December 6, 1913: Birth of Pietro "Peter" Bollea
Pietro "Peter" Bollea, Hulk Hogan's father, was born on December 6, 1913.
1922: Birth of Ruth V. Bollea
Ruth V. Bollea, Hulk Hogan's mother, was born in 1922.
1947: Birth of Allan Bollea
Allan Bollea, Hulk Hogan's older brother, was born in 1947.
August 11, 1953: Birth of Hulk Hogan
Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, was born on August 11, 1953 in Augusta, Georgia, to construction foreman Pietro "Peter" Bollea and homemaker and dance teacher Ruth V. Bollea.
August 11, 1953: Birth of Hulk Hogan
Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, was born on August 11, 1953 in Augusta, Georgia.
1976: Start of Steroid Use
Hogan admitted to using anabolic steroids since 1976 to enhance his size and weight.
1976: Formation of Ruckus
Hulk Hogan, along with two local musicians, formed the band Ruckus in 1976.
1976: Hulk Hogan Begins Training with Hiro Matsuda
In 1976, urged by the Brisco brothers, Hulk Hogan agreed to pursue wrestling and began training under Hiro Matsuda. During an early training session, he suffered a broken leg.
August 10, 1977: Hulk Hogan's Professional Wrestling Debut
Hulk Hogan officially stepped into the professional wrestling ring on August 10, 1977, facing Brian Blair in Fort Myers, Florida, in a Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) event.
1977: Hulk Hogan Begins Professional Wrestling Career
Hulk Hogan's professional wrestling journey began in 1977.
December 1, 1979: First Professional Wrestling Championship Win
On December 1, 1979, Hulk Hogan won his first professional wrestling championship, the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division), by defeating Bob Roop in Knoxville, Tennessee.
December 1979: Wrestling in Georgia Championship Wrestling
Hulk Hogan briefly wrestled in the Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW) territory as Sterling Golden from September through December 1979.
December 17, 1979: First Appearance at Madison Square Garden
On December 17, 1979, Hulk Hogan had his first match at Madison Square Garden, where he emerged victorious against Ted DiBiase.
January 1980: Loss of NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship
Hulk Hogan lost the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship in January 1980 to Bob Armstrong.
May 13, 1980: New Japan Pro-Wrestling Debut
On May 13, 1980, while still under contract with the WWF, Hulk Hogan made his debut in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
August 1980: First Feud with André the Giant
Hulk Hogan's first major feud in the WWF was with André the Giant, culminating in a match at Shea Stadium in August 1980.
March 26, 1981: Intercontinental Championship Match
On March 26, 1981, Hulk Hogan unsuccessfully challenged Pedro Morales for the Intercontinental Championship.
July 1981: Fan Favorite Turn in AWA
By the end of July 1981, Hulk Hogan transitioned into a fan favorite in the AWA. This turn occurred after he came to the aid of Brad Rheingans, who was being attacked by Jerry Blackwell. This incident, recorded for television, aired in August and marked a turning point in Hogan's AWA career.
August 1981: Debut in the American Wrestling Association
Following his role in the film Rocky III, Hulk Hogan debuted in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in August 1981, initially positioned as a villain alongside his manager, "Luscious" Johnny Valiant.
1981: Previous Year's Transition
The storyline explanation for Hulk Hogan's fan favorite status was a simplified acknowledgment of his character change in late 1981. This narrative choice was necessary due to the short timeframe between Hogan's return and his upcoming WWF World Heavyweight Championship win.
April 1982: Controversial AWA World Heavyweight Championship Win
Although initially declared the winner and new AWA World Heavyweight Champion after defeating Nick Bockwinkel in April 1982, the decision was reversed by AWA President Stanley Blackburn. The reversal was due to Hogan's use of a foreign object during the match, leading to disqualification and maintaining Bockwinkel's championship reign.
1982: Rocky III Release
Hulk Hogan appeared as Thunderlips in the film Rocky III, which was released in 1982.
1982: Hulk Hogan's Acting Debut
Hulk Hogan's foray into acting began with a cameo appearance in the movie "Rocky III" in 1982.
1982: Vincent K. McMahon Takes Ownership of WWF
Vincent K. McMahon purchased the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from his father in 1982. His vision was to expand the company from a regional territory into a national promotion, with Hulk Hogan as the central figurehead.
1982: MSG Tag League Tournament Win
Hulk Hogan and Antonio Inoki won the MSG (Madison Square Garden) Tag League tournament in 1982, marking the first of their two consecutive victories.
June 2, 1983: IWGP Tournament Win and Championship
Hulk Hogan emerged victorious in the inaugural International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) tournament on June 2, 1983, becoming the first wrestler to hold the early iteration of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. He achieved this by defeating Antonio Inoki by knockout in the finals.
November 1983: Departure from the AWA
Hulk Hogan left the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in November 1983.
December 1983: Hulk Hogan Joins WWF
Hulk Hogan signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in December 1983, marking the beginning of his rise to worldwide recognition.
December 18, 1983: Marriage to Linda Claridge
Hogan married Linda Claridge on December 18, 1983.
