From Hulkamania to History: Saying Goodbye to Wrestling’s Most Recognisable Name

• With the birth name Terry Bollea, this was much more than a simple episode in the history of Santo. Hulk Hogan died in 2025. From 2000, he remained popular with generations across the globe due to wrestling, pop culture, and branding.
• For scores of people who grew up in the eighties and nineties, Hulk Hogan was not a mere wrestler; rather, he was a household name and cultural symbol of awe-inspiring stature in living rooms all across the world.

Hulk Hogan wasn’t simply a performer. He was the face of an era.

Whether it was WrestleMania, Saturday morning cartoons, or toy store aisles, Hogan stood at the centre.

He brought wrestling into the mainstream. He transformed WWE (then WWF) into a global brand by becoming its most bankable face.

At his peak, he headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events. His 1987 bout with Andre the Giant still holds viewership records.

What made him different?

The persona. The charisma. The red-and-yellow uniform. And the phrase: “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”

For many fans, these weren’t catchphrases. They were part of childhood.

A Brand Born in the Ring

Inside the squared circle, Hogan was larger than life. But outside it, he was even bigger.

He became one of the first wrestlers to leverage his fame across industries:

• Film: Roles in Rocky III, Mr Nanny, Suburban Commando
• Television: In the early 2000s, the reality show Hogan Knows Best drew high ratings. 
• Merchandise: From action figures to lunchboxes, millions were created from his image.

Before social media, Hogan was branding the heck out of himself. His character was loud, clear, and highly marketable.

WWE Empire could be said to rest on Hogan’s shoulders. Hogan-brand loyalists bought every ticket, pay-per-view, and licensing deal worldwide.

He did not just wrestle. He sold.

A Global Fandom

From the UK to Japan to South America, fans rallied around Hulkamania.

He toured across continents. He filled stadiums. He appeared on local broadcasts and endorsed international products.

Parents knew his name. Kids wore his colours. Broadcasters relied on his segments for ratings.

For many, Hogan was the entry point to professional wrestling.

A Complicated Legacy

No legacy is without challenges.

In 2015, Hogan was removed from WWE following the release of recordings with racist language. Sponsorships ended. Merchandise deals halted.

He later returned to WWE in a limited role. But the brand impact lingered. Hogan was never fully reinstated as the central figure he once was.

His later ventures—including a beer brand and a new wrestling promotion—were met with mixed results.

Even so, his place in wrestling history was never erased. He was inducted twice into the WWE Hall of Fame. His silhouette remained part of pop culture.

Goodbye to the Commissioner

At the time of his passing, Hogan was serving as commissioner for Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling league he co-founded in April 2025.

The first event was scheduled for 30 August. His involvement brought credibility, even if ticket sales were weak.

He also recently launched Real American Beer, a nod to his iconic entrance theme.

Both projects now face uncertainty. No successors or brand stewards have been announced.

What Hogan Taught the World About Branding

For fans, Hogan was the hero. For brand strategists, he was a case study.

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Consistency builds recognition. Hogan never strayed from his visual identity.
• Characters sell. His exaggerated persona made him instantly marketable.
• Crisis impacts equity. Reputation issues shrink even the strongest brand appeal.
• Emotional connections last. His fans stayed loyal long after the spotlight dimmed.

A Household Name, Forever

Ask anyone born between 1980 and 2000 to name a wrestler.

Chances are, Hulk Hogan is the first name they say.

He was there on Saturday mornings. He was there with birthday presents. He was on posters, cereal boxes, and arcade games.

That level of recognition is rare. That emotional tie is powerful.

His brand was built inside a ring, but it lived in millions of homes.

Farewell, Hulkster

You may not have watched wrestling. You may not have followed the headlines. But you knew the name.

Hulk Hogan made himself unforgettable.

Through triumph and trouble, rise and fall, he remained part of our collective story.

His passing closes a major chapter. For fans. For wrestling. For global branding.

He will be remembered not just as a champion of the ring but as a creator of one of the most powerful celebrity brands in history.

Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan.