Hulk Hogan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2026

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 celebrated American professional wrestler and media figure, considered among the greatest and most recognizable in wrestling history. He achieved global recognition with multiple championships, including six WWF/WWE titles. He is best known for his prominent roles in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF/WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), as well as appearances in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), the American Wrestling Association (AWA), and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

Sections (7)

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

January 23, 1984: Winning WWF World Heavyweight Championship

On January 23, 1984, Hulk Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden to win his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship. He was the first wrestler to escape the Sheik's finishing move, the camel clutch.

1986: Successful Title Defenses

Throughout 1986, Hulk Hogan made multiple successful title defenses, including against King Kong Bundy at WrestleMania 2 and Paul Orndorff at The Big Event and Saturday Night's Main Event IX. He also wrestled in tag team matches with The Machines as Hulk Machine under a mask.

1987: WrestleMania III Title Defense

In 1987, at WrestleMania III, Hulk Hogan defended his title against André the Giant, who was promoted as undefeated for 15 years. Hogan successfully defended the title by body-slamming André and winning with a leg drop.

1991: Royal Rumble Win and Championship Changes

In 1991, Hulk Hogan won his second consecutive Royal Rumble match and defeated Sgt. Slaughter at WrestleMania VII. He lost the title to The Undertaker at Survivor Series but regained it six days later at This Tuesday in Texas. The championship was later declared vacant.

April 20, 1998: Winning Fourth WCW World Heavyweight Championship

On April 20, 1998, Hulk Hogan defeated Randy Savage to win his fourth WCW World Heavyweight Championship on an episode of Nitro.

April 2, 2005: Hulk Hogan inducted into WWE Hall of Fame

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.

2006: Hogan inducted Gene Okerlund into the WWE Hall of Fame

Before WrestleMania 22 in 2006, Hulk Hogan inducted Gene Okerlund into the WWE Hall of Fame. Later in the year, he was attacked by Randy Orton at Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII.

December 2010: Spinal Fusion Surgery

In December 2010, Hulk Hogan underwent traditional spinal fusion surgery after previous procedures failed to cure his back problems, enabling him to return to his professional activities.

2013: Featured on Sports Illustrated cover

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, WWE honored Hulk Hogan's career during a live event at Madison Square Garden dubbed "Hulk Hogan Appreciation Night" with a special commemorative banner hanging from the rafters.

July 15, 2018: Hogan reinstated into WWE Hall of Fame

On July 15, 2018, Hulk Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame.

2019: WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, Hogan inducts Brutus Beefcake

In 2019, Hulk Hogan appeared at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, where he inducted Brutus Beefcake. He also participated at Crown Jewel 2019, where he was the captain of a team opposing Ric Flair's team.

2020: Hogan inducted into Hall of Fame a second time

In 2020, Hulk Hogan was inducted into the Hall of Fame for a second time as part of the New World Order (with Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman).

2020: Second WWE Hall of Fame Induction

In 2020, Hulk Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for a second time as part of the nWo.

2026: WrestleMania III Inducted into Immortal Moments

In 2026, posthumously, Hulk Hogan's match with André the Giant at WrestleMania III was inducted into the Immortal Moments category of the WWE Hall of Fame.