December 27, 1983: Return to the World Wrestling Federation
Hulk Hogan returned to the World Wrestling Federation on December 27, 1983, at a television taping in St. Louis, Missouri. His comeback match saw him defeat Bill Dixon.
1983: Second MSG Tag League Tournament Win
Hulk Hogan and Antonio Inoki secured their second consecutive victory in the MSG (Madison Square Garden) Tag League tournament in 1983.
1983: Hulk Hogan Headlines AWA Super Sunday
Hulk Hogan was the headlining act at the inaugural American Wrestling Association (AWA) closed circuit supercard, Super Sunday, in 1983.
January 7, 1984: Solidifying Fan Favorite Status
On January 7, 1984, during an episode of Championship Wrestling, Hulk Hogan solidified his status as a fan favorite by rescuing Bob Backlund from a three-way attack by the Wild Samoans. This act of heroism confirmed his face turn for any WWF fans unaware of his shift in the AWA in late 1981.
1984: Trademark Agreement with Marvel
In 1984, to prevent legal issues with Marvel Comics, Titan Sports (WWF's parent company), Marvel Comics, and Hulk Hogan reached an agreement. Marvel gained the trademarks for "Hulk Hogan," "Hulkster," and "Hulkamania" for two decades. Titan agreed to avoid using "incredible," "Hulk," green, or purple in association with Hogan's character.
1984: Loss of IWGP Heavyweight Championship
Hulk Hogan returned to NJPW in 1984 to defend the early version of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Antonio Inoki, who had become the number one contender. He lost the match and the championship title by countout due to interference from Riki Choshu.
March 27, 1985: Richard Belzer Incident
On March 27, 1985, Hogan put Richard Belzer in a Guillotine choke on Belzer's show "Hot Properties", causing Belzer to pass out and sustain a head injury, leading to a lawsuit.
March 30, 1985: Saturday Night Live Appearance
Showcasing his rising star power, Hulk Hogan co-hosted Saturday Night Live on March 30, 1985, during a period of significant success for both him and the WWF.
March 31, 1985: WrestleMania I
On March 31, 1985, the inaugural WrestleMania took place. Hulk Hogan, partnered with Mr. T, faced off against "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Mr Wonderful" Paul Orndorff. The match ended with Hogan and Mr. T victorious after Bob Orton accidentally struck Orndorff with his cast.
1985: First Appearance on The A-Team
Hulk Hogan made his first appearance on the television series The A-Team in 1985, alongside Roddy Piper.
1986: Second Appearance on The A-Team
Hulk Hogan made his second appearance on the television series The A-Team in 1986.
1986: Death of Allan Bollea
Hulk Hogan's older brother, Allan Bollea, tragically passed away in 1986 at the age of 38 from a drug overdose.
1986: Hulk Machine
In the latter part of 1986, Hulk Hogan, adopting the masked persona of Hulk Machine, occasionally participated in tag team matches alongside The Machines. This gimmick drew inspiration from NJPW's "Super Strong Machine."
1986: Championship Reign and Notable Matches
Throughout 1986, Hulk Hogan cemented his status as WWF World Heavyweight Champion, successfully defending his title against formidable opponents such as Terry Funk, Don Muraco, King Kong Bundy (in a WrestleMania 2 steel cage match), Paul Orndorff, and Hercules Hernandez.
1987: WrestleMania III and the Showdown with André the Giant
WrestleMania III, held in 1987, became an iconic event in wrestling history, largely due to the clash between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant. Hogan, the WWF World Heavyweight Champion for three consecutive years, faced the challenge of André, who was promoted as undefeated for 15 years. After a build-up filled with tension, Hogan triumphed over André, delivering the unforgettable "bodyslam heard around the world."
February 5, 1988: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant
On February 5, 1988, Hulk Hogan faced Andre the Giant in a match on WWF The Main Event, setting American television viewership records for wrestling with a 15.2 Nielsen rating and 33 million viewers.
May 5, 1988: Brooke Hogan's Birth
Hogan's daughter, Brooke, was born on May 5, 1988.
1988: Marvel Comic Appearance
Adding a touch of meta-fiction, a 1988 issue of Marvel Comics Presents featured a wrestler resembling Hulk Hogan being thrown through an arena roof by The Incredible Hulk. The reason? The wrestler "picked the wrong name."
1988: The War Bonnet
During mid-1988, Hulk Hogan experimented with a new look in house shows, sporting a red and yellow gladiator helmet dubbed the "War Bonnet." He notably wore it during a match against Bad News Brown at Madison Square Garden, handing Brown his first WWF loss. The War Bonnet, however, was short-lived.
March 7, 1989: Hulk Hogan vs Big Boss Man
Hulk Hogan faced off against Big Boss Man at the El Paso Civic Center on March 7, 1989, in a match taped for the WWF program "Superstars of Wrestling." This match added to their ongoing rivalry.
