:Hulk Hogan#Endorsements and business ventures

{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}Hogan was born in Augusta, Georgia, on August 11, 1953,{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan's profile |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/hulk-hogan.html |access-date=December 10, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221054338/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/hulk-hogan.html |archive-date=February 21, 2009}} the son of construction foreman Pietro "Peter" Bollea (December 6, 1913 – December 18, 2001) and homemaker and dance teacher Ruth V. (née Moody; 1922 – January 1, 2011). Bollea is of Italian, Panamanian, Scottish, and French descent;{{Citation |title=Hulk Hogan {{!}} This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von #455 | date=July 25, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V9MFTUEEfM |access-date=August 23, 2023 |archive-date=August 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823122359/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V9MFTUEEfM |url-status=live }} his paternal grandfather also named Pietro was born in 1886 in Cigliano, Province of Vercelli.{{cite news |last1=Serena |first1=Alberto |title=Hulk Hogan, salde radici piemontesi per la star mondiale del wrestling|trans-title=Hulk Hogan, the strong Piedmontese roots of the global star of wrestling |url=https://lasentinella.gelocal.it/cultura-e-spettacoli/2022/12/20/news/hulk_hogan_salde_radici_piemontesi_per_la_star_mondiale_del_wrestling-12422897/ |access-date=November 13, 2024 |work=La Sentinella |date=December 20, 2022 |language=Italian}} Bollea had an older brother named Allan (1947–1986) who died at the age of 38 from a drug overdose.{{cite web |last=Paul |first=Christopher |date=July 28, 2023 |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-rare-occasion-sees-hulk-hogan-reflect-on-the-dark-tormenting-past-of-his-brothers-family/ |title="Rare Occasion Sees Hulk Hogan Reflect on the Dark Tormenting Past of His Brother's Family" |website=Essentially Sports |access-date=March 14, 2024}} When he was one and a half years old, his family moved to Port Tampa, Florida.{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=11}} As a boy, he was a pitcher in Little League Baseball. Hogan attended Robinson High School.{{cite web |last=Kennedy Wynne |first=Sharon |title=Hulk Hogan begs for forgiveness, blames South Tampa 'culture' for racist rant (w/video) |website=Tampa Bay Times |url=https://www.tampabay.com/features/celebrities/hulk-hogan-begs-forgiveness-blames-south-tampa-culture-for-racist-rant/2243523/?outputType=amp |access-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404121219/https://www.tampabay.com/features/celebrities/hulk-hogan-begs-forgiveness-blames-south-tampa-culture-for-racist-rant/2243523/?outputType=amp |url-status=live }} He began watching professional wrestling at 16 years old. While in high school, he revered Dusty Rhodes, and he regularly attended cards at the Tampa Sportatorium. It was at one of those wrestling cards where he first noticed Superstar Billy Graham and began looking to him for inspiration;{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=45}} since he first saw Graham on TV, Hogan wanted to match his "inhuman" look.

Hogan was also a musician, spending a decade playing fretless bass guitar in several Florida-based rock bands.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Patrick |year=2002 |title=Hulk Hogan |publisher=St. James Encyclopedia of Pop Culture |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g1epc/is_bio/ai_2419200552 |access-date=October 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111070903/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g1epc/is_bio/ai_2419200552 |archive-date=November 11, 2007}} He went on to study at Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida. After music gigs began to get in the way of his time in college, he dropped out of the University of South Florida.{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=41}} Eventually, Hogan and two local musicians formed a band called Ruckus in 1976.{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=44}} The band soon became popular in the Tampa Bay region. During his spare time, Hogan worked out at Hector's Gym in the Tampa Bay area, where he began lifting.{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=42}} Many of the wrestlers who were competing in the Florida region visited the bars where Ruckus was performing. Among those attending his performances were Jack and Gerald Brisco, two brothers who wrestled together as a tag team in the Florida region.

Impressed by Hogan's physical stature, the Brisco brothers asked Hiro Matsuda{{emdash}}the man who trained wrestlers working for Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF){{emdash}}to make him a potential trainee.{{cite web |title=Gerald Brisco's profile |publisher=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/geraldbrisco |access-date=June 4, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20160125170339/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/geraldbrisco |archive-date=January 25, 2016}} In 1976, the two brothers asked Hogan to try wrestling. Hogan eventually agreed.{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=47}} At first, Mike Graham, the son of CWF promoter Eddie Graham, refused to put Hogan in the ring; according to Hogan, he met Graham while in high school and the two did not get along. After Hogan quit Ruckus and started telling people in town that he was going to be a wrestler,{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=51}} Graham finally agreed to accept the Brisco Brothers' request. During the first session in training, Matsuda broke Hogan's leg. After 10 weeks of rehab, Hogan returned to train with Matsuda and blocked him when he tried to break his leg again.{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |pages=24–25}}

In mid-1977, after training for more than a year with Matsuda, the Brisco brothers dropped by Matsuda's gym to see Hogan. During this visit, Jack Brisco handed Hogan a pair of wrestling boots and informed him that he was scheduled to wrestle his first match the following week.{{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2 |page=56}} In his professional wrestling debut, Eddie Graham booked him against Brian Blair in Fort Myers, Florida, on August 10, 1977, in CWF.{{cite web |title=Old School Wrestling – Florida results 1977 (August 10) |url=http://www.oldschool-wrestling.com/geeklog/article.php/20061017223545426 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061029002801/http://www.oldschool-wrestling.com/geeklog/article.php/20061017223545426 |archive-date=October 29, 2006}}{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=57 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}} A short time later, Hogan donned a mask and assumed the persona of "The Super Destroyer", a hooded character first played by Don Jardine and subsequently used by other wrestlers.

