 4, 1997] Five days later, at Road Wild, Hogan defeated Luger to regain the WCW title and begin his third WCW World Heavyweight Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#97|title=Road Wild 1997 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=August 9, 1997] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/3044541108|title=Hulk Hogan's third WCW Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-14] Hogan then lost the belt to Sting in a hugely-hyped, eighteen-months-in-the-making match at Starrcade. In the match, WCW's newly-contracted Bret Hart accused referee Nick Patrick of fast-counting a victory for Hogan and had the match restarted—with himself as referee. Sting later won by submission. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#97|title=Starrcade 1997 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=December 28, 1997] After a rematch the following night, where Sting controversially retained the title, the WCW Championship became vacant. Sting then went on to win the vacant title against Hogan at SuperBrawl VIII. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#VIII|title=SuperBrawl VIII results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=February 22, 1998]

Hogan then developed a rivalry with former friend (and recent nWo recruit) Randy Savage, who had just cost Hogan the title match at SuperBrawl by hitting him with a spray can. The heat culminated in a steel cage match at Uncensored 1998, which ended in a no contest. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#98|title=Uncensored 1998 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=March 15, 1998] Savage took the World Championship from Sting at Spring Stampede 1998, while Hogan teamed with Kevin Nash to take on Roddy Piper and The Giant in the first-ever Bat match. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/stampede.html#98|title=Spring Stampede 1998 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-14|date=April 19, 1998] Marking the breakup of the original nWo, Hogan betrayed Nash by hitting him with the bat and then challenged Savage the following night for his championship. In the no disqualification match for Savage's newly won title, Nash entered the ring and powerbombed Hogan as retribution for the attack the previous night, and Bret Hart turned heel by jumping in to attack Savage and preserve the victory for Hogan, who regained his fourth WCW World Heavyweight Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998043m.htm|title=WCW Monday Nitro, Monday, 04/20/98|publisher=DDT Digest|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=April 20, 1998] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411024|title=Hulk Hogan's fourth WCW Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16] Hogan defended the title until July of that year, when WCW booked him in a match against newcomer and then WCW United States Champion Bill Goldberg, who had yet to lose a match in the company. After a final bit of interference by Curt Hennig was thwarted by Karl Malone at ringside, Goldberg was able to perform a spear and a jackhammer on a distracted Hogan, pinning him to gain his first and only WCW World Heavyweight Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998072m.htm|title=WCW Monday Nitro - Monday, 07/06/98|publisher=DDT Digest|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=July 6, 1998]

Hogan spent the rest of 1998 wrestling celebrity matches. His second tag team match with Dennis Rodman pitted them against Diamond Dallas Page and Karl Malone at Bash at the Beach 1998 [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#98|title=Bash at the BEach 1998 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=July 12, 1998] and at Road Wild 1998, he and Bischoff lost to Page and Jay Leno thanks to interference from Kevin Eubanks, who leveled Bischoff with a Diamond Cutter. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#98|title=Road Wild 1998 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=August 8, 1998] Hogan also had a highly hyped rematch with Warrior at Halloween Havoc 1998, where his nephew Horace aided his victory. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#98|title=Halloween Havoc 1998 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=October 25, 1998] On the Thanksgiving episode of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", Hogan officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling, as well as his candidacy for President of the United States.cite web|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/nov27_hogan.html|title=Hollywood Hogan retires|author=John Powell|publisher=SLAM! Sports|accessdate=2007-10-24|date=November 27, 1998] Campaign footage aired on "Nitro" of Hogan and Bischoff holding a press conference, making it appear legitimate. In the long run, however, both announcements were false and merely done as a publicity stunt attempting to draw some of the hype of Jesse Ventura's Minnesota gubernatorial win back to him.

After some time off from WCW, a still "retired" Hogan returned on the January 4, 1999 edition of "Nitro" to challenge Kevin Nash for the WCW title. He controversially regained his fifth WCW World Heavyweight Championship in what was later dubbed the Fingerpoke of Doom. [cite web|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999011m.htm|title=WCW Monday Nitro - Monday, 01/04/99|publisher=DDT Digest|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=January 4, 1999] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411037|title=Hulk Hogan's fifth WCW Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16] This reformed the divided nWo branches—nWo Hollywood and nWo Wolfpac—which began feuding with Bill Goldberg and The Four Horsemen.