1989: The Mega Powers Explode
In 1989, Hulk Hogan's partnership with Randy Savage, known as the Mega Powers, began to crumble due to Savage's jealousy and paranoia. Tensions peaked at the Royal Rumble when Hogan accidentally eliminated Savage, leading to a backstage confrontation. Their feud culminated at WrestleMania V, where Hogan defeated Savage for his second WWF World Heavyweight Championship.
1989: Hogan's Second WWF Championship Reign
Hulk Hogan's second reign as WWF Champion in 1989 was marked by a feud with Randy Savage, culminating in a WrestleMania rematch and several controversial count-out victories for Hogan. He also starred in the movie "No Holds Barred," which led to a feud with co-star Tom Lister, Jr., who wrestled as Zeus.
1989: No Holds Barred Release
Hulk Hogan starred in the film No Holds Barred, released in 1989.
April 1, 1990: Passing the Torch at WrestleMania VI
On April 1, 1990, at WrestleMania VI, Hulk Hogan faced Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior in a title versus title match. Hogan lost the WWF Championship to Warrior in a symbolic passing of the torch moment.
May 1990: Earthquake's Attack and Hogan's Return
In May 1990, Hulk Hogan was sidelined after a surprise attack by Earthquake on "The Brother Love Show" that left him with injured ribs. This, coupled with his WrestleMania VI loss, led to a storyline suggesting Hogan's retirement. He returned by SummerSlam, adopting the nickname "The Immortal" and adding a fourth demandment to his persona: believing in yourself.
July 27, 1990: Nick Hogan's Birth
Hogan's son, Nick, was born on July 27, 1990.
1990: Hulk Hogan Wins Royal Rumble
Hulk Hogan emerged victorious in the 1990 Royal Rumble.
1990: Hulkamania Runs Wild
In 1990, Hulk Hogan's character continued to soar in popularity. He adopted a fourth commandment for his fans, urging them to believe in themselves. He continued to use his signature moves and wrestling persona, emphasizing audience interaction and his "Hulking up" ability to overcome any obstacle.
1991: Hulk Hogan Wins Royal Rumble
Hulk Hogan won his second consecutive Royal Rumble in 1991.
1991: Royal Rumble Victory and Championship Reign
Hulk Hogan won the 1991 Royal Rumble, his second consecutive victory in the event. At WrestleMania VII, he defeated Sgt. Slaughter to win his third WWF Championship, becoming a symbol of American patriotism during the Gulf War. He later lost the title to The Undertaker at Survivor Series but regained it six days later in a controversial rematch.
1991: Suburban Commando Release
Hulk Hogan starred in the family film Suburban Commando, released in 1991.
1991: The Undertaker Neck Injury Claim
Hogan alleged The Undertaker injured his neck at Survivor Series 1991, a claim disputed by wrestling fans and commentators.
1991: AT&T 900 Number Success
From 1991 to 1993, Hulk Hogan operated the most successful 900 number information line, according to AT&T, further demonstrating his immense popularity and ability to connect with fans. He continued this venture even after moving to World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
1992: Right Guard Deodorant Commercials
Hulk Hogan appeared in commercials for Right Guard deodorant in 1992.
1992: WrestleMania VIII and Feud with Sid Justice
In 1992, Hulk Hogan's participation in the Royal Rumble ended with him being eliminated by his friend, Sid Justice, leading to a feud between the two. Hogan defeated Sid at WrestleMania VIII by disqualification and was later attacked by Papa Shango before being saved by the returning Ultimate Warrior.
1992: SummerSlam 1992 Claim
Hogan claimed an experience with a Make-A-Wish child at SummerSlam 1992 inspired his "Hulk Rules" album, despite not being at the event.
February 1993: Return to WWF and WrestleMania IX Controversy
Hulk Hogan returned to the WWF in February 1993, forming The Mega-Maniacs with Brutus Beefcake and feuding with Money Inc. At WrestleMania IX, Hogan controversially won his fifth WWF Championship from Yokozuna shortly after Yokozuna defeated Bret Hart, a move allegedly influenced by Hogan's desire to hold the title during an upcoming farewell tour.
May 3, 1993: Hogan Returns to NJPW
On May 3, 1993, Hulk Hogan returned to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as the WWF Champion and emerged victorious against IWGP Heavyweight Champion, The Great Muta, in a highly anticipated dream match at Wrestling Dontaku.
August 1993: Final WWF Championship Loss and Departure
Hulk Hogan's final WWF Championship reign ended at the King of the Ring pay-per-view in June 1993, when he lost to Yokozuna after being blinded by a fireball. This marked Hogan's last WWF pay-per-view appearance until 2002. He continued his feud with Yokozuna on the house show circuit until August 1993 before leaving the WWF.
September 26, 1993: Rematch with Muta
On September 26, 1993, Hogan faced off against The Great Muta once more, this time wrestling Muta under his real name, Keiji Mutoh.
1993: End of AT&T 900 Number Success
Hogan's run with the most successful 900 number information line, according to AT&T, came to an end in 1993. He continued this venture even after moving to World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
1993: Mr. Nanny Release
Hulk Hogan starred in the family film Mr. Nanny, released in 1993.
