How Hulk Hogan Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline
How the contributions of Hulk Hogan continue to shape the world today.
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.
1984: Agreement Between Titan Sports, Marvel Comics and Hogan
In 1984, An agreement was made between Titan Sports, Marvel Comics, and Hulk Hogan regarding similarities between Hogan's character and The Incredible Hulk. Marvel obtained trademarks for "Hulk Hogan", "Hulkster", and "Hulkamania" for 20 years.
February 5, 1988: Match Against Andre the Giant
On February 5, 1988, Hulk Hogan's match against André the Giant on WWF The Main Event achieved a 15.2 Nielsen rating and 33 million viewers, setting an American television viewership record for wrestling.
1988: Marvel Comics Presents #45
In 1988, in Marvel Comics Presents #45, a wrestler resembling Hogan was tossed through an arena roof by The Incredible Hulk.
1990: Fourth Demandment Added
In 1990, during his feud with Earthquake, Hulk Hogan added a fourth demandment (believing in oneself) to his Hulkamania mantra.
1991: 900 Number Information Line
From 1991 to 1993, Hulk Hogan's 900 number information line was reported to be the single biggest 900 number.
1993: 900 Number Information Line
From 1991 to 1993, Hulk Hogan's 900 number information line was reported to be the single biggest 900 number.
1996: Merger Between Turner Broadcasting System and Time Warner
In 1996, Turner Broadcasting System, the parent company of WCW, merged with Time Warner, making them sister companies with Marvel rival DC Comics. Hogan was using the name "Hollywood Hogan" at the time.
April 2, 2005: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
On April 2, 2005, Hulk Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2005 by Sylvester Stallone.
2005: WWE Hall of Fame Induction
In 2005, Hulk Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
April 2006: Hall of Fame Induction and Feud with Randy Orton
In April 2006, Hulk Hogan inducted "Mean" Gene Okerlund into the WWE Hall of Fame. He then feuded with Randy Orton, leading to a match at SummerSlam which Hogan won.
2007: Spoke about his faith
In 2007, Hulk Hogan spoke about his faith, mentioning that he accepted Christ as his savior when he was 14 and leaned on his religion.
2013: Only Professional Wrestler on Cover of Sports Illustrated
As of 2013, Hulk Hogan was the first and only professional wrestler to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
October 2016: Listing in WWE Encyclopedia
Despite being removed from most of WWE's online content in 2015, Hulk Hogan was still listed in the Hall of Fame entry of the official WWE encyclopedia released in October 2016.
May 3, 2018: Inducted into Boys and Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame
On May 3, 2018, Hulk Hogan was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame.
2020: Second WWE Hall of Fame Induction
In 2020, Hulk Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame a second time as a member of the nWo.
2022: Vince Russo on Wrestling Style
In 2022, former writer Vince Russo, who Hulk Hogan had previously sued, commented that more wrestlers should wrestle like Hogan, as opposed to the modern acrobatic style.
2022: Most Often Cited Professional Wrestler
In a 2022 survey, Hulk Hogan was the most often cited professional wrestler by those in the general public who could name a professional wrestler.
December 20, 2023: Baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church
On December 20, 2023, Hulk Hogan was baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida.
2023: Chris Jericho on Hogan vs. Flair
In 2023, Chris Jericho stated on his podcast that in his experience, Hulk Hogan was a better worker than Ric Flair, praising Hogan's understanding of his character and audience.
January 22, 2024: WWE Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Hulkamania
On January 22, 2024, WWE celebrated the 40th anniversary of 'Hulkamania' with Hulk Hogan appearing in pre-taped footage.