Conflicts with Russo (1999–2000)

He then lost the title to Ric Flair at Uncensored 1999 in a Steel Cage First Blood match. A heavily bleeding Flair won via pinfall thanks to biased referee Charles Robinson. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#99|title=Uncensored 1999 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=March 14, 1999] During that match, however, Hogan began to show some signs that a face turn was imminent, showing off some old tactics like his "Hulking up" no-sell. On the July 12 edition of "Nitro", Hogan made his grand return as a full-fledged face and accepted a challenge from Savage, who had gained the world title at Bash at the Beach 1999 the night before. Thanks to interference from Nash, who had lost the title to Savage, Hogan defeated Savage to win his sixth and final WCW World Heavyweight Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999072m.htm|title=WCW Monday Nitro - Monday, 07/12/99|publisher=DDT Digest|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=July 12, 1999] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/304454110315|title=Hulk Hogan's sixth WCW Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16]

On August 9, 1999, he started the night dressed in the typical black and white, but after a backstage scene with his son, Hogan came out dressed in the traditional red and yellow for his main-event 6-man tag team match. Injuries and frustrations were mounting up however, and he was absent from television from October 1999 to February 2000. In his book "Hollywood Hulk Hogan", Bollea said that he was asked to take time off by newly hired head of creative booker Vince Russo and was not told when he would be brought back at the time. Despite some reservations, he agreed to do so. On October 24 at Halloween Havoc, Hogan was to face Sting for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship (which he had lost to Sting at Fall Brawl the previous month, when Sting beat Hogan by cheating and had turned heel in the process). [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#99|title=Fall Brawl 1999 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=September 12, 1999] Hogan, however, came to the ring in street clothes, laid down for the pin, and left the ring. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#99|title=Halloween Havoc 1999 results|publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=October 24, 1999]

Soon after his return in February 2000, at Bash at the Beach, Hogan was involved in a controversial, real-life incident with Vince Russo. Hogan was scheduled to wrestle Jeff Jarrett for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. [cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20000716/ai_n13870868|title=No more Hulkamania? No way|author=Blackjack Brown|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|accessdate=2007-10-22|date=July 16, 2000Dead link|date=September 2008] Before the match, there was a dispute between Hogan and Russo. Unbeknownst to Hogan, Russo told Jarrett to lie down in the middle of the ring and asked Hogan to pin him straight away. A visibly confused Hogan complied with a foot on Jarrett's chest after getting on the microphone and telling Russo, "Is this your idea, Russo...? That's why this company is in the damn shape it's in, because of bullshit like this!" Russo responded by coming out and saying that "From day one, that I've been in WCW, I've done nothing... nothing... but deal with the bullshit of the politics behind that curtain"." Since Hogan refused to job to Jarrett, a new WCW World Heavyweight Championship was created, setting the stage for a title match between Booker T and Jeff Jarrett later that night. Whether or not the whole incident was a shoot or a work is still a hot debate. As a result, Hogan filed a defamation of character lawsuit against Russo soon after,cite book|title=Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash|author=Eric Bischoff|publisher=Simon and Schuster|year=2006|isbn= 141652729X|pages=p.344-346] which was eventually dismissed in 2002. Russo claims the whole thing was a work, and Hogan claims that Russo made it a shoot. [cite web|url= http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_4_2/ai_67872110|title=Hogan Speaks on Work-shoot|publisher=Wrestling Digest| accessdate=2007-10-25|month=December | year=2000] Eric Bischoff contends that Hogan winning and leaving with the title was a work, claiming that he and Hogan celebrated after the event over the success of the angle, but that Russo coming out to fire Hogan was an unplanned shoot which led to the lawsuit filed by Hogan.

X Wrestling Federation (2000–2001)

In the months following the eventual demise of WCW in March 2001, Hogan underwent surgery on his knees in order for him to wrestle again. As a test, Hogan worked a match in Orlando, Florida for the X Wrestling Federation promotion run by his longtime handler Jimmy Hart. Hogan defeated Curt Hennig in this match and felt healthy enough to accept an offer to return to the WWF in February 2002.

Return to World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment,second run; (2002–2003)

Undisputed Champion/Hollywood Hogan (2002)

