My blog is about old-time boxing, but even though today is a tribute to my favorite wrester of all time, he has a special tie to boxing in my memories.
Hulk Hogan was born Terry Gene Bollea, on August 11, 1953 and began his professional wrestling career in 1977. He worked the circuit, but came to national prominence after his appearance in Rocky 3, released on May 28, 1982. I never heard of him before that, and his role as ‘Thunderlips’ in the picture, was an integral part to all that loved the movie. By that summer, boxing had become a huge part of my life, and I saw Rocky 3 eleven times in the theatre. Crazy thing was, I enjoyed it every time!
When Hulk returned to the WWF, wrestling soared in the ratings. Wrestlemania began on March 31, with Hulk and Mr. T as the main event and the draw. His popularity grew by the week, and I personally was one who tuned in regularly because of Hulk. People today can say what they want. Hulk may have not been the greatest wrestler, but he had charisma, and he made the sport great. There would be no Rock or Steve Austin without him, and they would be the first to tell you.
I used to watch wrestling on Saturday mornings when I was about 10 or 11, but by 12 or so lost interest. The matches were hokey, and the productions were bad, so professional wrestling became a niche sport to watch. The joke was, “What has 3 teeth and an IQ of 69? The first 3 rows at a wrestling match!” Hogan changed that forever, and made it mainstream.
The only wrestling closed circuit broadcast I ever went in person to was Wrestlemania 3, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pa. It was electric, and over 90,000 people jammed into the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. It was so much fun that spring night in 1987, and the main event saw Hulk body slam Andre the Giant. It was one of the greatest $15 I ever spent in my life, paying to see that epic wrestling card.
WWF later became the WWE, and as it is in everything, Hulk’s popularity faded, and new wrestlers came on the scene. That’s how it is in everything, but people remember the greatest at something, and to me it’s hands down ‘The Hulkster’.
Another tie to boxing with Hulk is this. The Salton company created something called ‘The Lean Fat Reducing Grill’ in the early 90’s. It sat on shelves and didn’t sell. The called Hulk one day to ask if he would put his name on the grill, but he was picking his little kids up from school, and the call went to his answering machine instead. Salton then called George Foreman as their second choice, and he accepted their offer. It became the George Foreman grill, and after a few years, sales were astronomical. It wasn’t before George signed a $137.5 million lifetime contract with Salton for the rights to use his name.
It’s with a heavy heart that I write this blog. My favorite all time fighter George Foreman passed away in March of this year, 2025. Now my favorite all time wrestler has died as well. The heaviness in my heart is greatly lightened knowing that both loved Jesus Christ, and have an eternal home in Heaven with their Lord and Savior. Life is uncertain, but one thing I know for sure is, the wonderful memories Hulk gave me will never fade.
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