Hogan eventually could no longer work with Hiro Matsuda, whom he felt was an overbearing trainer, and left CWF. After declining an offer to wrestle for the Kansas City circuit, Hogan took a hiatus from wrestling and managed The Anchor club, a private club in Cocoa Beach, Florida, for a man named Whitey Bridges. Eventually, Whitey and Hogan became close friends, and opened a gym together; the gym became known as Whitey and Terry's Olympic gym.{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |pages=61–62 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}}

Soon after, Hogan's friend Ed Leslie (later known as Brutus Beefcake) came to Cocoa Beach to help Hogan and Bridges manage both the Anchor Club and the Whitey and Terry's Olympic Gym. In his spare time, he and Leslie worked out in the gym together, and eventually Beefcake developed a muscular physique. Hogan was impressed by Beefcake's physical stature and became convinced that the two of them should wrestle together as tag team partners. Depressed and yearning to return to wrestling, Hogan called Superstar Billy Graham in 1978 with hopes that Graham could find him a job wrestling outside of Florida; Graham agreed and Hogan soon joined Louie Tillet's Alabama territory. Hogan also convinced Leslie, who had yet to become a wrestler, to come with him and promised to teach him everything he knew about the sport.{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=67 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}}

In Alabama, Hogan and Leslie wrestled as Terry and Ed Boulder, known as The Boulder Brothers. These early matches prompted a rumor among wrestling fans (who were not aware of the inner workings of the wrestling business) that the two really were brothers,{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=73 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}} as few people actually knew their real names outside of immediate friends, family, and the various promoters the two worked for. After wrestling a show for Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) in Memphis, Jerry Jarrett, the promoter for the CWA, approached Hogan and Leslie and offered them a job in his promotion for $800 a week; this was far more than the $175 a week they would make working for Tillet. Hogan and Leslie accepted this offer and left Tillet's territory.{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=75 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}}

During his time in Memphis, Hogan appeared on a local talk show, where he sat beside Lou Ferrigno, star of the television series The Incredible Hulk.{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=76 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}} The host commented on how Hogan, who stood 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) and weighed 295 pounds with 24-inch biceps, actually dwarfed "The Hulk". Watching the show backstage, Mary Jarrett noticed that Hogan was actually bigger than Ferrigno, who was well known at the time for having large muscles. As a result, Hogan began performing as Terry "The Hulk" Boulder{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=77 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}} and sometimes wrestled as Sterling Golden.

On December 1, 1979, Hogan won his first professional wrestling championship, the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division), recognized in Alabama and Tennessee, when he defeated Bob Roop in Knoxville, Tennessee. He dropped it in January 1980 to Bob Armstrong. He briefly wrestled in the Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW) territory from September through December 1979 as Sterling Golden.

File:Hulk Hogan and Freddie Blassie, 1980.png in 1980]]

In the fall of 1979, former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk introduced Bollea to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) owner/promoter Vincent J. McMahon, who was impressed with his charisma and physical stature. McMahon, who wanted to use an Irish name, gave him the last name Hogan, and also wanted him to dye his hair red. Bollea claims his hair was already beginning to fall out by that time, and he refused to dye it, simply replying, "I'll be a blond Irish".The Greatest Superstars of the 1980s DVD. Bollea wrestled his first match in the WWF under the ring name "Hulk Hogan" by defeating Harry Valdez{{Citation |title=Hulk Hogan's WWF debut, 1979 |url=https://www.bitchute.com/video/HCLtJEOgTq2f/ |access-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426201656/https://www.bitchute.com/video/HCLtJEOgTq2f/ |url-status=live }} on the November 17 episode of Championship Wrestling. He made his first appearance at Madison Square Garden on December 17, 1979, defeating Ted DiBiase after a bearhug.{{cite web |title=Ted DiBiase vs. Hulk Hogan: December 17, 1979 |url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/ted-dibiase-vs-hulk-hogan-december-17-1979 |website=WWE.com |access-date=July 28, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410173447/https://www.wwe.com/videos/ted-dibiase-vs-hulk-hogan-december-17-1979 |url-status=live }} After the match, Hogan thanked DiBiase for putting him over and told him that he "owed him one", a favor he repaid during DiBiase's second run with the company in the late 1980s and early 1990s as "The Million Dollar Man".{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o5LMndqP_o |title=Ted DiBiase shoots on Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin |last=Wrestling Shoots |date=October 1, 2016 |via=YouTube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402042519/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o5LMndqP_o |archive-date=April 2, 2018}} McMahon gave Hogan former tag team champion Tony Altomare as chaperone and guide.{{cite book |title=Often Imitated, Never Duplicated: Captain Lou Albano |last=Albano |first=Lou |pages=104 |publisher=GEAN Publishing |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-615-18998-7}} At this time, Hogan wrestled Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship,{{cite web |title=WWF Show Results 1980 |work=The History of WWE |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/80.htm |year=1980 |access-date=May 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423131734/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/80.htm |archive-date=April 23, 2015}} and he started his first big feud with André the Giant, which culminated in a match with André at Shea Stadium in August 1980.{{cite web |title=WWF Show Results 1980 |work=The History of WWE |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/80.htm |access-date=May 18, 2015 |date=August 9, 1980 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423131734/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/80.htm |archive-date=April 23, 2015}} During his initial run as a villain in the WWF, Hogan was paired with "Classy" Freddie Blassie, himself a villainous wrestler-turned-manager.

