Hulk Hogan died at the age of 71, less than a month shy of his 72nd birthday on August 11. It could be successfully argued that Hogan is the most famous and influential professional wrestler of all time.
While he has fallen from grace because of scandal and polarizing political views, there is no denying his impact. Thus, his passing has drawn immediate reaction and mourning from his contemporaries and many who benefited from the foundation he helped to establish.
Legendary wrestler Ric Flair was among many who paid their respects to the Hulkster.
UFC CEO Dana White paid tribute Hogan on his Instagram account.
Jake the Snake Roberts honors Hogan.
Charlotte Flair also honored Hogan, whom she said was there for her and her family when her dad, Ric, fell ill.
Kane, who worked one of his most memorable segments alongside The Rock and Hogan, also paid homage to the fallen legend.
Brutus Beefcake, another WWF legend, shared candid thoughts, expressed his love for Hogan, and wished they had time to mend their “broken fences.”
Whether people love or hate him, without Hogan, there might be no WWE as we know it. Here’s a list of some of Hogan’s pro wrestling accomplishments, and why he is in almost every respectable GOAT conversation:
Six-Time WWF/WWE Champion
Hulk held the WWF/WWE Championship six times, with his first reign beginning in 1984 after defeating The Iron Sheik. He was the face of the WWF as it rose to popularity in the 1980s.
First Wrestler to Win Consecutive Royal Rumbles
He won the Royal Rumble match in 1990 and 1991, becoming the first wrestler to win back-to-back.
Headlined First Nine WrestleManias
Hogan is responsible for a massive piece of the credit for WrestleMania becoming the Showcase of the Immortals. He was the main event attraction for the first nine editions of WWE’s biggest annual show, WrestleMania.
WCW World Heavyweight Champion (6 Times)
Hogan made the groundbreaking move to WCW, and he became a six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion.
Founding Member of the nWo
He famously turned heel in 1996 to join Scott Hall and Kevin Nash in forming the New World Order (nWo), a pivotal moment in wrestling history. The nWo was the greatest pro wrestling faction since the Four Horsemen and helped inspire the success DeGeneration X and The Bloodline experienced afterward.
Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Twice
Hogan was inducted individually in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo.
First Wrestler to Win Both WWF and WCW World Titles
He was the first wrestler to hold the top world championship in both WWF and WCW.
Starred in “Rocky III” as Thunderlips
Hogan’s fame allowed him to crossover into mainstream entertainment. He played a notable role in Rocky III (1982) as a professional wrestler named Thunderlips. In the film, he fought Rocky Balboa in a wrestler-boxer crossover event inspired by the Muhammad Ali vs. Antonio Inoki real-life event.
Named “Most Popular Wrestler of the Year” (PWI) 5 Times
Pro Wrestling Illustrated awarded Hogan the title of Most Popular Wrestler of the Year five times (1985–1987, 1991, 1994).
The acknowledgment of Hogan’s accomplishments is not an endorsement of any of his brands, political views, or a display of ignorance toward past transgressions.
Instead, it is a nod to the undeniable impact Hogan had on an industry I’ve loved since I was three years old, and quite honestly, he was the reason that little boy fell in love with it from the start.
Rest in peace, Hulk.
