Episode 120 - Hulk Hogan Enters Wrestling Heaven!

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Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea in 1953, skyrocketed to global fame in the 1980s as the face of WWF's golden era. From his legendary showdown with André the Giant at WrestleMania III to starring in Rocky III and headlining Hogan Knows Best, Hogan blended sports entertainment with pop culture like no one else. 

His larger-than-life persona, catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” and his role in launching the nWo in WCW cemented him as a true disruptor in the wrestling industry. Hogan also broke the mold as a crossover celebrity, starring in films like No Holds Barred and Suburban Commando, all while battling in-ring legends like Macho Man, Ultimate Warrior, and The Rock. His second WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2020 as part of the nWo was a full-circle moment, marking a legacy that defined the modern wrestling narrative.

But behind the spotlight was a man facing mounting personal and health challenges. A highly publicized scandal in 2015 led to his WWE exit and the loss of key endorsements, though he later returned amid controversy. In his final years, Hogan underwent over 25 surgeries, battled blood cancer, and dealt with strained family ties—all while trying to launch a new wrestling league, Real American Freestyle. Tragically, on July 24, 2025, he passed away at age 71 following a cardiac arrest, with atrial fibrillation and leukemia contributing to his death. 

Yet even in his final moments, Hogan stayed focused on his next big idea. Tributes poured in across the world, and Florida officially declared August 1st Hulk Hogan Day. Love him or hate him, Hulk Hogan was a content machine, a branding genius, and a viral force who redefined what it meant to be a wrestling superstar in the age of spectacle.