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 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.
April 1982: Wins and Loses AWA World Heavyweight Championship
In April 1982, Hulk Hogan defeated Nick Bockwinkel and was declared the new AWA World Heavyweight Champion, but the decision was overturned due to the use of a foreign object.
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.
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: 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 2000: Hogan's Return and Dispute with Vince Russo
In February 2000, Hulk Hogan returned to WCW and soon after, was involved in a dispute with Vince Russo at Bash at the Beach on July 9, regarding the WCW World Heavyweight Championship match against Jeff Jarrett. Hogan disagreed with Russo's plan for Jarrett to win and lose to Booker T, leading to a controversial match where Jarrett laid down for Hogan to pin, simulating a real conflict. This event exposed Hogan's "creative control" clause and led to a new title being created.
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.
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.
2007: Hogan Recorded Making Racist Remarks
In 2007, Hulk Hogan was secretly recorded making racist remarks on a leaked sex tape, which was later publicized in July 2015, leading to significant 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: Reported Racist Language in Call to Son
In 2008, Hulk Hogan reportedly used racist language in a call to his then-imprisoned son, Nick, and expressed a wish that they would not be reincarnated as black males.
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.
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 3, 2013: Hogan Suspends Bully Ray
On January 3, 2013, Hulk Hogan suspended Bully Ray indefinitely after seeing him kissing Hogan's daughter, Brooke.
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.
July 2015: Anti-Black Rant Publicized
In July 2015, National Enquirer and Radar Online publicized an anti-black rant made by Hogan on a leaked sex tape recorded in 2007, where he expressed disgust with his daughter dating a black man and admitted to being "a racist, to a point".
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.
2015: Judge on Tough Enough
In 2015, Hulk Hogan served as a judge on the sixth season of Tough Enough, alongside Paige and Daniel Bryan. However, due to a scandal, he was replaced by The Miz after episode 5.
March 18, 2016: $115 Million Awarded in Gawker Lawsuit
On March 18, 2016, Hulk Hogan was awarded $115 million in his lawsuit against Gawker for defamation, loss of privacy, and emotional pain, marking a significant victory in the legal battle.
August 11, 2016: Control of A.J. Daulerio's Assets Granted
On August 11, 2016, a Florida judge gave Hulk Hogan control of the assets of A.J. Daulerio, former Gawker editor-in-chief, who was involved in the posting of Hogan's sex tape.
November 2, 2016: $31 Million Settlement Reached with Gawker
On November 2, 2016, Gawker reached a $31 million settlement with Hulk Hogan, resolving the long-standing legal dispute stemming from the release of the sex tape.
2021: Bret Hart's Criticism of Wrestling Abilities
In 2021, fellow WWE Hall of Fame member Bret Hart continued his criticism of Hulk Hogan's wrestling abilities, stating that he "didn't know a headlock from a headlamp" and was "very limited", despite acknowledging Hogan's look as incredible.
