Challenges Faced by Hulk Hogan: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Hulk Hogan's life and career.

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, is a retired American professional wrestler recognized globally for his iconic status. Renowned for his flamboyant personality, imposing physique, horseshoe moustache, and signature bandanas, Hogan achieved immense popularity in the 1980s and is considered one of wrestling's greatest. Currently serving as commissioner for Real American Freestyle and a brand ambassador for WWE, Hogan remains a significant figure in the wrestling world.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

August 1980: Match with André the Giant at Shea Stadium

In August 1980, Hulk Hogan had a match with André the Giant at Shea Stadium, marking the culmination of their first major feud in the WWF.

March 26, 1981: Unsuccessful Intercontinental Championship Challenge

On March 26, 1981, Hulk Hogan unsuccessfully challenged Pedro Morales for the Intercontinental Championship, during his appearances for the WWF.

1984: Loses IWGP Title to Antonio Inoki

In 1984, Hulk Hogan lost the early version of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Antonio Inoki in Japan, marking the end of his title reign.

1986: Death of Allan Bollea

In 1986, Allan Bollea, Hulk Hogan's older brother, passed away at the age of 38 from a drug overdose.

1989: Mega Powers Implode, Hogan Wins WWF Championship

In 1989, the Mega Powers began to implode due to Randy Savage's jealousy. Hulk Hogan defeated Savage for his second WWF World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania V.

April 1, 1990: Hogan Loses Title to The Ultimate Warrior

On April 1, 1990, Hulk Hogan lost to Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior in a title versus title match at WrestleMania VI.

May 1990: Earthquake Attacks Hogan

In May 1990, Earthquake attacked Hulk Hogan on The Brother Love Show, crushing his ribs, which led to Hogan wanting to retire.

1991: Hogan Wins and Loses WWF Championship

In 1991, Hulk Hogan won the Royal Rumble, defeated Sgt. Slaughter for his third WWF Championship at WrestleMania VII, lost the title to The Undertaker at Survivor Series, and then won it back at This Tuesday in Texas.

February 22, 1998: Hogan Loses to Sting at SuperBrawl VIII

On February 22, 1998, Sting defeated Hulk Hogan for the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship at SuperBrawl VIII.

April 12, 2007: Lawler barred from wrestling Hogan

On April 12, 2007, Jerry Lawler announced that WWE had barred him from wrestling Hogan due to contractual conflicts with NBC and VH1, leading to a lawsuit against WWE.

November 20, 2007: Linda Hogan Files for Divorce

On November 20, 2007, Linda Hogan filed for divorce from Hulk Hogan in Pinellas County, Florida.

November 2008: Linda Hogan Publicly Accuses Hulk Hogan of Infidelity

In November 2008, Linda Hogan claimed she decided to end her marriage after discovering Hulk Hogan's affair.

2009: Hulk Hogan Acknowledges Marital Issues in Autobiography

In 2009, Hulk Hogan acknowledged in his autobiography that Linda suspected him of infidelity but denied any affairs, also around 2009 following the divorce Hogan considered suicide and credits Laila Ali for preventing him.

September 2011: Hogan Reveals Financial Losses

In September 2011, Hogan revealed that his lavish lifestyle and divorce had cost him hundreds of millions of dollars and nearly bankrupted him.

January 2013: Hulk Hogan Files Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

In January 2013, Hulk Hogan filed a $50 million medical malpractice lawsuit against the Laser Spine Institute, alleging unnecessary spinal operations worsened his back problems and they used his name without permission.