At No Way Out in 2002, Hogan returned to the company that had made him a pop culture icon. Returning as leader of the original nWo with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, the three got into a confrontation with The Rock and cost Stone Cold Steve Austin a chance at becoming the WWF Undisputed Champion against Chris Jericho in the main event.cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/nowayout02.htm|title=No Way Out 2002 review|publisher=Gerweck.net|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=February 17, 2002] The nWo feuded with both Austin and The Rock, and Hogan accepted The Rock's challenge to a match at WrestleMania X8. At the event, Hogan asked Hall and Nash not to interfere, wanting to defeat The Rock by himself. Despite the fact that Hogan was supposed to be the heel in the match, the crowd favored Hogan throughout it; this effectively turned him face. The Rock cleanly won the contest [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm18/results/|title=WrestleMania X8 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=March 17, 2002] but befriended Hogan at the end of the bout and helped him fight off Hall and Nash, who were upset by Hogan's conciliatory attitude. [cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/wrestlemania18.htm|title=WrestleMania 18 review|publisher=Gerweck.net|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=March 17, 2002] After the match, Hogan was a definite face again, siding with The Rock, though he continued wearing black and white tights for a few weeks after WrestleMania X8 until he resumed wearing his signature red and yellow tights. During this period, the "Hulk Rules" logo of the '80s was redone with the text "Hulk "Still" Rules." Hulk wore the original "Hulk Rules" attire 12 years earlier, when he headlined WrestleMania 6 at the same arena, in the SkyDome. For a time, he was still known as "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, notably keeping the Hollywood Hogan style blond mustache with black beard while wearing Hulkamania-like red and yellow tights. At Backlash, he defeated Triple H for his sixth and final WWF "Undisputed" Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2002/results/|title=Backlash 2002 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=April 21, 2002] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2002/mainevent/|title=Hulk Hogan defeats Triple H to become new WWE Undisputed Champion|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=April 21, 2002] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445414114|title=Hulk Hogan's sixth WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16] He lost the belt to The Undertaker at Judgment Day. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2002/results/|title=Judgment Day 2002 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=May 19, 2002] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2002/mainevent/|title=Undertaker vs. Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=May 19, 2002]

On the July 4, 2002 edition of "SmackDown", Hogan teamed with Edge to defeat Billy and Chuck and capture the WWE Tag Team Championship for the first time. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211222|title=Hollywood Hogan and Edge's first World Tag Team Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16] They celebrated by waving the American flag as the overjoyed audience sang along to Hogan's theme song "Real American." They later dropped the titles to The Un-Americans (Lance Storm and Christian), at Vengeance. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2002/results/|title=Vengeance 2002 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=July 21, 2002] After an angle with Brock Lesnar, which saw Lesnar hand Hogan a defeat in August 2002, Hogan went on hiatus. He returned in early 2003 to battle The Rock (who had turned heel) once again at No Way Out [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/results/|title=No Way Out 2003 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=February 23, 2003] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/|title=The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=February 23, 2003] and defeated Vince McMahon at WrestleMania XIX in a match billed as "20 years in the making." [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/|title=WrestleMania XIX official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=March 30, 2003] He then had another run as Hulk Hogan, shaving off the black Hollywood beard and dropping "Hollywood" from his name.

Mr. America (2003)

Later, he had a run as the masked Mr. America. The persona was supposed to be Hulk Hogan in disguise, wearing a mask. He used Hulk Hogan's "Real American" theme music and used all of Hogan's signature gestures, moves, and phrases. He was the subject of a storyline that took place after Hollywood Hulk Hogan was forced by Vince McMahon to sit out the rest of his contract. After Hogan won at WrestleMania XIX, McMahon, in storyline, was frustrated with him and wanted Hulkamania to die. A WWE pre-debut push took place with mysterious Mr. America promos airing for weeks during "SmackDown!". There was also on-screen discussion on "SmackDown!" between then General Manager Stephanie McMahon and other players concerning her hiring Mr. America "sight unseen." On May 1, Mr. America debuted on "SmackDown!" on a "Piper's Pit" segment. McMahon appeared and claimed that Mr. America was Hulk Hogan in disguise; Mr. America shot back by saying, "I am not Hulk Hogan, brother!" (lampooning Hogan's use of "brother" in his promos). The feud continued through the month of May, with a singles match between Mr. America and Hogan's old rival Roddy Piper at Judgment Day. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2003/results/|title=Judgment Day 2003 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=May 18, 2003] McMahon tried desperately to prove that Mr. America was indeed Hulk Hogan but failed at all attempts. Mr. America even passed a lie detector test.

Mr. America's last WWE appearance was on the June 26 edition of "SmackDown!" when The Big Show and The World's Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas) defeated the team of Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, and Mr. America in a six-man tag team match when Show pinned Mr. America. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030626.html|title=SmackDown! results - June 26, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=June 26, 2003] After the show went off the air, Mr. America unmasked to show the fans that he was indeed Hulk Hogan, putting his finger to his lips telling the fans to keep quiet about his secret. The next week, Hogan quit WWE due to frustration with the creative team.cite web|url= http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20030706/ai_n12510640|title=No Hulk means no chance of 20th anniversary rematch|author=Blackjack Brown|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|date=July 6, 2003|accessdate=2007-10-23Dead link|date=September 2008] On the July 3 edition of "SmackDown!", Vince McMahon showed the footage of Mr. America unmasking as Hogan and "fired" him, although Hogan had already quit in real life. The Mr. America gimmick came under fire briefly from Marvel Comics, who anointed it a rip-off of Captain America, citing costume similarity; the single star on the mask was also a trademark on Captain America's chest piece. This was also adding fuel to the fire over the rights to use the Hulk Hogan name because of Marvel's ownership of the Incredible Hulk character. Because of these problems, WWE was forced to edit out all references to the "Hulk Hogan" name, including pictures which featured Hogan wearing memorabilia that said "Hulk" (a majority of them) and started to refer to Hogan under the "Hollywood Hogan" name he used in WCW. It was later revealed that Hogan was unhappy with the payoffs for his matches after his comeback under the Mr. America gimmick. Vince decided to terminate Hogan's contract, and Hogan left WWE in 2003.

