Hulk Hogan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Hulk Hogan. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1987: Hogan Defeats Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III

In 1987 at WrestleMania III, Hulk Hogan defended the title against Andre the Giant and body slammed him, winning the match.

1990: Royal Rumble Win

In 1990, Hulk Hogan won his first Royal Rumble match.

1991: Consecutive Royal Rumble Win

In 1991, Hulk Hogan won his second Royal Rumble match, making him the first wrestler to win consecutive Royal Rumble matches.

1991: Royal Rumble and WWF Championship

In 1991, Hulk Hogan won the Royal Rumble, making him the first wrestler to win two Royal Rumble matches in a row. At WrestleMania VII, Hogan defeated Sgt. Slaughter for his third WWF Championship.

December 1994: Victory at Starrcade

In December 1994, Hulk Hogan defeated The Butcher for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Starrcade.

September 1995: Title Defenses on Nitro

In September 1995, Hulk Hogan successfully retained the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Big Bubba Rogers and Lex Luger in two separate matches on Nitro.

January 4, 1999: WCW World Heavyweight Championship Win

On January 4, 1999, Hulk Hogan returned to WCW and defeated Kevin Nash to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship for the fifth 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.

2008: King of the Krewe of Bacchus

In 2008, Hulk Hogan was honored as the King of the Krewe of Bacchus, a New Orleans carnival organization, where he visited the Children's Hospital and rode in the parade.

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.

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.

February 27, 2015: Hulk Hogan Appreciation Night at Madison Square Garden

On February 27, 2015, Hulk Hogan was honored at Madison Square Garden during "Hulk Hogan Appreciation Night", with a commemorative banner celebrating his wrestling career and historic matches in the arena.

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.

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.

July 15, 2018: Reinstated into WWE Hall of Fame

On July 15, 2018, Hulk Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame and was invited backstage to WWE's Extreme Rules event.

April 6, 2019: Induction of Brutus Beefcake into WWE Hall of Fame

On April 6, 2019, Hulk Hogan inducted his Mega-Maniacs tag team partner and longtime friend Brutus Beefcake into the WWE Hall of Fame.

December 9, 2019: Second WWE Hall of Fame Induction Announced

On December 9, 2019, it was announced that Hulk Hogan would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame a second time as a member of the New World Order (nWo) along with Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean Waltman.

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.

April 6, 2021: 2020 Hall of Fame Ceremony Airs

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Hall of Fame ceremony, where Hulk Hogan was inducted as part of the New World Order, finally aired on April 6, 2021.