1993: Hulk Hogan Leaves WWF
In 1993, Hulk Hogan made the decision to depart from the WWF to explore opportunities in film and television.
January 4, 1994: Victory Over Fujinami
On January 4, 1994, Hogan's time in Japan culminated with a significant victory over Tatsumi Fujinami at the Battlefield event, marking his last match in Japan.
March 1994: Hogan Appears on WCW Television
In March 1994, Hogan began appearing on WCW television, generating buzz and speculation about his future in wrestling.
May 28, 1994: Hogan Joins WCW
On May 28, 1994, Hogan made a significant decision, tearing up his "Thunder in Paradise" contract on WCW Saturday Night, signaling his return to professional wrestling and joining WCW.
June 11, 1994: Hogan Signs with WCW
Hogan officially signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) on June 11, 1994, in a ceremony held at Disney-MGM Studios, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
December 1994: Hogan Headlines Starrcade
In December 1994, Hogan solidified his presence in WCW by headlining their premier annual event, Starrcade, where he defeated The Butcher to retain his title.
1994: Vince McMahon Steroid Trial Testimony
In 1994, Hogan testified in Vince McMahon's steroid trial, admitting to steroid use since 1976 but stating McMahon didn't supply them.
1994: Thunder in Paradise Premiere
Hulk Hogan's television series, Thunder in Paradise, premiered in 1994.
1994: Hulk Hogan Joins WCW
Enticed back to the wrestling world, Hulk Hogan signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1994.
September 1995: Hogan Retains WCW World Heavyweight Championship
Throughout September 1995, Hogan showcased his dominance by successfully defending his WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Big Bubba Rogers and Lex Luger in separate matches on Nitro.
October 9, 1995: Hogan's All-Black Attire
October 9, 1995, marked a notable visual shift in Hogan's wrestling persona as he appeared on WCW Nitro in all-black attire for the first time.
1995: Appearance on Kids Against Crime
Hulk Hogan made an appearance on TBN's Kids Against Crime in 1995.
1995: Pastamania Restaurant Opening
Hulk Hogan opened a restaurant called Pastamania in 1995, located in the Mall of America. Despite heavy promotion, the restaurant closed within a year.
1995: Hulk Rules Release
Hulk Hogan, as Hulk Hogan and the Wrestling Boot Band, released the music CD "Hulk Rules" in 1995, which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Top Kid Audio chart.
1995: Hulk Rules Album Release
The Wrestling Boot Band, fronted by Hulk Hogan, released their album "Hulk Rules" in 1995, which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Top Kid Audio chart.
1996: Time Warner Merger and Trademark Implications
The 1996 merger of Turner Broadcasting System (WCW's parent company) and Time Warner created an interesting situation as Time Warner now owned DC Comics, Marvel's rival. The existing agreement prevented Time Warner from paying Marvel for the use of the "Hulk Hogan" name while simultaneously owning DC Comics.
1996: The Mega Powers Reunite
In early 1996, Hogan and Randy Savage reignited their successful tag team, The Mega Powers, to confront The Alliance to End Hulkamania, leading to a climactic Doomsday Cage match victory at Uncensored.
1996: Hogan Turns Heel and Forms the nWo
In a shocking turn of events at Bash at the Beach in 1996, Hogan turned heel, aligning himself with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to form the New World Order (nWo), marking a significant shift in his career and wrestling persona.
1996: "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and the nWo
Hulk Hogan underwent a significant career shift in 1996, embracing the villainous persona of "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and leading the New World Order (nWo) stable.
1996: Santa with Muscles Release
Hulk Hogan starred in the family film Santa with Muscles, released in 1996.
August 4, 1997: Hogan Loses WCW World Heavyweight Championship
On August 4, 1997, Hogan's reign as WCW World Heavyweight Champion came to an end when he was defeated by Lex Luger via submission.
1997: Assault on Devil's Island Premiere
Hulk Hogan starred in the TNT movie Assault on Devil's Island, released in 1997, which also featured Carl Weathers and Shannon Tweed.
1997: Hulk Hogan Headlines Starrcade
Hulk Hogan was the main attraction at Starrcade, WCW's premier annual event, in 1997.
1998: 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain and The Ultimate Weapon Releases
Hulk Hogan appeared in two films released in 1998: 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain and The Ultimate Weapon, the latter of which also featured a cameo by Brutus Beefcake.
1998: Celebrity Matches and Controversial Rematch
Throughout 1998, Hogan participated in several high-profile celebrity matches, including a tag team match with Dennis Rodman against Diamond Dallas Page and Karl Malone. He also had a controversial rematch with The Warrior at Halloween Havoc.
January 4, 1999: Hogan Wins WCW World Heavyweight Championship
On January 4, 1999, Hogan returned to WCW and challenged Kevin Nash for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, winning the title for the fifth time.
August 9, 1999: Hogan Wears Red and Yellow, Wins at Road Wild
On August 9, 1999, Hulk Hogan switched his attire to his iconic red and yellow and won a retirement match against Kevin Nash at WCW Road Wild, retaining the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.