New Japan, TNA Impact, and Hall of Fame (2003-2005)

A few months afterwards, Hulk Hogan worked a match for New Japan Pro Wrestling, beating Masahiro Chono at the "Ultimate Crush II" event, an event that featured both pro wrestling and mixed martial arts matches.

According to various reports, Hulk Hogan was approached by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling in 2003 regarding appearing at a planned event titled Bound for Glory, a three hour pay per view event in October meant to be the annual alternative. Hogan willingly took a guitar shot from Jarrett during a press conference in Japan to hype the storyline, but withdrew from negotiations citing knee problems that would require surgery and prevent him from participating. "I was getting ready to go to TNA, was hoping of working with Jarrett and those guys, and giving McMahon a run for his money one more time," said Hulk Hogan on the Main Event radio show in December 2006. The footage of Jarrett breaking a guitar over Hogan's head was thereafter frequently used by TNA. Hogan would soon return to WWE in 2005 to be inducted to the Hall of Fame Class of 2005.

World Wrestling Entertainment (part-time 2005-2007), Memphis Wrestling (2007)

In 2005, weeks before WrestleMania 21, it was announced on all WWE programming that Hogan would be inducted into the Hall of Fame. On April 2, Hogan was inducted by actor and friend Sylvester Stallone. [cite web|url= http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20050322/ai_n13453252|title=Stallone set to induct Hulk Hogan into hall| publisher=Deseret News (Salt Lake City)|accessdate=2007-10-25|date=March 22, 2005] Hogan was applauded for several minutes before he was able to make a speech. When he paused during his speech, the crowd chanted "One More Match! One More Match!" The fans also chanted "Austin, Hogan" (referring to a Steve Austin vs. Hulk Hogan match); Hogan responded "that may be a good match someday". At WrestleMania 21 on April 3, the "American Patriot" Hogan came out to rescue Eugene, who was being attacked by Muhammad Hassan and Khosrow Daivari. Some of the build-up to Hogan's induction into the Hall of Fame and preparation for this angle were shown on the first season of "Hogan Knows Best".

The next night on "Raw", Hassan and Daivari came out to confront and assault fan favorite Shawn Michaels. The following week, Michaels approached "Raw" General Manager Eric Bischoff demanding a handicap match with Hassan and Daivari. Bischoff refused but told Michaels if he found a partner he would be granted a tag team match. Michaels then made a plea for Hulk Hogan to come back and team with him. On the April 18 episode of "Raw", Hassan again led an attack on Michaels until Hogan appeared, and saved Michaels and accepted his offer. At Backlash 2005, Hassan and Daivari lost to Hogan and Michaels.cite news|first=Scott|last=Zerr|title=Hogan thrilled to be retro|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/05/01/1021236.html|publisher=SLAM! Sports|date=May 1, 2005|accessdate= 2007-10-22]

Hogan then appeared on July 4 edition of "Raw" as the special guest of Carlito on his talk-show segment "Carlito's Cabana". After being asked questions by Carlito concerning his daughter Brooke Hogan, Hogan proceeded to attack Carlito. This was then followed up by an appearance of Kurt Angle, who made comments about Brooke, which further upset Hogan. Hogan was eventually double teamed by Carlito and Angle but was saved by Shawn Michaels. Later that night, Michaels and Hogan defeated Carlito and Kurt Angle in a tag match. During the post match celebration, Michaels delivered Sweet Chin Music to Hogan and walked off.cite news|title= Heartbreaker|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07042005/| publisher=WWE|date=July 4, 2005|accessdate=2007-10-22] The following week on "Raw", Michaels appeared on "Piper's Pit" and challenged Hogan to face him one-on-one for the first time.cite news|title=HBK challenges Hogan for SummerSlam|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/tvshows/raw/200507/11hbkchallenge| publisher=WWE|date=July 11, 2005|accessdate=2007-10-22] Hogan appeared on "Raw" one week later and accepted the challenge.cite news|title=Cena overcomes the odds|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07182005/| publisher=WWE|date=July 18, 2005|accessdate=2007-10-22Dead link|date=September 2008] The match took place at SummerSlam. The "Legend vs. Icon" storyline was the main event for the Raw brand going into SummerSlam. The match went back and forth, with two referees getting "knocked out" and Michaels using a steel chair to try to gain an advantage. Even after Michaels hit his Sweet Chin Music, Hogan still kicked out and mounted some offense against Michaels, finally hitting him with the legdrop and scoring the victory. Michaels extended his hand to him, telling him that he "had to find out for himself," and Hogan and Michaels shook hands. Michaels left the ring to allow Hogan to celebrate with the crowd. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2005/results/|title=SummerSlam 2005 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=August 21, 2005] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2005/mainevent/|title=Legend vs. Icon: Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=August 21, 2005]