File:Hulk_Hogan_and_Andre_the_Giant,_chinlock,_1980.png during the Superdome Showdown professional wrestling event on August 2, 1980, in New Orleans]]

In 1980, Hogan began appearing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) where Japanese wrestling fans nicknamed him {{Nihongo|"Ichiban"|一番|4="Number One"}}. Hogan first appeared on May 13, 1980, while he was still with the WWF. He occasionally toured the country over the next few years, facing a wide variety of opponents ranging from Tatsumi Fujinami to Abdullah the Butcher. When competing in Japan, Hogan used a vastly different repertoire of wrestling moves, relying on more technical, traditional wrestling holds and maneuvers as opposed to the power-based, brawling style American fans became accustomed to seeing from him. In addition, Hogan used the Axe Bomber, a crooked arm lariat, as his finisher in Japan instead of the running leg drop that has been his standard finisher in America. Hogan still made appearances for the WWF, even unsuccessfully challenging Pedro Morales for the Intercontinental Championship on March 26, 1981.{{cite book |title=Pedro Morales: 70 años del pionero Latinoamericano |last=Trujillo |first=Alexander |publisher=El Diario Culebrense |language=es |chapter=Reportaje Especial |date=October 24, 2012 |page=39}} On June 2, 1983, Hogan became the first International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) tournament winner and the first holder of an early version of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, defeating Antonio Inoki by knockout in the finals of a ten-man tournament.{{cite web |title=INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp.html |access-date=February 9, 2019 |publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com |archive-date=August 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820021819/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp.html |url-status=live }} Since then, this championship was defended annually against the winner of the IWGP League of the year until it was replaced by current IWGP Heavyweight Championship, that is defended regularly.

File:Hogan and Inoki MSG Tag Trophy 1982.png

Hogan and Inoki also worked as partners in Japan, winning the MSG (Madison Square Garden) Tag League tournament two years in a row: in 1982 and 1983. In 1984, Hogan returned to NJPW to wrestle Inoki to defend the early version of the IWGP title after that Inoki won in the finals of the IWGP League, becoming the new No. 1 contender to the championship. Hogan lost the match and title belt by countout, thanks to interference from Riki Choshu. Hogan also defended his WWF World Heavyweight Championship against Seiji Sakaguchi and Fujinami, among others, until ending his tour in Nagoya on June 13 losing to Inoki via count-out in a championship match for the early version of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Hogan was the only challenger in the history of that title that didn't win the tournament to become the No. 1 contender to the championship.{{cite web |title=Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database |website=www.wrestlingdata.com |url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=39&bild=0&details=7&liga=121&jahr=1985 |access-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518212400/https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=39&bild=0&details=7&liga=121&jahr=1985 |url-status=live }}

File:Hulk Hogan and Jerry Blackwell, circa 1982.png during a professional wrestling match in 1982]]

After accepting an offer to work on the film Rocky III (a decision Vincent J. McMahon disapproved of and subsequently chose to release Hogan from the promotion for), Hogan made his debut in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), owned by Verne Gagne, in August 1981. Hogan started his AWA run as a villain, with "Luscious" Johnny Valiant as his manager. This did not last long, however, as the AWA fans fell in love with Hogan's presence and Hogan became the top fan favorite of the AWA, battling the Heenan Family and Nick Bockwinkel.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}}

Hogan's turn as a fan favorite came at the end of July 1981, when during a television taping that aired in August, Jerry Blackwell, after suffering a pinfall loss to Brad Rheingans, began beating down Rheingans and easily fighting off anyone who tried to run in for the save. Hogan ran in, got the upper hand and ran Blackwell from the ring. Hogan was eventually victorious in his feud with Blackwell and by the end of 1981, gained his first title matches against Bockwinkel.

In March 1982, Hogan defeated Bockwinkel and his manager Bobby Heenan in a non-title handicap match in the International Amphitheatre in Chicago, Illinois. Hogan went on to repeatedly challenge Bockwinkel for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, with the matches generally ending in disqualifications (a decision wherein the Championship does not change hands). In April 1982, Hogan defeated Bockwinkel and was declared the new AWA World Heavyweight Champion, only for the decision to be overturned by AWA President Stanley Blackburn due to the use of a foreign object during the match.{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1982 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1982 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714184327/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1982 |url-status=live }}{{cite book|first=Matt|last=Hunter|title=Hulk Hogan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o8ZbAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA1971|year=2013|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-1-4381-4647-8|pages=1,971|access-date=December 21, 2023|archive-date=December 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221135708/https://books.google.com/books?id=o8ZbAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA1971|url-status=live}}{{cite book|first=Jim|last=Smallman|title=I'm Sorry, I Love You: A History of Professional Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MA5ZDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT104|date=2018|publisher=Headline Publishing Group|isbn=978-1-4722-5421-4|pages=104|access-date=December 21, 2023|archive-date=December 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221135707/https://books.google.com/books?id=MA5ZDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT104|url-status=live}}

Hogan left the AWA in November 1983.