October 1999: Hogan Absent from WCW
Starting in October 1999, Hulk Hogan was absent from WCW television, a period that lasted until February 2000. He later stated this was at the request of Vince Russo.
1999: Appearance on Suddenly Susan
Hulk Hogan made an appearance on the television show Suddenly Susan in 1999.
February 2000: Hogan Returns to WCW
Hulk Hogan returned to WCW television in February 2000 after a period of absence.
February 2000: Controversial Match with Jeff Jarrett at Bash at the Beach
On February 2000, at WCW Bash at the Beach, Hulk Hogan was involved in a controversial match with Jeff Jarrett. Hogan was supposed to win, but the situation turned into a worked shoot when Russo publicly revealed Hogan's creative control clause, leading to a dispute and Hogan leaving WCW.
March 2001: WCW Demise and Hogan's Knee Surgery
Following the closure of WCW in March 2001, Hulk Hogan underwent knee surgery to address injuries and prepare for a potential return to wrestling.
December 18, 2001: Death of Pietro "Peter" Bollea
Hulk Hogan's father, Pietro "Peter" Bollea, passed away on December 18, 2001.
2001: Guest Appearance on Walker, Texas Ranger
Hulk Hogan made a guest appearance on an episode of the television series Walker, Texas Ranger in 2001.
February 2002: Hogan Returns at No Way Out
Hulk Hogan returned to the WWF at the No Way Out pay-per-view in February 2002, aligning himself with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to reform the nWo.
February 2002: Hogan Returns to WWF
In February 2002, Hulk Hogan returned to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) after recovering from knee surgery and a brief stint in XWF.
April 4, 2002: Hogan Feuds with Triple H, Wins WWE Undisputed Championship
On the April 4, 2002, episode of SmackDown!, Hulk Hogan started a feud with Triple H, leading to a match at Backlash where Hogan won the WWE Undisputed Championship. This marked the final time the championship was referred to as the WWF Championship.
May 2002: WWF Becomes WWE
In May 2002, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) officially changed its name to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) due to a legal dispute with the World Wildlife Fund.
August 2002: Hogan Feuds with Brock Lesnar
In August 2002, Hulk Hogan was involved in a high-profile feud with rising star Brock Lesnar, culminating in a match on SmackDown! where Lesnar defeated Hogan by technical submission, marking Lesnar's dominance.
2002: Hulk Hogan Returns to WWF
Following WWF's acquisition of WCW, Hulk Hogan made his return to the WWF in 2002.
2002: Return to WWE
Hulk Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 after a nine-year hiatus.
2002: Hogan's Lawsuit Against Russo Dismissed
In 2002, a defamation lawsuit filed by Hulk Hogan against Vince Russo, stemming from the events of WCW Bash at the Beach 2000, was dismissed.
October 2003: TNA's Overture and Hogan's Injury
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) showed interest in Hogan, culminating in Jeff Jarrett's on-air attack on Hogan in Japan. This was intended to set up a feud and a match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at TNA's first three-hour pay-per-view. However, Hogan couldn't appear due to knee and hip problems.
2003: Mr. America Unmasked and Hogan's Departure from WWE
Mr. America's last appearance in WWE was on June 26, 2003, when he unmasked, revealing himself as Hulk Hogan. However, the next week, McMahon used footage of the unmasking to "fire" Hogan, who had already quit in reality due to frustrations with creative direction and payoffs for the Mr. America gimmick.
2003: Hulk Hogan Departs WWF
Hulk Hogan's time with WWF came to an end once again in 2003.
2003: Hulk Hogan's Return and Mr. America Gimmick
In 2003, after a hiatus due to an assault by Brock Lesnar, Hulk Hogan returned to WWE with a new look, shaving his beard and dropping "Hollywood" from his name. He feuded with The Rock and Mr. McMahon, culminating in a street fight at WrestleMania XIX. Later, Hogan introduced the masked Mr. America character, denying any connection to his Hulkster persona, but mimicking Hogan's mannerisms, phrases, and entrance theme.
April 2, 2005: WWE Hall of Fame Induction and WrestleMania 21 Appearance
Hulk Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 2, 2005, by Sylvester Stallone. The following night at WrestleMania 21, Hogan made a surprise appearance, rescuing Eugene from an attack by Muhammad Hassan and Khosrow Daivari, marking the beginning of a new storyline.
July 10, 2005: Hogan Knows Best Premiere
VH1 premiered the reality show Hogan Knows Best on July 10, 2005, featuring Hulk Hogan, his then-wife Linda, and their children Brooke and Nick.
2005: Hulk Hogan Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame
In recognition of his illustrious career, Hulk Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
April 2006: Inducting "Mean" Gene Okerlund and Final WWE Match
In April 2006, Hulk Hogan inducted "Mean" Gene Okerlund into the WWE Hall of Fame. He also had his final WWE match at SummerSlam, defeating Randy Orton, who had attacked Hogan after flirting with his daughter Brooke on Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII.