Prior to WrestleMania 22, Hogan inducted friend and former announcer "Mean" Gene Okerlund into the WWE Hall of Fame. Hogan returned on the July 15, 2006 edition of "Saturday Night's Main Event" with his daughter Brooke. During the show, Randy Orton flirted with Hogan's daughter, [cite web|first=Jen|last=Hunt|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/july152006/matches/258159821/results/|title=Summer slammed|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=July 15, 2006] and he later challenged Hulk to a match at SummerSlam, which Hogan won. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/|title=SummerSlam 2006 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=August 20, 2006] [cite web|first=Zack|last=Zeigler|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/2944490/results/|title=The Legend lives on|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-16|date=August 20, 2006]

After a brief fall out with McMahon and WWE, [cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070325/ai_n18756946|title=Hogan pitches old-timers' tour|author=Blackjack Brown|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|accessdate=2007-10-25|date=March 25, 2007Dead link|date=September 2008] Hogan was lured to Memphis Wrestling with the proposal of wrestling Jerry "The King" Lawler.cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070415/ai_n19013656|title=WWE derails Lawler vs. Hogan|author=Blackjack Brown|publisher=Chicago Sun-Times|accessdate=2007-10-24|date=April 15, 2007Dead link|date=September 2008] The match had been promoted on Memphis Wrestling Prime Time for several months. On April 12, 2007, however, Lawler announced in a news conference that WWE had barred him from wrestling Hogan on the basis that NBC performers (including Lawler, on the basis of co-hosting the NBC-owned USA Network's "WWE Raw" and his appearances on the biannual WWE "Saturday Night's Main Event") are contractually prohibited from appearing on VH1, the channel on which "Hogan Knows Best" airs. The situation resulted in a lawsuit being filed against WWE by event promoter Corey Maclin.cite web|url= http://www.memphisdailynews.com/Editorial/StoryLead.aspx?id=100606|title=Memphis Promoter Files Suit Against WWE|author=Bill Dries|publisher=Memphis Daily News|date=January 11, 2008|accessdate=2008-01-11] Lawler was replaced with Paul Wight, formerly known as Big Show. Hulk Hogan defeated Paul "The Great" Wight at PMG Clash of Legends on April 27, 2007 when he picked up and bodyslammed Wight and pinned him following the leg drop.

In December 2007 on the 15th Anniversary edition of "Monday Night Raw", Hogan came back for a one night appearance coming to the aid of Hornswoggle against The Great Khali. During his in-ring speech, Hogan said to never say never about another match and alluded to his longtime rival Randy Savage using his signature catchphrase of "Oh Yeah!".

Other media

Television and movie roles

Hulk Hogan's crossover popularity led to several television and movie roles. Along with "Rocky III" (1982) and "No Holds Barred" (1989), he starred in the family films "Suburban Commando" (1991), "Mr. Nanny" (1993), "Santa with Muscles" (1996), and "" (1998). [cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001356/|title= Hulk Hogan|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=2007-10-24] He starred in his own television series, "Thunder in Paradise", in 1994. He is the star of "The Ultimate Weapon" (1997), in which Brutus Beefcake also appears in a cameo. [cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0186647/|title=The Ultimate Weapon (1997)|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=2007-10-24]

Hogan plays an old guy in a bar in "" (2006) in which he sings and dances about being single. Hogan also starred in a pair of television movies, originally intended as a pilot for an ongoing series for TNT, produced by Eric Bischoff. The movies, "Shadow Warriors: Assault on Devil's Island" and "Shadow Warriors: Hunt for The Death Merchant", starred Hogan alongside Carl Weathers and Shannon Tweed as a freelance mercenary team. In 1995, he appeared on TBN's "Kids Against Crime".

Hogan made cameo appearances in "Muppets from Space", "" (the theatrical cut), and "Spy Hard" as himself. Hogan was offered the role of Zeus in "Little Hercules in 3D" on an episode of "Hogan Knows Best" and was shown during the filming of the movie. He also had a cameo at the end of the movie "Little Monsters". Hogan also made two appearances on "The A-Team" (in 1985 and 1986), and along with Roddy Piper, Hogan lent his voice for a few episodes of the stop-motion animation skit show, "Robot Chicken". He guest-starred in a two-part episode of "Suddenly Susan" in 1999. In 2001, Hogan guest-starred on an episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger", playing a reformed criminal now operating a Christian Community Center and helping Walker steer teenagers away from gangs.