File:Hulk Hogan and Jim Brunzell, Dec 1983.jpg, December 1983]]

After purchasing the company from his father in 1982, Vincent K. McMahon had plans to expand the territory into a nationwide promotion, and he handpicked Hogan to be the company's showpiece attraction due to his charisma and name recognition. Hogan made his return at a television taping in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 27, 1983, defeating Bill Dixon.{{cite web |title=WWF Show Results 1983 |work=The History of WWE |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/83.htm |access-date=February 27, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519180847/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/83.htm |archive-date=May 19, 2009}}

On the January 7, 1984, episode of Championship Wrestling, Hogan confirmed his fan favorite status (for any WWF fans unaware of his late 1981 babyface turn) by saving Bob Backlund from a three-way assault by the Wild Samoans.{{cite web |title=WWF Show Results 1984 |work=The History of WWE |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/84.htm |access-date=May 18, 2015 |date=January 7, 1984 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723032831/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/84.htm |archive-date=July 23, 2014}} Hogan's turn was explained simply by Backlund: "He's changed his ways. He's a great man. He's told me he's not gonna have Blassie around". The storyline shortcut was necessary because less than three weeks later on January 23, Hogan won his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship, pinning The Iron Sheik (who had Blassie in his corner) in Madison Square Garden.{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan's first WWE Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454120 |access-date=April 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050624000129/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454120 |archive-date=June 24, 2005}} The storyline accompanying the victory was that Hogan was a "last minute" replacement for the Sheik's original opponent Bob Backlund,{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan bio |publisher=WWE |url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/hulkhogan |access-date=December 12, 2018 |archive-date=September 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918154033/https://www.wwe.com/superstars/hulkhogan |url-status=live }} and became the champion by way of being the first man to escape the camel clutch (the Iron Sheik's finishing move).{{cite web |date=January 23, 1984 |title=WWF Show Results 1984 |work=The History of WWE |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/84.htm |access-date=February 27, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723032831/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/84.htm |archive-date=July 23, 2014}}

Immediately after the title win, commentator Gorilla Monsoon proclaimed: "Hulkamania is here!". Hogan frequently referred to his fans as "Hulkamaniacs" in his interviews and introduced his three "demandments": training, saying prayers, and eating vitamins. Eventually, a fourth demandment (believing in oneself) was added during his feud with Earthquake in 1990. Hogan's ring gear developed a characteristic yellow-and-red color scheme; his ring entrances involved him ritualistically ripping his shirt off his body, flexing, and listening for audience cheers in an exaggerated manner. The majority of Hogan's matches during this time involved him wrestling heels who had been booked as unstoppable monsters, using a format which became near-routine: He delivered steady offense, but eventually lose momentum, seemingly nearing defeat. After being hit with his opponent's finishing move, he got a sudden second wind, fighting back while "feeding" off the energy of the audience, becoming impervious to attack{{snd}} a process described as "Hulking up". His signature maneuvers{{snd}} pointing at the opponent (later accompanied by a loud "you!" from the audience), shaking his finger to scold him, three punches, an Irish whip, the big boot and running leg drop – followed, ensuring victory. That finishing sequence occasionally changed depending on the storyline and opponent; for instance, with "giant" wrestlers, the sequence might involve a body slam.

In 1984, similarities between Hogan's character and that of The Incredible Hulk led to a quitclaim deal between Titan Sports, Marvel Comics and himself wherein Marvel obtained the trademarks "Hulk Hogan", "Hulkster" and "Hulkamania" for 20 years, and Titan agreed to no longer refer to him as "incredible" nor simply "Hulk" or ever dress him in purple or green. Marvel also subsequently received .9% of reportable gross merchandise revenue associated with Hogan, $100 for each of his matches and 10% of Titan's portion of his other earnings under this name (or 10% of the earnings, if Titan held no interest).{{cite web |title=1985 Marvel/Hulk Hogan/Titan Sports Contract - Wwe - Entertainment |website=Scribd |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/304714653/1985-marvel-hulk-hogan-titan-sports-contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402042519/https://www.scribd.com/doc/304714653/1985-marvel-hulk-hogan-titan-sports-contract |archive-date=April 2, 2018}}{{cite web |date=April 4, 2014 |title=When Hulk Hogan and Marvel Collided |work=Red-Headed Mule |url=http://redheadedmule.com/comics/hulk-hogan-marvel/10579/ |access-date=August 8, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727065916/http://redheadedmule.com/comics/hulk-hogan-marvel/10579/ |archive-date=July 27, 2015}} This extended to WCW, whose parent company Turner Broadcasting System merged with Time Warner in 1996 and became sister companies with Marvel rival DC Comics. (As Hogan was well underway with the nWo storyline under the "Hollywood Hogan" ring name at the time, this avoided Time Warner the awkward situation of paying Marvel the rights to the name while owning its chief rival.) In a story in 1988's Marvel Comics Presents #45, a wrestler resembling Hogan was tossed through an arena roof by The Incredible Hulk, because he "picked the wrong name."{{cite web |date=June 26, 2014 |title=Someone Bought This: Hulk Hogan Vs. The Incredible Hulk in an epic battle of The Hulks! |website=www.wrestlecrap.com |url=https://www.wrestlecrap.com/sbt/someone-bought-this-hulk-hogan-vs-the-incredible-hulk-in-an-epic-battle-of-the-hulks/ |access-date=July 25, 2023 |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211033434/https://www.wrestlecrap.com/someone-bought-this/hulk-hogan-vs-the-incredible-hulk-comic/ |url-status=live }}

