We find ourselves in a world shaped by Hulk Hogan and Donald Trump

Hulk Hogan: A Complicated Legacy in the World of Wrestling and Beyond

Hulk Hogan, the iconic professional wrestler known for his red and yellow ring gear and larger-than-life persona, passed away at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest. The news was announced on Thursday, sparking an outpouring of emotions and memories from fans around the world.

Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, became the most popular professional wrestler in the world in the mid-1980s with the phenomenon known as "Hulkamania." His theme song proclaimed him a "Real American" willing to "fight for the rights of every man."

However, toward the end of his career, Hulk Hogan found himself at the center of several public controversies, which affected his once near-universal popularity. His racism and other bad behavior have been a point of contention for many, but some fans, including Black fans, have found a way to forgive or overlook it.

In his career, Hulk Hogan played both the villain and the hero, and was a megastar in either role for most of his career. One of his most memorable turns was when he turned heel (became a villain) with the New World Order (NWO) at WCW's Bash at the Beach pay-per-view event in 1996.

Professional wrestling, specifically the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has become a significant part of global popular culture, including politics. This was evident in Hulk Hogan's alliance with Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election. However, there are no publicly available sources reporting that Hulk Hogan supported any prominent personality during the election or appeared on stage at a campaign event for Trump.

Trump and Hulk Hogan had a close relationship, with Trump hosting two WrestleManias that Hulk Hogan headlined and attending many more shows. Trump was "riveted" and "happy" when Hulk spoke in his honor at the Republican convention last year. Trump posted a tribute to Hulk Hogan on his Truth Social platform, calling him "MAGA all the way."

The alliance between Trump and Hulk Hogan irrevocably stained the cherished memories many Americans have of Hulkamania. Hulk Hogan and Trump are seen as fabulists with a documented history of telling obvious lies and abusing the truth.

Despite these controversies, fans gathered outside of Hulk Hogan's store in Orlando to pay their respects, leaving flowers, taking photos, and sharing their memories of him. Several of the people interviewed were Black, reflecting the diverse fanbase Hulk Hogan attracted during his career.

Following his death, sports journalist and professional wrestling historian Brian R. Solomon summarized Hulk Hogan's complex legacy, stating that he was the biggest star in professional wrestling in the past 75 years, if not of all time. Barry Blaustein, who wrote hit movies and directed the professional wrestling documentary "Beyond the Mat," stated that Hulk Hogan's legacy will live on forever, with both the good and bad sides of a complicated man.

In conclusion, Hulk Hogan's impact on professional wrestling and popular culture is undeniable. His legacy, like many icons, is complex, marked by both his incredible contributions to the industry and his personal controversies. As fans remember and honour him, they will likely grapple with both sides of this larger-than-life figure.