Host roles

Hogan hosts the comeback series of "American Gladiators", which has been picked up for a midseason run on NBC in 2008. [cite news|url=http://www.sportsfeatures.com/index.php?section=pp&action=show&id=43247|title=Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan To Host The Return Of Popular Competition Series "American Gladiators" Coming To NBC Midseason|accessdate=2007-10-03|date=October 3, 2007|publisher=Sports Features Communications] He also is going to host and judge the reality show, "Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling". [cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN0533898420080606|title=Former celebrities compete in CMT wrestling show|accessdate=2008-06-06|date=June 5, 2008|publisher=Reuters]

Music and music video

Hogan released a music CD, Hulk Rules, as Hulk Hogan and The Wrestling Boot Band. Also, Green Jellÿ released a single, a duet with Hogan, performing Gary Glitter's classic song "I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)". He has also made cameos in several music videos. The music video for Dolly Parton's wrestling-themed love song "Headlock on my Heart" features Hogan as "Starlight Starbright". In the music video "Pressure" by Belly ft. Ginuwine, Hogan and his daughter Brooke both made brief cameo appearances.

Endorsements and business ventures

Hulk Hogan's "Pastamania" was a restaurant in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. It was created and financed by Hogan. It opened on the Labor Day weekend of 1995 and was later heavily hyped on World Championship Wrestling's live flagship show "WCW Monday Nitro", which actually premiered that September from the mall. The restaurant, which remained in operation for less than a year, featured such dishes as "Hulk-U's" and "Hulk-A-Roos."

In an interview on both the "Tonight Show" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", Hogan claimed that the George Foreman Grill was originally offered to him, but he failed to respond in time. George Foreman was called and he chose to endorse the grill instead of a blender. This claim was validated on an episode of "Hogan Knows Best", in which his wife Linda and the family are worried about Hogan's wrestling career and plead with him to take up a career in marketing. ["Twilight of A God". "Hogan Knows Best. May 7, 2006. No. 8, season 2.] Hulk explains about turning down the Foreman grill, and his choice to invest in a shake-mixer instead, saying that whenever he thinks about investing in something "big", he thinks about what happened with the grill and the shake-mixer. However, he has since endorsed a similar product known as "The Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill". He also has an energy drink, Hogan Energy, distributed by Socko Energy. It was featured in an episode of "Hogan Knows Best".

During an interview with "The Sun", Hogan claimed to be planning his own federation to compete against Vince McMahon.cite web|url= http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article256127.ece|title=I will defeat desperate Vince|publisher=The Sun|author=Simon Rothstein|accessdate=2007-10-21|date=August 16, 2007] Hogan says he has raised $40 million of the $80–$100 million goal and his venture is something that will eventually revolutionize the sport of professional wrestling.

Hogan recently transferred all trademarks referring to himself to his liability company named "Hogan Holdings Limited". The trademarks include Hulk Hogan, "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, Hulkster, Hogan Knows Grillin, Hulkamania.com, and Hulkapedia.com.cite web|url=http://www.wrestle-complex.com/headlines/judgement_day_08_hulk_hogan_news_ravens_trade.shtml|author=Moniz, Shawn|title=Hogan Transfers Trademarks To Liability Company|publisher=Wrestle-Complex.com|accessdate=2007-11-01|date=November 1, 2007]

His name and likeness are also applied to a line of microwavable cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches sold at Walmart called "Hulkster Burgers".

His net worth, according to divorce papers made public on September 5, 2008, is estimated to be $26.7 - $32 million.

Personal life

On December 18, 1983, Bollea married Linda Claridge (born August 24, 1959). They have a daughter Brooke (born May 5, 1988) and a son Nick (born July 27, 1990). Bollea made his personal life the centerpiece of the television show "Hogan Knows Best", which includes his two children and his wife.