October 20, 2006: Belzer Settlement Claim
On October 20, 2006, on the Bubba the Love Sponge Show, it was claimed that the settlement with Belzer totaled $5 million.
2006: Brooke Hogan Album Collaboration
Christiane Plante worked with Brooke Hogan on her album in 2006.
2006: Hogan Energy Drink and "Hulkster Burgers"
In 2006, Hulk Hogan unveiled his energy drink, Hogan Energy, and lent his name and image to a line of frozen "Hulkster Burgers" sold at Walmart.
January 2007: Bubba the Love Sponge's Best Man
Hogan served as the best man at Bubba the Love Sponge's wedding in January 2007.
October 2007: Transfer of Trademarks to Hogan Holdings Limited
In October 2007, Hulk Hogan transferred all his personal trademarks, including "Hulk Hogan," "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan," and "Hulkster," to his company, Hogan Holdings Limited.
November 20, 2007: Divorce Filing
On November 20, 2007, Linda Hogan initiated divorce proceedings from Hulk Hogan in Pinellas County, Florida.
December 2007: Hogan's Previous WWE In-Ring Appearance
Hulk Hogan's appearance on February 24, 2014, marked his first in-ring appearance for WWE since December 2007.
2007: Hogan's Racist Remarks Captured on Tape
The leaked tape that surfaced in July 2015, containing Hogan's racist remarks, was recorded in 2007.
2007: Affair Allegation
Christiane Plante alleged that Hogan had an affair with her in 2007 while filming "Hogan Knows Best".
2007: Public Statement of Faith
In 2007, Hulk Hogan publicly discussed his Christian faith, highlighting its positive impact on his life and decision-making.
April 2008: "Hulkamania Wrestling" Mobile Game Announcement
Hulk Hogan partnered with Gameloft in April 2008 to develop "Hulkamania Wrestling," a mobile game incorporating his iconic wrestling moves and experiences.
June 23, 2008: Belzer Settlement Clarification
On June 23, 2008, during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show, Belzer stated the settlement with Hogan was closer to $400,000.
July 2008: Brooke Knows Best Premiere
A spin-off of Hogan Knows Best, titled Brooke Knows Best, premiered in July 2008, focusing on Hulk Hogan's daughter Brooke.
September 2008: Hulk Hogan's Net Worth Revealed
Hulk Hogan's net worth was estimated to be around $30 million in September 2008.
November 2008: Public Statement on Divorce
In November 2008, Linda Hogan publicly stated that her decision to end her marriage with Hulk Hogan stemmed from discovering his infidelity.
2008: Further Racist Language Revealed in Phone Call
In 2008, Hogan was reported to have used more racist language during a phone call with his son, Nick, who was in prison at the time, further tarnishing his public image.
2008: Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill Recall
In 2008, "The Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill," endorsed by Hogan, was voluntarily recalled due to a fire hazard.
2008: King of Bacchus
Hulk Hogan was honored as the King of Bacchus at the 2008 New Orleans carnival. He visited the Children's Hospital and participated in the parade, aligning with his support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
2008: New Relationship
Hulk Hogan began a relationship with Jennifer McDaniel in early 2008.
2008: American Gladiators
In 2008, Hulk Hogan hosted the comeback series of American Gladiators on NBC. He also hosted and judged the reality show, Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling.
October 27, 2009: Hogan Signs with TNA
Hogan signed a full-time contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) on October 27, 2009. The signing and the following press conference at Madison Square Garden were televised on TNA Impact!
November 2009: Engagement
Hulk Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel announced their engagement in November 2009.
December 5, 2009: Hogan's TNA Debut Announcement
On December 5, 2009, during an episode of UFC's The Ultimate Fighter, Hogan announced his official debut for TNA on January 4, 2010. This debut, scheduled for a special live episode of Impact!, was strategically planned to compete with WWE Raw and the return of Bret Hart.
2009: Autobiography and Divorce Settlement
In 2009, Hulk Hogan released his autobiography, addressing allegations of infidelity during his marriage. He admitted to Linda's suspicions but denied any cheating. Following the divorce, Hogan retained approximately 30% of their combined $10 million assets.
January 4, 2010: Hogan Debuts in TNA
As previously announced, Hulk Hogan made his official debut in TNA on January 4, 2010, during a special live Monday night episode of Impact!, marking a significant moment in TNA's history and competition with WWE.
March 12, 2010: Hogan Uncensored
On March 12, 2010, Hogan started hosting his own radio show, "Hogan Uncensored", on Sirius Satellite Radio's Howard 101.
October 15, 2010: Hulk Hogan's Hulkamania Online Gambling Game Launch
Endemol Games UK announced a partnership with Bischoff Hervey Entertainment on October 15, 2010, to launch "Hulk Hogan's Hulkamania," an online gambling game featuring footage of Hogan.
November 17, 2010: Finding Hulk Hogan
On November 17, 2010, a special titled "Finding Hulk Hogan" aired on A&E.
December 14, 2010: Marriage
Hulk Hogan and Jennifer McDaniel were married on December 14, 2010, in Clearwater, Florida.