{{see also|André the Giant–Hulk Hogan rivalry}}

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Over the next year, Hogan became the face of professional wrestling as McMahon pushed the WWF into a pop culture enterprise with The Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection on MTV, drawing record houses, pay-per-view buyrates, and television ratings in the process. The centerpiece attraction for the first WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, Hogan teamed with legit friend, TV and movie star Mr. T to defeat his archrival "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Mr Wonderful" Paul Orndorff when "Cowboy" Bob Orton, who had been in the corner of Piper and Orndorff, accidentally caused his team's defeat by knocking out Orndorff after he jumped from the top turnbuckle and hit him in the back of the head with his arm cast in a shot meant for Hogan.{{cite web |title=WrestleMania I Main Event |publisher=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/1/mainevent1 |access-date=October 25, 2016 |date=March 31, 1985 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110628014908/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/1/mainevent1 |archive-date=June 28, 2011}} On Saturday Night's Main Event I, Hogan successfully defended the WWF World Heavyweight Championship against Orton in a match that Hogan won by disqualification.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/may111985 |title=Saturday Night's Main Event I results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=May 11, 1985 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329070003/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/may111985 |archive-date=March 29, 2008}}

Hogan was named the most requested celebrity of the 1980s for the Make-a-Wish Foundation children's charity. He was featured on the covers of Sports Illustrated (the first and {{as of|2013|lc=y}}, only professional wrestler to do so), TV Guide, and People magazines, while also appearing on The Tonight Show and having his own CBS Saturday morning cartoon titled Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling. Hogan, as the premier WWF icon, headlined seven of the first eight WrestleMania events.{{cite web |url=http://i.wwe9.com/inside/listthis/dreammatches |title=List This! Greatest Match-ups That Haven't Happened |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130091440/http://i.wwe9.com/inside/listthis/dreammatches |archive-date=January 30, 2017}} He also co-hosted Saturday Night Live on March 30, 1985, during this lucrative run. AT&T reported that the 900 number information line he ran while with the WWF was the single biggest 900 number from 1991 to 1993.{{cite web |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27600-fri-update-mcmahons-to-make-good-on-1-million-owed-from-70s-huge-weekend-schedule-ufc-notes-cena-update-orton-doing-stunts-jones-vs-dana-tons-more |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923220741/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/27600-fri-update-mcmahons-to-make-good-on-1-million-owed-from-70s-huge-weekend-schedule-ufc-notes-cena-update-orton-doing-stunts-jones-vs-dana-tons-more |archive-date=September 23, 2012 |title=FRI UPDATE: McMahons to make good on $1 million owed from 70s, huge weekend schedule, UFC notes, Cena update, Orton doing stunts, Jones vs. Dana, tons more |work=Figure Four Wrestling |last=Alvarez |first=Bryan |date=September 21, 2012 |access-date=September 6, 2015}} Hogan continued to run a 900 number after joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW).{{cite magazine |page=69 |magazine=Billboard |date=June 3, 1995 |title=Select's Hulk Hogan Sings Between Bouts |first=Jim |last=Bessman |volume=107 |number=22 |issn=0006-2510}}

On Saturday Night's Main Event II, he successfully defended the title against Nikolai Volkoff in a flag match.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/oct051985 |title=Saturday Night's Main Event II results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=October 5, 1985 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080221200020/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/oct051985 |archive-date=February 21, 2008}} He met long-time rival Roddy Piper in a WWF title match at the Wrestling Classic pay-per-view (PPV) event. Hogan retained the title by disqualification after Bob Orton interfered and hit Hogan with his cast.{{cite web |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/85.htm |title=WWF Show Results 1985 |publisher=The History of WWE |access-date=May 18, 2015 |date=November 7, 1985 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018032135/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/85.htm |archive-date=October 18, 2014}} Hogan had many challengers in the way as the new year began. Throughout 1986, Hogan made successful title defenses against challengers such as Terry Funk,{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/jan041986 |title=Saturday Night's Main Event IV results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=January 4, 1986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331193445/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/jan041986 |archive-date=March 31, 2008}} Don Muraco,{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/march011986 |title=Saturday Night's Main Event V results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=March 1, 1986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327022838/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/march011986 |archive-date=March 27, 2008}} King Kong Bundy (in a steel cage match at WrestleMania 2),{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm2/mainevent/ |title=King Kong Bundy vs. Hulk Hogan – WWE Championship Steel Cage Match |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=April 2, 1986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604215447/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm2/mainevent/ |archive-date=June 4, 2011}} Paul Orndorff,{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/oct041986 |title=Saturday Night's Main Event VII results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=October 4, 1986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024230456/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/oct041986 |archive-date=October 24, 2008}} and Hercules Hernandez.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/nov291986 |title=Saturday Night's Main Event VIII results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=November 29, 1986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618100943/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/nov291986 |archive-date=June 18, 2008}}

