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 highly renowned and retired American professional wrestler. Known for his charismatic personality, large build, blond horseshoe mustache, and bandanas, Hogan achieved immense global fame, particularly during the 1980s wrestling boom. He is considered wrestling's most recognizable star and one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Currently, he serves as a brand ambassador for WWE.
1976: Began Anabolic Steroid Use
In 1976, Hulk Hogan began using anabolic steroids to gain size and weight.
March 27, 1985: Richard Belzer Incident
On March 27, 1985, Richard Belzer requested that Hogan demonstrate wrestling moves on his talk show. Hogan put Belzer in a modified Guillotine choke, which caused Belzer to pass out and hit his head, leading to a lawsuit.
1989: Mega Powers Implode
In 1989, the Mega Powers began to break up due to Savage's jealousy and suspicions of Hogan and Elizabeth. The duo officially broke up during a match against The Twin Towers on The Main Event II.
April 1, 1990: Hogan Loses Title to The Ultimate Warrior
On April 1, 1990, at WrestleMania VI, Hulk Hogan lost the WWF Championship to Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior in a title versus title match.
May 1990: Feud with Earthquake
In May 1990, Hulk Hogan began a heated feud with the 468-pound Earthquake, who crushed Hogan's ribs in a sneak attack on The Brother Love Show.
1991: False Claim about The Undertaker Injury
In 1991, Hulk Hogan falsely claimed that The Undertaker injured his neck at the Survivor Series, adding to the list of fabricated elements of his past.
1992: Royal Rumble and Feud with Sid Justice
In 1992, Hulk Hogan entered the Royal Rumble but was eliminated by Sid Justice, leading to a feud between them. At WrestleMania VIII, Hogan defeated Sid via disqualification.
1992: False Claim about Make-A-Wish Inspiration
In 1992, Hulk Hogan falsely claimed that an experience with a terminally ill child through the Make-A-Wish Foundation at SummerSlam inspired his Hulk Rules album, despite not attending the event.
1994: Testimony in Vince McMahon's Trial
In 1994, Hulk Hogan testified in the trial of Vince McMahon relating to shipments of steroids. Hogan admitted to using anabolic steroids since 1976 but stated McMahon did not provide them.
February 22, 1998: Championship Match at SuperBrawl VIII
On February 22, 1998, Sting defeated Hulk Hogan at SuperBrawl VIII to win the vacant WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
October 1999: Absence from Television
From October 1999, Hulk Hogan was absent from television due to injuries and frustrations. Vince Russo, the new head of creative booking, asked him to take time off.
2002: Defamation Lawsuit Against Russo Dismissed
In 2002, the defamation of character lawsuit filed by Hogan against Vince Russo following their Bash at the Beach incident, was dismissed. The incident's true nature remained disputed, with claims of it being a "work" or a "shoot".
October 20, 2006: Settlement Claim on Bubba the Love Sponge Show
On the October 20, 2006 broadcasting of the Bubba the Love Sponge Show, it was claimed (with Hogan in the studio) that the settlement with Richard Belzer totaled $5 million, half from Hogan and half from Vince McMahon, related to the 1985 incident.
November 20, 2007: Linda Files for Divorce
On November 20, 2007, Linda filed for divorce from Hulk Hogan in Pinellas County, Florida, marking the end of their long-term marriage.
2007: Alleged Affair with Christiane Plante
In 2007, Christiane Plante claimed that Hulk Hogan had an affair with her while the Hogan family was filming Hogan Knows Best, leading to personal controversy.
June 23, 2008: Belzer's Settlement Amount Disclosure
During his June 23, 2008, appearance on Sirius Satellite Radio's The Howard Stern Show, Richard Belzer suggested that the real settlement amount with Hogan from the 1985 incident was actually closer to $400,000.
November 2008: Linda Claims Decision to End Marriage
In November 2008, Linda publicly claimed that she made the decision to end her marriage after finding out about Hulk Hogan's affair, further detailing the reasons behind their divorce.
2008: "The Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill" Voluntarily Recalled
In 2008, "The Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill", a product endorsed by Hulk Hogan, was voluntarily recalled as a fire hazard.
2009: Hogan Denies Infidelities in Autobiography
In his 2009 autobiography, Hulk Hogan acknowledged that Linda suspected him of infidelities but denied allegations that he ever cheated on her, offering his perspective on the divorce.
December 2010: Underwent Spinal Fusion Surgery
In December 2010, Hulk Hogan underwent traditional spinal fusion surgery after the Laser Spine Institute procedures failed to cure his back problems, enabling him to return to his professional activities.
September 2011: Reveals Financial Struggles
In September 2011, Hulk Hogan revealed that his lavish lifestyle and divorce had cost him hundreds of millions of dollars and nearly bankrupted him.
April 2012: Emergence of Sex Tape
In April 2012, a sex tape between Hulk Hogan and Heather Clem surfaced online, causing significant personal and legal challenges.
October 4, 2012: Gawker Releases Sex Tape Clip
On October 4, 2012, Gawker released a short clip of the sex tape involving Hulk Hogan, further intensifying the controversy.
October 15, 2012: Lawsuit Filed Against Bubba and Heather Clem
On October 15, 2012, Hulk Hogan filed a lawsuit against Bubba and Heather Clem for invading his privacy due to the release of the sex tape.
October 29, 2012: Settlement with Bubba the Love Sponge
On October 29, 2012, Hulk Hogan reached a settlement with Bubba the Love Sponge regarding the sex tape controversy.
December 2012: Court Ruling on Gawker's Publication
In December 2012, a federal court ruled that Gawker's publication of the sex tape snippet did not violate U.S. copyright law, part of the ongoing legal battle.
January 2013: Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Against Laser Spine Institute
In January 2013, Hulk Hogan filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the Laser Spine Institute for $50 million, alleging unnecessary and ineffective spinal operations worsened his back problems.
October 1, 2015: Access to Gawker's Computer System Granted
On October 1, 2015, a Florida Judge granted Hulk Hogan access to Gawker's computer system for a forensic expert to search Gawker's computers and office, related to the sex tape lawsuit.
October 2015: "Hogan's Beach" Drops Hogan's Name
In October 2015, "Hogan's Beach", the beachfront restaurant that Hulk Hogan opened in 2012, dropped Hogan's name.
