Hulk Hogan Then and Now Reflecting on a Wrestling Icon

Hulk Hogan Then and Now: Reflecting on a Wrestling Icon

If you grew up in the '80s or '90s, chances are you’ve yelled “Whatcha gonna do, brother?!” at least once in your life. That catchphrase, that handlebar mustache, the red and yellow gear—Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler. He was a cultural force.

But now, as wrestling continues to evolve and newer stars dominate the ring, it’s worth looking back at Hulk Hogan’s massive impact—and where he stands today.

The Rise of Hulkamania

It’s hard to describe just how big Hulk Hogan was in his prime. In the mid-1980s, Hogan became the face of World Wrestling Federation (WWF) at a time when wrestling was breaking into the mainstream.

What made him different?

• Larger-than-life charisma

• Unmatched energy in the ring

• A unique look that screamed superhero

• Relatable, good-guy image (he told kids to eat their vitamins and say their prayers)

Hulkamania wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a movement. He helped take professional wrestling from smoky arenas to prime-time television.

WrestleMania and Mainstream Fame

WrestleMania 1 in 1985 changed everything. Hogan teamed with Mr. T in the main event, and the event became a crossover hit. From there, Hogan became the guy.

He wasn’t just winning titles—he was winning hearts.

He starred in movies like No Holds Barred, appeared on talk shows, and even had his own Saturday morning cartoon. At one point, he was arguably more recognizable than any sports figure in America.

Even people who didn’t watch wrestling knew who Hulk Hogan was.

The 90s: Reinvention and Controversy

Like many stars, Hogan’s career went through phases. By the early '90s, his “good guy” image was starting to wear thin. Younger fans wanted something edgier.

So what did Hogan do? He shocked the world.

In 1996, at WCW’s Bash at the Beach, Hogan turned heel (wrestling lingo for becoming a villain). He formed the New World Order (nWo) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.

It was a bold move—and it worked.

The nWo became a phenomenon. Hogan’s black beard and “Hollywood” persona were everywhere. He proved he could adapt, even after a decade at the top.

But his career wasn’t without controversy.

• He left WWF in 1993 amid creative disagreements.

• Lawsuits and backstage politics often followed him.

• And later, scandals outside the ring would change how people viewed him.

Hogan in the 2000s and Beyond

In the 2000s, Hulk Hogan returned to WWE (formerly WWF). Nostalgia was in full swing, and fans welcomed him back with open arms.

He had memorable feuds with The Rock and Shawn Michaels, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

He also became a reality TV star with Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007. It showed his life as a dad and husband, but also revealed some cracks in the larger-than-life image.

Then came the scandals.

In 2015, Hogan was caught on tape making racist remarks. WWE quickly severed ties, removed him from the Hall of Fame, and distanced itself.

It was a low point in a long, complicated career.

Redemption and Reflection

In recent years, WWE has slowly brought Hogan back into the fold. He was reinstated into the Hall of Fame in 2018, and made a few appearances on special shows and documentaries.

But his legacy is still a topic of debate.

For many, the hurt from his actions hasn’t fully faded. Others believe in second chances and point to his decades of contributions to wrestling and entertainment.

It’s not a simple story—and maybe that’s okay. Real people are complex. So are legends.

Why Hulk Hogan Still Matters Today

So why are people still searching for Hulk Hogan in 2025?

Because whether we like it or not, he helped build the foundation of modern wrestling.

• There’s no John Cena or Roman Reigns without Hulk Hogan.

• WrestleMania doesn’t become a cultural event without his early influence.

• Wrestling doesn’t go mainstream without Hulkamania.

And for many of us, he’s tied to childhood memories—watching matches with siblings, imitating his poses, or cutting out posters from magazines.

Even younger fans who weren’t around for his prime know the name.

Hogan’s story—rises, falls, reinventions—also reflects what it means to be in the public eye for decades. It’s a reminder that fame is powerful, but also fragile.

Looking Ahead: Hogan’s Place in Wrestling History

Will Hulk Hogan ever wrestle again? Probably not. He’s had multiple surgeries and is in his 70s now.

But his impact is sealed.

Future generations of wrestlers will study him. Documentaries will continue to explore his life. And fans—old and new—will keep discussing what he meant to them.

If you ask me?

Hogan was flawed, yes. But he was also unforgettable.

He’s the reason many of us started watching wrestling in the first place.

Whether you cheered, booed, or cringed at later headlines—you felt something. That’s what legends do.

Final Thoughts

The name Hulk Hogan still carries weight. Maybe not the same way it did in 1985, but it’s there.

In a world of fast fame and short attention spans, Hulk Hogan's decades-long relevance is rare. And that alone makes him worth revisiting.

So the next time you hear that classic entrance music or see someone do a leg drop on a trampoline, you’ll know—

Hulkamania never really dies. It just evolves.

What are your memories of Hulk Hogan? Share them in the comments—let’s talk old-school wrestling.