December 2010: Spinal Fusion Surgery
In December 2010, after unsuccessful procedures at the Laser Spine Institute, Hogan underwent spinal fusion surgery, enabling his return to professional activities.
December 21, 2010: Hogan Undergoes Spinal Fusion Surgery
On December 21, 2010, Hulk Hogan underwent a significant spinal fusion surgery. The surgery was deemed necessary due to his ongoing back problems and was considered potentially career-ending.
January 1, 2011: Death of Ruth V. Bollea
Hulk Hogan's mother, Ruth V. Bollea, passed away on January 1, 2011.
March 3, 2011: Hogan Returns to TNA, Declares Himself Owner
On March 3, 2011, Hulk Hogan made a triumphant return to TNA, declaring himself the new owner after winning a supposed court battle against Dixie Carter. He began hinting at a return to the ring, potentially facing then-champion Sting.
March 24, 2011: Appearance on American Idol
Hulk Hogan made a surprise appearance on American Idol on March 24, 2011, delighting wrestling fans Paul McDonald and James Durbin.
September 2011: Hogan's Financial Challenges
In September 2011, Hulk Hogan revealed facing significant financial strain, attributing it to his extravagant lifestyle and divorce.
October 2011: Hulk Hogan's Main Event
In October 2011, Hogan released a video game titled "Hulk Hogan's Main Event".
November 1, 2011: Hogan Nutrition Website Launch
Hulk Hogan launched his website, Hogan Nutrition, on November 1, 2011, featuring various nutritional and dietary products.
April 2012: Sex Tape Emergence
A sex tape of Hogan and Heather Clem surfaced online in April 2012.
October 4, 2012: Sex Tape Leak
On October 4, 2012, Gawker released a clip of a sex tape featuring Hogan and Heather Clem.
October 15, 2012: Invasion of Privacy Lawsuit
Hogan filed a lawsuit against Bubba the Love Sponge and Heather Clem on October 15, 2012 for invasion of privacy.
October 29, 2012: Settlement with Bubba
A settlement between Hogan and Bubba the Love Sponge regarding the sex tape was announced on October 29, 2012.
December 2012: Gawker Copyright Ruling
In December 2012, a federal court ruled that Gawker's publication of the sex tape snippet didn't violate U.S. copyright law.
2012: Hogan's Beach Restaurant Opening
Hulk Hogan launched his beachfront restaurant, "Hogan's Beach," in the Tampa area in 2012.
2012: Hogan's Final Matches and Transition to Management
In 2012, Hulk Hogan wrestled his last matches during TNA's UK tour, teaming with James Storm and Sting. He transitioned into a managerial role, becoming Garett Bischoff's trainer and later replacing Sting as TNA General Manager.
January 2013: Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
In January 2013, Hulk Hogan filed a $50 million medical malpractice lawsuit against the Laser Spine Institute. He alleged they pressured him into six unnecessary spinal surgeries, worsening his back problems and using his name in ads without consent.
October 2013: Hostamania Web Hosting Service Launch
Hulk Hogan partnered with Tech Assets, Inc. to launch "Hostamania," a web hosting service, releasing a promotional video parodying Jean-Claude Van Damme's GoDaddy.com commercials and Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" music video.
November 21, 2013: Google Plus Hangout On Air
Hulk Hogan participated in a live Google Plus Hangout On Air with GoDaddy.com on November 21, 2013, discussing Hostamania, fans, and business.
2013: Sports Illustrated Cover
As of 2013, Hulk Hogan holds the distinction of being the first and only professional wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, solidifying his place as a pop culture icon.
February 24, 2014: Hogan Promotes WWE Network on Raw
After several years away, Hulk Hogan returned to WWE on February 24, 2014, making an in-ring appearance on Raw to promote the launch of the WWE Network.
February 27, 2015: Hogan Honored at Madison Square Garden
On February 27, 2015, WWE celebrated "Hulk Hogan Appreciation Night" at Madison Square Garden. A commemorative banner was raised to honor Hogan's legendary career and memorable matches at the iconic venue.
July 2015: Leaked Tape Exposes Hogan's Racist Remarks
In July 2015, a leaked sex tape from 2007 surfaced, containing racist language and sentiments expressed by Hulk Hogan, leading to widespread condemnation.
October 1, 2015: Access to Gawker's System
On October 1, 2015, a Florida Judge granted Hogan access to Gawker's computer system for forensic search.
October 2015: Hogan's Beach Restaurant Name Change
Hogan's Beach, a restaurant opened by Hulk Hogan in 2012, dropped his name in October 2015.
2015: Hogan's Firing from WWE
Hogan's appearance on Raw on January 7, 2019, was significant as it was his first in North America since he was fired by WWE in 2015.
2015: Hogan Confronts Axel, Inducts Savage, Reunites with nWo
In 2015, Hogan confronted Curtis Axel for using his Hulkamania gimmick. He also inducted "Macho Man" Randy Savage into the WWE Hall of Fame and reunited with the nWo at WrestleMania 31, siding with Sting against Triple H's DX.