File:Hulk Hogan, circa Oct 1987.jpg

In the fall of 1986, Hogan occasionally wrestled in tag team matches with The Machines as Hulk Machine under a mask copied from NJPW's gimmick "Super Strong Machine".{{cite web |title=The Machines Profile |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/machines.html |access-date=April 12, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621210036/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/machines.html |archive-date=June 21, 2007}} At WrestleMania III in 1987, Hogan was booked to defend the title against André the Giant, who had been the sport's premier star and was pushed as undefeated for the previous fifteen years.{{cite web |title=Andre the Giant |work=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/andrethegiant |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501202657/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/andrethegiant/bio/ |archive-date=May 1, 2009}} A new storyline was introduced in early 1987; Hogan was presented a trophy for being the WWF World Heavyweight Champion for three consecutive years.{{cite web |title=The Big One |last=McAvennie |first=Mike |date=March 30, 2007 |publisher=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/ruggedroadstomania/roadstomania1 |access-date=October 19, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015050323/http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/ruggedroadstomania/roadstomania1 |archive-date=October 15, 2007}} André the Giant, who was Hogan's good friend, came out to congratulate him.{{cite book |last=Shields |first=Brian |year=2006 |title=Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4165-3257-6 |page=38 |url=https://archive.org/details/mainevent00bria/page/38}} Shortly afterward, André was presented a slightly smaller trophy for being "undefeated in the WWF for 15 years". Hogan came out to congratulate André, who walked out in the midst of Hogan's speech. Then, on an edition of Piper's Pit, Hogan was confronted by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, who announced that André was his new protégé, and Andre challenged Hogan to a title match at WrestleMania III,{{cite news |last=Eck |first=Kevin |date=December 2002 |title=The main events: ladies and gentlemen, may we present the 25 most memorable matches in the last 25 years |publisher=Wrestling Digest |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_4_4/ai_94123536 |access-date=October 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015121440/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_4_4/ai_94123536 |archive-date=October 15, 2007}}{{cite web |last=Powell |first=John |title=Steamboat – Savage rule WrestleMania 3 |publisher=SLAM! Wrestling |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania20/WrestleMania3.html |access-date=October 14, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429201526/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania20/WrestleMania3.html |archive-date=April 29, 2015}}{{cite book |last=Shields |first=Brian |year=2006 |title=Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4165-3257-6 |page=26 |url=https://archive.org/details/mainevent00bria/page/26}} where Hogan successfully defended the WWF World Heavyweight Championship against André the Giant. During the match, Hogan hit a body slam on the 520-pound André (which was dubbed "the bodyslam heard around the world") and won the match after a leg drop.{{cite book |last=Loverro |first=Thom |year=2006 |title=The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4165-1058-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/risefallofecw00thom}}

{{main|Mega Powers}}

File:Miss Elizabeth running.jpg, who managed Hogan as part of The Mega Powers storyline with her husband Randy Savage]]

Hulk Hogan vs Big Boss Man on March 7, 1989, at the El Paso Civic Center for a video-taping of a WWF "Superstars of Wrestling" event.

Hogan remained WWF World Heavyweight Champion for four years (1,474 days).{{cite web |url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/thist/world.html |title=WWE World Heavyweight Championship History |work=Complete WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405171034/http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/thist/world.html |archive-date=April 5, 2008}} In front of 33 million viewers, Hogan finally lost the title to André on The Main Event I after a convoluted scam involving "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase and Earl Hebner (who assumed the place of his twin brother Dave Hebner, the match's appointed referee). After André delivered a belly to belly suplex on Hogan, Hebner counted the pin while Hogan's left shoulder was clearly off the mat. After the match, André handed the title over to DiBiase to complete their business deal.{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/880205.html |title=The Main Event results – February 5, 1988 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=April 12, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601041115/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/880205.html |archive-date=June 1, 2008}} As a result, the WWF World Heavyweight Championship was vacated for the first time in its 25-year history because then WWF President Jack Tunney decreed the championship could not be sold from one wrestler to another. At WrestleMania IV, Hogan participated in a tournament for the vacant WWF World Heavyweight Championship to regain it; he and André were given a bye into quarter-finals, but their match resulted in a double disqualification.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm4/results/ |title=WrestleMania IV official results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=March 27, 1988 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525165317/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm4/results/ |archive-date=May 25, 2011}} Later that night in the main event, Hogan came to ringside to stop André interfering which helped "Macho Man" Randy Savage defeat Ted DiBiase to win the title.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm4/mainevent/ |title=Randy "Macho Man" Savage vs. "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase – WWE Championship Tournament Finals |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=March 27, 1988 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329175934/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm4/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 29, 2008}}

Together, Hogan, Savage, and manager Miss Elizabeth formed a partnership known as The Mega Powers.{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/megapowers.html |title=Mega Powers Profile |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=June 4, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610035502/http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/megapowers.html |archive-date=June 10, 2012}} After Savage became WWF World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania IV, they feuded with The Mega Bucks (André the Giant and Ted DiBiase) and defeated them at the main event of the first SummerSlam.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1988/mainevent1/ |title=Hulk Hogan & "Macho Man" Randy Savage w/ Elizabeth vs. "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase & André the Giant w/ Virgil and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=August 29, 1988 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724013841/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1988/mainevent1/ |archive-date=July 24, 2008}} They then went on to feud with Slick's Twin Towers: Akeem and Big Boss Man.