Bollea's 17 year old son Nick was indicted as an adult on November 7, 2007 on four criminal charges. The charges stemmed from an August car accident which seriously injured the passenger in Nick's car, John Graziano. Nick pleaded no contest and was sentenced to eight months in jail on May 9, 2008. [ [http://search.aol.com/aol/redir?src=websearch&requestId=5f494c3b03279260&clickedItemRank=1&userQuery=nick+bollea%2C+no+contest%2C+eight+months&clickedItemDest=309459919160485110433416866257211588151&clickedItemMark=1220384124778&clickedItemURN=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.people.com%2Fpeople%2Farticle%2F0%2C%2C20198974%2C00.html&title=%3Cb%3ENick+Bollea%3C%2Fb%3E+Gets+%3Cb%3EEight+Months%3C%2Fb%3E+Jail+for+Injury+Accident+-+Crime+%3Cb%3E...%3C%2Fb%3E&moduleId=matchingsites.M.xml&clickedItemPageRanking=1&clickedItemPage=1&clickedItemDescription=web] ]

On November 20, 2007, Bollea's wife Linda filed for divorce in Pinellas County, Florida. [http://www.tmz.com/2007/11/23/hulk-and-wife-headed-for-divorce-court/ Hulk and Wife Headed for Divorce Court] . November 23, 2007 "TMZ.com". Accessed 2007-11-23.] Hulk told "St. Petersburg Times" he was not even aware of the filing when the paper called for a comment. The Graziano family's lawyer believes the divorce might be an attempt to divide the family's assets from a planned civil suit against the Bolleas regarding their son, Nick. [cite news | last = Rothstein | first = Simon | title = Lawyer: Hulk divorce is a ruse | date = November 28, 2007 | publisher = The Sun | url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/article519080.ece | accessdate = 2007-12-03]

Linda Bollea was seen with her new 19 year-old boyfriend, whose name is Charlie Hill. They were seen together at the beach and Linda has been buying him gifts and clothes since they started dating. Charlie Hill went to the same high school as her kids, a year ahead of Nick and a year below Brooke. [ [http://www.hellarious.com/2008/08/linda-hogan-boyfriend-pictures/ Linda seen with new boyfriend] Hellarious.com Retrieved on August 25, 2008]

Bollea was honored as the 2008 king of the Krewe of Bacchus, a New Orleans carnival organization.http://www.nola.com/ap/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-36/1197999012220380.xml&storylist=topstories] As Bacchus XL, he joined the ranks of Charlton Heston, Jackie Gleason, and Bob Hope. Hogan visited the Children's Hospital of New Orleans and rode in the parade where he threw doubloons with his likeness. Hogan received the honor in part because meeting Hogan is one of the most requested "wishes" of the terminally ill children benefited by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Bollea is currently living with his daughter Brooke who currently stars in the VH1 reality series "Brooke Knows Best". [ [http://www.wwe.com/inside/industrynews/7733256 WWE: Inside WWE > Industry News > Brooke Hogan issues apology regarding her father Hulk] ]

In wrestling

*Finishing and signature moves
**"Atomic Leg Drop" / "Hollywood Leg Drop" (Running leg drop)
**"Axe Bomber" (Crooked arm lariat)
**Back rake
**Back suplex
**Bear hug
**Big boot
**Clothesline
**Collar-and-elbow tie-up into a powerful shove across the ring
**Elbow drop
**Eye poke
**Eye rake
**Irish whipping the opponent into the corner and following them for a cornered running back elbow smash
**Scoop slam
**Vertical suplex
**Three left-handed and right-handed punches followed by a big right-handed wind-up punch
*Signature taunts
**"Hulk Up Combination" (Hulk starts by taking punches while in a kneeling position and shaking violently as he raises to his feet upon which he points to the opponent and says (in unison with the crowd) "YOU!". He then punches his opponent until his opponent reaches the ropes. He then throws his opponent towards opposite ropes then hits his opponent with a big boot and finally hits the opponent with the "Atomic Leg Drop")
**Wrist twist to cupping the ear
**Rapidly pointing at his opponent
**Finger wag
**Flexing arms
*Nicknames
**"The Hulkster"
**"The Hulk"
**"The Immortal"
**"The Immortal Icon of Professional Wrestling"
**"The Incredible"
**"Hollywood"
*Managers
**"Classy" Freddie Blassie
**"Luscious" Johnny Valiant
**"The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart
**Miss Elizabeth
**"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase
**Eric Bischoff

Theme songs and entrance music

*Hogan's earliest entrance music was Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger", the chart-topping song from "Rocky III". It was replaced by the theme song to Hogan's animated series "Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling" (which was an edited version of Bonnie Tyler's song "Ravishing" from her Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire album)
*It was later replaced by his best-known entrance theme, "Real American" performed by Rick Derringer. It was originally written and used as an entrance theme for the tag team of the U.S. Express prior to Hogan's use. The accompanying music video for "Real American" featured clips from Hulk Hogan's various WWF matches, Hogan riding his motorcycle, defeating his Soviet enemy Nikolai Volkoff, destroying an image of then-hated Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi, and stock footage of various forms of crashing (i.e. buildings and airplanes) intersecting between footage of Hogan playing guitar in front of various American landscapes and the American flag. It was critiqued positively on an episode of "Beavis and Butt-head".
*However, as the WWF owned "Real American", Hogan could not use it when he made the jump to World Championship Wrestling, instead he used the song "American Made", from the "Hulk Rules" album until he joined the nWo and began using their theme, and later the Wolfpac theme. Hogan returned to using "American Made" when he left the nWo in 2000, until his WCW departure. During his time in the nWo, he also used "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and then used it again for his "Hollywood Hulk Hogan"; run in WWE.
*Towards the end of his 2003 WWE run, when he wore a mask and was known by the name Mr. America, he once again made his entrance to "Real American". Upon his return in 2005 for the WWE Hall of Fame induction, WrestleMania 21 and subsequent appearances he also uses "Real American".