2015: Tough Enough Judge
In 2015, Hogan served as a judge on the sixth season of Tough Enough alongside Paige and Daniel Bryan.
March 18, 2016: Gawker Defamation Lawsuit Victory
Hogan was awarded $115 million in his defamation lawsuit against Gawker on March 18, 2016.
August 11, 2016: Control of Gawker Editor's Assets
On August 11, 2016, a Florida judge gave Hogan control over the assets of A.J. Daulerio, former Gawker editor involved in the sex tape posting.
October 2016: WWE Removes Hogan References, Publishes Encyclopedia
In October 2016, while WWE had removed most references to Hogan, they still included him in the Hall of Fame entry of their official encyclopedia.
November 2, 2016: Gawker Settlement
Gawker reached a $31 million settlement with Hogan on November 2, 2016, concluding the sex tape lawsuit.
May 3, 2018: Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame Induction
Hulk Hogan was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame on May 3, 2018.
July 15, 2018: Hogan Reinstated into WWE Hall of Fame
After a period of exile, Hulk Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame on July 15, 2018.
November 2, 2018: Hogan Returns On-Screen at Crown Jewel
Hogan made his return to WWE programming as the host of the Crown Jewel event on November 2, 2018.
January 7, 2019: Hogan Pays Tribute to Mean Gene Okerlund
On January 7, 2019, Hogan appeared on Raw to pay tribute to the late Mean Gene Okerlund, marking his first appearance in a WWE ring in North America since his 2015 firing.
February 20, 2019: Hulk Hogan Biopic Announcement
On February 20, 2019, it was announced that Chris Hemsworth would portray Hulk Hogan in a biopic directed by Todd Phillips.
April 6, 2019: Hogan Inducts Brutus Beefcake into Hall of Fame
Hogan inducted his longtime friend and tag team partner, Brutus Beefcake, into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 6, 2019.
June 17, 2019: Hogan Interviewed on Raw About US Women's Soccer Team
On June 17, 2019, Hogan was interviewed on Raw about the US Women's World Cup soccer team.
July 22, 2019: Hogan Appears at Raw Reunion
Hogan appeared at the "Raw Reunion" special on July 22, 2019, participating in the "Toast to Raw" segment.
September 30, 2019: Hogan and Flair Announce 10-Man Tag Team Match
Hogan teamed up with Ric Flair on the September 30, 2019, episode of Raw to announce a 10-man tag team match for Crown Jewel.
December 9, 2019: Hogan Announced for Second Hall of Fame Induction with nWo
On December 9, 2019, it was revealed that Hogan would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame a second time, this time as part of the New World Order.
February 14, 2020: Hogan Appears on SmackDown via Satellite
Hogan's sole appearance on non-WWE Network programming in 2020 was via satellite on the February 14 episode of SmackDown, where he spoke about the Hall of Fame before being interrupted by Bray Wyatt.
2020: Hulk Hogan Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame as nWo Member
Hulk Hogan received a second induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020, this time as a member of the nWo.
March 19, 2021: WWE SmackDown Announcement
On March 19, 2021, it was revealed that Hulk Hogan would co-host WrestleMania 37 with Titus O'Neil.
April 6, 2021: Delayed Hall of Fame Ceremony Airs
The 2020 Hall of Fame ceremony, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally aired on April 6, 2021.
2021: Hogan Appears on Legends Night Raw
Hogan kicked off 2021 with an appearance on the special "Legends Night" episode of Raw, where he introduced his "H-Phone," interacted with other legends and current stars, and witnessed the WWE Championship match.
2021: Bret Hart's Critique of Hogan's Wrestling Abilities
In 2021, Bret Hart publicly criticized Hulk Hogan's wrestling skills, stating that Hogan was "very limited" and questioning his technical knowledge.
February 28, 2022: Divorce Announcement
On February 28, 2022, Hulk Hogan announced on Twitter that he and Jennifer McDaniel had divorced.
2022: Vince Russo's Comments on Hogan's Wrestling Style
Vince Russo, in 2022, expressed that more wrestlers should adopt Hulk Hogan's wrestling style compared to the contemporary acrobatic style.
January 23, 2023: WWE Raw is XXX Appearance
Hulk Hogan appeared live with Jimmy Hart at the WWE Raw is XXX show, commemorating Raw's 30th anniversary on January 23, 2023.
July 2023: Engagement
Hulk Hogan and Sky Daily got engaged in July 2023 at actor Corin Nemec's wedding reception.
September 22, 2023: Marriage
Hulk Hogan and Sky Daily got married on September 22, 2023.
December 20, 2023: Baptism
Hulk Hogan was baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida on December 20, 2023.
2023: Chris Jericho's Praise for Hogan
During his podcast in 2023, Chris Jericho shared his opinion that Hulk Hogan was a more skilled wrestler than Ric Flair, praising Hogan's understanding of his persona and audience connection.
January 22, 2024: 40th Anniversary of "Hulkamania" Celebration
WWE celebrated the 40th anniversary of "Hulkamania" on January 22, 2024, featuring Hulk Hogan in pre-recorded footage.