File:Hulk Hogan vs Big Boss Man (92769012).jpg]]

In mid-1988, Hogan wrestled at house shows in singles competition with his "War Bonnet", a red and yellow gladiator helmet with a fist-shaped crest. This was notably used to give Bad News Brown his first WWF loss at a Madison Square Garden house show before it was discarded altogether.{{cite web |url=http://droptoehold.com/post/4287696459/wwf-fist |title=The Rarely Seen Hulk Hogan Fist Helmet – Boston, MA 9/10/88 |publisher=Drop Toehold |date=April 2, 2011 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523050901/http://droptoehold.com/post/4287696459/wwf-fist |archive-date=May 23, 2013}} The War Bonnet gimmick was revisited in the WWE's online comedy series Are You Serious? in 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.pwmania.com/john-cena-debuting-attire-tonight-hulk-hogans-fist-helmet-ays-mick-foley |title=John Cena Debuting New Attire Tonight, Hulk Hogan's Fist Helmet On "AYS?", Mick Foley |work=PWMania - Wrestling News - WWE News, Elimination Chamber, Spoilers, Results, Rumors, AEW |publisher=PWMania |date=November 18, 2012 |access-date=March 22, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402062436/http://www.pwmania.com/john-cena-debuting-attire-tonight-hulk-hogans-fist-helmet-ays-mick-foley |archive-date=April 2, 2013}}

The Mega Powers began to implode due to Savage's burgeoning jealousy of Hogan and his paranoid suspicions that Hogan and Elizabeth were more than friends. At the Royal Rumble in 1989, Hogan eliminated Savage from the Royal Rumble match while eliminating Bad News Brown, which caused tension, only to be eliminated by The Twin Towers himself.{{cite web |url=http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/hogan.html |title=Hulk Hogan's Bio |work=Accelerator's Wrestling Rollercoaster |access-date=April 13, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515055440/http://www.accelerator3359.com/Wrestling/bios/hogan.html |archive-date=May 15, 2008}} In early 1989, the duo broke up while wrestling The Twin Towers on The Main Event II, when Savage accidentally collided with Miss Elizabeth during the match, and Hogan took her backstage to receive medical attention, temporarily abandoning Savage. After ensuring Elizabeth was all right, Hogan returned to the ring and begged Savage to tag him in. Savage, in a fury, grabbed Hogan's outstretched hand with one hand, and slapped him across the face with the other before leaving the ring. Hogan eventually won the match by himself.{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/890203.html |title=The Main Event results – February 3, 1989 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=April 13, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502205307/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/890203.html |archive-date=May 2, 2008}} After the match, Savage attacked Hogan backstage, which started a feud between the two. Their feud culminated in Hogan beating Savage for his second WWF World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania V.

File:Hulk Hogan Pointing.jpg

Hogan's second run in 1989 lasted a year, during which he defended the title in two matches against Savage in April that he lost both times by count-out, before defeating The Big Boss Man in a steel cage match on the Saturday Night's Main Event XXI, which was aired on May 27. In May on WWF on NESN, Hogan retained the title by losing once again by count-out against Savage. This was also the last time the WWF World Heavyweight Championship was referred to as such during a televised title defense, as Hogan's next successful title defense against The Honky Tonk Man on Saturday Night's Main Event XXII saw the title being renamed and referred simply as the WWF Championship. Also during Hogan's second reign as champion, he starred in the movie No Holds Barred, which was the inspiration of a feud with Hogan's co-star Tom Lister, Jr., who appeared at wrestling events as his movie character, Zeus (an "unstoppable monster" who was jealous over Hogan's higher billing and wanted revenge). Hogan easily beat Zeus in a series of matches across the country during late 1989, beginning with a tag team match at SummerSlam, in which Hogan and Brutus Beefcake topped Zeus and Savage.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1989/mainevent/ |title=Hulk Hogan & Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake w/ Elizabeth vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage & Zeus w/ Sensational Sherri |publisher=WWE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080810051117/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1989/mainevent/ |archive-date=August 10, 2008 |access-date=May 15, 2015}} Hogan and Zeus met at the Survivor Series, where the "Hulkamaniacs" faced the "Million Dollar Team"; in the early part of the match, Hogan put Zeus over by hitting him with everything to no effect. Zeus then manhandled Hogan and shoved referee Dave Hebner down twice, with the second shove prompting Hebner to disqualify Zeus from the match. Hogan and Beefcake then defeated Zeus and Savage in a rematch at the No Holds Barred pay-per-view to end the feud. Hogan also had defeated Savage to retain the WWF Championship in their official WrestleMania rematch on October 10, at United Kingdom show First WWF UK Event at London Arena.{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/Hulkbrutus.html |title=Mega-Maniacs Profile |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=April 13, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423073622/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/h/hulkbrutus.html |archive-date=April 23, 2008}}{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1980s.html#nhb |title=No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie results |publisher=Wrestling and Tournaments |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=December 27, 1989 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412162122/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1980s.html#nhb |archive-date=April 12, 2008}} During his second reign as the WWF Champion, Hogan won the 1990 Royal Rumble match, before losing to Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior in a title versus title match at WrestleMania VI on April 1, 1990.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm6/mainevent/ |title=Ultimate Warrior vs. Hulk Hogan – Intercontinental and WWE Championship Match |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=April 1, 1990 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327023335/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm6/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 27, 2008}}