Championships and accomplishments

*New Japan Pro Wrestling
**IWGP Tournament winner (1983) (First)cite web|title=The 1st International Wrestling Grand Prix Championship Tournament|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp1.html|accessdate=2007-10-21]

*Southeastern Championship Wrestling
**NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship "(Northern Division)" (1 time)
**NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship "(Southern Division)" (2 times)

*World Championship Wrestling
**WCW World Heavyweight Championship (6 times)cite web|title=History of the WCW World Championship|work=WWE.com|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/|accessdate=2007-10-21]

*World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment
**WWF/E Championship (6 times)cite web|title=History of the WWE Championship|work=WWE|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/|accessdate=2007-10-21]
**WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Edgecite web|title=World Tag Team Championship official title history|work=WWE|url= http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/|accessdate=2007-10-21]
**WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2005)
**WWF Royal Rumble winner (1990)cite web|title=Past Rumble Winners|work=WWE|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/3973952/|accessdate=2007-10-21]
**WWF Royal Rumble winner (1991)

*Pro Wrestling Illustrated
**Wrestler of the Year (1987, 1991, 1994)
**PWI Comeback of the Year (1994, 2002)
**PWI Feud of the Year (1986) vs. Paul Orndorff
**PWI Match of the Year (1985) with Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff at WrestleMania
**PWI Match of the Year (1988) vs. André the Giant at The Main Event
**PWI Match of the Year (1990) vs. The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI
**PWI Match of the Year (2002) vs. The Rock at WrestleMania X-8
**PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1983, 1999) [citeweb|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiinsp.htm|accessdate=2008-07-27|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners Inspirational Wrestler of the Year |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive]
**PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1985, 1989, 1990)
**PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1996, 1998)

*Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards:*Best Babyface (1982-1991):*Feud of the Year (1986) vs. Paul Orndorff:*Most Charismatic (1985-1987, 1989-1991):*Most Embarrassing Wrestler (1995, 1996, 1998-2000):*Most Overrated (1985, 1986, 1994-1998):*Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler (1985, 1986, 1991, 1994-1999):*Worst Feud of the Year (1991) vs. Sgt. Slaughter:*Worst Feud of the Year (1995) vs. The Dungeon of Doom:*Worst Feud of the Year (1998) vs. The Ultimate Warrior:*Worst Feud of the Year (2000) vs. Billy Kidman:*Worst Worked Match of the Year (1987) vs. André the Giant, WrestleMania III, Detroit, MI, March 29:*Worst Worked Match of the Year (1996) with Randy Savage vs. Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Ric Flair, Kevin Sullivan, Z-Gangsta, and The Ultimate Solution, WCW Uncensored, Towers of Doom match, Tupelo, MS, March 24:*Worst Worked Match of the Year (1997) vs. Roddy Piper, SuperBrawl, San Franscisco, CA, February 23:*Worst Worked Match of the Year (1998) vs. The Ultimate Warrior, Halloween Havoc, Las Vegas, NV, October 25:*Worst Wrestler (1997):*Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

ee also

* The Wrestling Boot Band
* Hogan Knows Best
* Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling

Notes

References

External links

*amg name|2:215512
*imdb|0001356
* [http://hulkhogan.com/ Official Website]
* [http://www.cmt.com/shows/series/hulk-hogan-celebrity-wrestling/series.jhtml/ Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling]
* [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/hulkhogan/ WWE Hall of Fame Profile]
* [http://www.wrestlingepicenter.com/articles/136180115.shtml WrestlingEpicenter.com Interactive Interview with Hulk Hogan]
* [http://www.memphiswrestlinghistory.com/ Memphis Wrestling History]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARAVU30iYcQ Hogan] in a Honey Nut Cheerios commercial

Persondata
NAME = Hogan, Hulk
ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Bollea, Terry Gene (real name)
SHORT DESCRIPTION = American professional wrestler
DATE OF BIRTH = August 11, 1953
PLACE OF BIRTH = Augusta, Georgia, United States
DATE OF DEATH = living
PLACE OF DEATH =

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