R.I.P. Hulk Hogan – A Look Back at 10 of His Craziest Moments

It’s hard to wrap your head around it: today, the world lost Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea at age 71. According to TMZ, Medics were dispatched to the WWE icon's Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning with operators stating it was regarding a "cardiac arrest."

For me, a kid glued to my TV in the ’80s and ’90s, he wasn’t just a wrestler, he was Hulkamania incarnate. Seeing him tear into the ring with that unmistakable strut, ripping off his shirt, and roaring “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” wasn't just entertainment, it was a lifeline of excitement, belief, and larger‑than‑life energy.

Hogan was the brushstroke that painted professional wrestling into a borderless pop‑culture phenomenon. He headlined WrestleMania, threw down Andre the Giant, and later shook up WCW by forming the nWo, forever changing the industry’s storytelling. Beyond the ring, he showed up in movies like Rocky III, lived large on Hogan Knows Best, and even launched his own beer, proof he wasn’t just a star, but a brand embraced by millions.

In recent years, he fought through surgeries, his neck, back, you name it, with that same bulldog determination. His sudden passing from cardiac arrest hit like a thunderbolt. My heart aches for his wife Sky, his children Brooke and Nick, and everyone who shared in this journey. But even as I mourn, I can’t help but smile: the legacy he leaves, the unforgettable entrances, the hype, the hope, will echo through arenas, living rooms, and hearts forever.

Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan. You made us believe in bigger dreams, hard work, and proved sometimes a man can live larger than life. So let's take a look at some of the craziest and most memorable moments brough to us by the Hulkster himself.

On Hot Properties, comedian Richard Belzer asked Hogan to demo a wrestling move. Hogan put him in a front chin lock, causing Belzer to pass out and hit his head—he needed nine stitches. Belzer sued for $5 million, settling out of court (reportedly around $400K–$5M). Hogan later warned viewers not to emulate him.

Hogan sued Gawker after an explicit sex tape with Heather Clem was released without consent. The jury awarded him $140M in punitive damages; settled for $31M. It led to public debate over privacy vs. press freedom. Hogan claimed it was “the biggest mistake of my life.”

In a shocking WCW Nitro main event, Hogan poked Kevin Nash in the chest once, Nash fell down theatrically and Hogan pinned him. The incident reunited the nWo and is blamed for WCW’s ratings collapse. It alienated fans expecting a real fight.

Hogan shocked the world by turning heel for the first time, joining the New World Order alongside Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. His transformation into “Hollywood Hogan” reignited his career and launched the nWo era. His heel persona shattered expectations and redefined wrestling storytelling.

Hogan’s WCW World Heavyweight Championship run lasted 469 days—a WCW record. He headlined multiple Starrcade events and remained atop WCW until losing at Halloween Havoc. This dominance displayed his enduring star power far beyond WWF.

Hogan played “Thunderlips” in Rocky III, wrestling Sylvester Stallone’s character. Though brief, the cameo helped bridge wrestling and Hollywood. It introduced Hogan to global audiences.

Hogan opened a themed Italian restaurant, “Pastamania,” featuring menu items like “Hulk-U’s.” It closed within a year, marking one of his less successful ventures.

He introduced “Real American Beer,” a light lager, tapping into his “Real American” persona. The brand highlighted his ongoing appeal in pop culture and entrepreneurship.

Hogan surprised fans by returning to the ring to induct “Mean” Gene Okerlund into WWE Hall of Fame. He then wrestled Randy Orton at SummerSlam later that year. It was an emotional comeback for fans.

After a backstage shoot promo, Hogan sued Eric Bischoff & Vince Russo for defamation. The suit was dismissed in 2002, ending a tumultuous chapter in WCW history. It reflected tensions behind the scenes.