Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, died at 71, taking with him a giant legacy. He brought pro wrestling into the mainstream of pop culture, became one with “Hulkamania,” and influenced generations of wrestlers and fans.
These five moments define his life’s work, sweeping victories, unexpected turns, and cultural touchstones that defined sports entertainment.
1. Body-Slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III
Perhaps Hogan’s defining moment: On March 29, 1987, in front of a near-selling 78,000 in Pontiac Silverdome, he “hulks up” and body slams the 525-pound André the Giant. This moment became the iconic image of ’80s wrestling and propelled WrestleMania into pop culture history.
The slam sealed his title defence and cemented his place as the face of the sport. It remains one of the most replayed and revered moments in wrestling.
@netflixsports Never forget when #HulkHogan body slammed Andre the Giant in one of the most iconic moments in #WrestleMania history. #WWE and #wrestling ♬ original sound – NetflixSports
2. Winning the WWF Title from Iron Sheik
On January 23, 1984, Hogan beat The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden in a plot filled with Cold War symbolism. Hogan was crowned the WWF Champion for the first time, officially starting Hulkamania.
At that instant, he combined athletic skill and entertainment into a character that appealed across age groups. It also gave him personal affirmation, convincing his dad and making his career inSheikh. Finance school.
3. Teaming and Break-up with Randy Savage at WrestleMania V
Titled “The Mega Powers Explode,” this April 2, 1989 main event was the culmination of his tag team partnership with Randy “Macho Man” Savage. The conflict was born out of jealousy, betrayal, and personal drama, which ended with Hogan reclaiming the WWF title after Savage.
The match showcased Hogan’s development in storytelling, evolving from hero to complex character stuck in emotional conflict.
4. Heel Turn and the Creation of nWo at Bash at the Beach 1996
In a seismic turn, Hogan stunned the world by turning heel, along with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, to create the New World Order at WCW’s Bash at the Beach on July 7, 1996. He planted several leg drops on Macho Man, tossed the referee, and said, “The future of wrestling.”
That heel turn ignited a ratings war, revitalised WCW, and revolutionised wrestling forever.
5. “Icon vs. Icon” at WrestleMania X8
In 2002, at WrestleMania X8, Hogan fought The Rock, crossing generations in what was referred to by fans as “Icon vs. Icon.” The match became a cultural reference point, with past nostalgia greeting current charisma.
Even playing the heel “Hollywood Hogan,” he gained fan respect and performed a career highlight late in his career. It is one of WrestleMania’s most emotionally charged battles.
These five moments, his title win in ’84, André’s body slam in ’87, feud with Savage in ’89, heel turn in ’96, and conflict with The Rock in 2002, collectively chart Hogan’s transformation from hero to icon to legacy.
His catchphrases “What’cha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” and “Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins” became rallies. Even though controversies later tarnished his name, his performances gave the face of wrestling its shape.
From mainstream popularity to rich storytelling, Hulk Hogan set the sport up for a generation, and his legacy continues.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates
