Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Hulk Hogan

Public opinion and media debates around Hulk Hogan—discover key moments of controversy.

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

April 1982: Hogan's AWA Championship Win Overturned

In April 1982, Hulk Hogan defeated Nick Bockwinkel and was initially declared the AWA World Heavyweight Champion, but the decision was overturned by AWA President Stanley Blackburn due to the use of a foreign object during the match.

March 27, 1985: Hogan's Incident with Richard Belzer on Hot Properties

On March 27, 1985, Richard Belzer was injured on his cable TV talk show Hot Properties after Hogan put him in a modified Guillotine choke, leading to a lawsuit.

1991: Fabricated Injury to The Undertaker

In 1991, Hogan claimed that The Undertaker injured his neck at the Survivor Series, which was false.

1992: Hogan's Fabricated Make-A-Wish Story

In 1992, Hogan fabricated an experience with a terminally ill child through the Make-A-Wish Foundation at SummerSlam, inspiring songs on his Hulk Rules album, despite not attending the event.

1992: Royal Rumble Controversy and Feud with Sid

In 1992, Hulk Hogan failed to regain the WWF Championship at the Royal Rumble and helped eliminate Sid Justice, leading to a feud that culminated at WrestleMania VIII where Hogan defeated Sid.

1994: Hogan Testifies in Vince McMahon's Steroid Trial

In 1994, Hogan, having received immunity, testified in Vince McMahon's trial relating to steroid shipments, admitting to using anabolic steroids since 1976 but stating McMahon did not provide them.

1996: Time Warner and Marvel Rivalry

In 1996, Time Warner, parent company of WCW, merged with Turner Broadcasting System becoming sister companies with DC Comics, a rival to Marvel. This avoided the awkward situation of Time Warner paying Marvel for the rights to the "Hollywood Hogan" name.

February 2000: Hogan's controversial work with Vince Russo

In February 2000, Hogan was involved in a controversial work with Vince Russo. He was scheduled to challenge Jeff Jarrett for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Before the match, Hogan and Russo had a dispute over the title outcome. Hogan won the match, but the events led to a new WCW World Heavyweight Championship being created.

October 20, 2006: Claimed Settlement Amount for Belzer Incident Revealed

On October 20, 2006, during the Bubba the Love Sponge Show, it was claimed that the settlement for the Richard Belzer incident totaled $5 million, with Hogan and Vince McMahon each paying half.

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.

2007: Affair Allegations with Christiane Plante

In 2007, Christiane Plante claimed that Hogan had an affair with her while the Hogan family was shooting Hogan Knows Best.

June 23, 2008: Belzer Suggests Lower Settlement Amount for Hogan Incident

During his June 23, 2008, appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Belzer suggested that the real settlement amount for the incident with Hogan was closer to $400,000.

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.

April 2012: Sex Tape Emerges Online

In April 2012, a sex tape between Hogan and Heather Clem emerged online.

October 4, 2012: Gawker Releases Sex Tape Clip

On October 4, 2012, Gawker released a short clip of the sex tape.

October 15, 2012: Hogan Files Lawsuit Against Bubba and Heather Clem

On October 15, 2012, Hogan filed a lawsuit against Bubba and Heather Clem for invading his privacy.

October 29, 2012: Settlement Announced with Bubba in Sex Tape Case

On October 29, 2012, a settlement with Bubba was announced in the sex tape case, and Clem publicly apologized to Hogan.

December 2012: Court Ruling on Gawker's Publication of Sex Tape Snippet

In December 2012, a federal court found that Gawker's publication of the video snippet did not violate U.S. copyright law.

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.