By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Hulk Hogan, the iconic wrestling superstar, has died at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest. His rise to fame in the 1980s with the WWF (now WWE) made him a global icon, known for his signature look and catchphrases. Beyond wrestling, he achieved success in Hollywood and played a pivotal role in WCW, reinventing himself as a villain. Hogan’s legacy also includes legal battles and multiple marriages, leaving behind a lasting impact on both sports entertainment and pop culture.
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Hulk Hogan, wrestling icon and pop culture powerhouse, dies at 71. This is a headline that, even if you’ve been aware of the complicated legacy of Terry Bollea, the man behind the persona, still packs a punch. News broke of his passing this week, following reports of cardiac arrest and previous health concerns. It’s a moment that’s bringing up a lot of complex feelings, to say the least.
For many, particularly those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, the name Hulk Hogan is synonymous with childhood. “Hulkamania” wasn’t just a catchphrase; it was a cultural phenomenon. He was the embodiment of American heroism in the wrestling ring, a larger-than-life figure who captivated audiences with his charisma, his signature moves, and that iconic blonde hair. The “Hulk up” moments, the tearing of his shirt, the body slams and leg drops – these were iconic. He was a genuine star, a fixture in homes across the country.
However, as time passed, the facade began to crack. The wrestling world is a complex beast, and the man behind the persona of Hulk Hogan revealed some significant flaws. There were controversies. There were legal battles. And then there were the revelations about his personal views, the use of racial slurs, and his support for individuals and ideas that were deeply problematic. These actions have profoundly tarnished his legacy.
His recent support for a convicted felon and pedophile is likely the last thing he will be remembered for. Many feel that his actions have fully and irrevocably damaged his reputation. For some, the news of his death is met with a sense of indifference, or even a feeling that he wouldn’t be missed.
The news of his passing, coupled with the recent death of Ozzy Osbourne, triggered conversations about the perils of the lifestyle, the abuse of substances, and the physical toll of such a career. The life of professional wrestlers, with its relentless travel, physical demands, and often, substance abuse issues, is not a long one for most.
It’s true, many are surprised that he made it to 71, given the years of steroid use and the physical punishment he endured. The news of his passing does lead to some pretty harsh assessments of his character. These are feelings that have been building for a while. Some people have clearly felt this way about Hogan for some time, and have not hesitated to share it.
There’s also the fact that he made some awful statements, and actions, regarding racism and hate. He wasn’t afraid to share how he felt, and it was all very hurtful. This sentiment is understandably shared by a lot of people and it’s something that has made it very difficult for many people to reconcile the hero of their childhood with the man he later became.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Some remember a different side of the man. Some remember a show and a wrestler they loved. Some had positive encounters with him. It’s a reminder that even flawed individuals can have moments of generosity and kindness. Some people who had worked with him had positive interactions.
It is impossible to ignore the role Hogan played in popularizing professional wrestling and bringing it to a wider audience. The success he achieved is undeniable. He helped to build the WWE into a global entertainment juggernaut. He was a true innovator.
Ultimately, the death of Hulk Hogan is a reminder of the complicated nature of celebrity and the complexities of the human experience. It prompts us to grapple with difficult questions about legacy, redemption, and the way we remember those who have left their mark on the world.