Hogan soon became embroiled in a heated feud with the 468-pound Earthquake, who had crushed Hogan's ribs in a sneak attack on The Brother Love Show in May 1990. On television, announcers explained that both Hogan's injuries and his WrestleMania VI loss to Warrior took such a huge toll on his fighting spirit that he wanted to retire. Viewers were asked to write letters to Hogan and send postcards asking for his return (they got a postcard-sized picture in return, autographed by Hogan, as a "thank you"). Hogan returned by SummerSlam, and he dominated Earthquake for several months in a series of matches across the country.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1990/mainevent/ |title=Hulk Hogan w/ Big Bossman vs. Earthquake w/ Jimmy Hart and Dino Bravo |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=August 27, 1990 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729035606/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1990/mainevent/ |archive-date=July 29, 2008}} His defeat of this overwhelmingly large foe prompted Hogan to add a fourth demandment—believing in yourself—and he also became known as "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan. Hogan became the first wrestler to win two Royal Rumble matches in a row, as he won the 1991 Royal Rumble match.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988116/mainevent/ |title=Hulk Hogan (spot No. 24) wins the Royal Rumble Match |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=January 19, 1991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331104118/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988116/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 31, 2008}} At WrestleMania VII, Hogan stood up for the United States against Sgt. Slaughter, defeating him for his third WWF Championship, and then defeating him again in the rematch at United Kingdom-only pay-per-view UK Rampage at London Arena.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm7/mainevent/ |title=Hollywood Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter – WWE Championship |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=March 24, 1991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331194137/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm7/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 31, 2008}} In the fall of 1991, Hogan was challenged by Ric Flair, the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion who recently arrived in the WWF. The challenge went unmet, as Hogan lost the WWF Championship to The Undertaker at Survivor Series.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1991/mainevent/ |title=Undertaker def. Hulk Hogan to become new WWE Champion |publisher=wwe.com |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=November 27, 1991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331203608/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/1991/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 31, 2008}} Jack Tunney immediately granted Hogan a rematch at This Tuesday in Texas six days later, which Hogan won.{{cite web |url=http://www.yourbarbecue.com/george_foreman_grill.html |title=George Forman Grill Article |publisher=YourBarbecue.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612112005/http://www.yourbarbecue.com/george_foreman_grill.html |archive-date=June 12, 2009}} Flair had interfered in both matches and due to the resulting controversy, the championship was again declared vacant.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454136 |title=Hulk Hogan's fourth WWE Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050723003120/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454136 |archive-date=July 23, 2005}} It was decided that the winner of the 1992 Royal Rumble match would also be declared the new WWF Champion. Hogan entered in the #26 spot, but failed to regain the championship as he was eliminated by friend Sid Justice. In turn, Hogan

helped cause Sid's elimination, leaving Flair (who had entered the match as the 3rd entrant) as the winner and new WWF Champion.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881152//mainevent/ |title=Ric Flair (spot No. 3) wins the Royal Rumble Match to become new WWE Champion |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=January 19, 1992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329172612/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/19881152/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 29, 2008}} Hogan and Sid patched things up and teamed together on Saturday Night's Main Event XXX against Flair and Undertaker, but during the match Sid abandoned Hogan,{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/feb081992 |title=Saturday Night's Main Event XXX results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=February 8, 1992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618100922/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/1985to1992/feb081992 |archive-date=June 18, 2008}} starting their feud. At WrestleMania VIII, Hogan defeated Sid via disqualification due to interference by Sid's manager Harvey Wippleman.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm8/mainevent/ |title=Sycho Sid vs. Hulk Hogan |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 13, 2008 |date=April 5, 1992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329101820/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm8/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 29, 2008}} Hogan was then attacked by Papa Shango and was saved by the returning Ultimate Warrior.

At this time, news sources began to allege that Dr. George Zahorian III, a doctor for the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission, had been selling steroids illegally to wrestlers in general and Hogan in particular. Hogan appeared on an episode of The Arsenio Hall Show to deny the allegations. Due to intense public scrutiny, Hogan took a leave of absence from the company.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20112274,00.html |title=Incredible Hulk? |magazine=People |access-date=August 9, 2009 |date=March 23, 1992 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602023309/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20112274,00.html |archive-date=June 2, 2009}} Hogan returned to the WWF in February 1993, helping out his friend Brutus Beefcake in his feud with Money Inc. (Irwin R. Schyster and "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase), and officially renaming themselves The Mega-Maniacs, taking on Money Inc.'s former manager "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart (a long-time friend of Hogan's outside of wrestling) as their manager in what was the first time WWF audiences had seen Hart as a fan favorite. At WrestleMania IX, Hogan and Beefcake took on Money Inc. for the WWF Tag Team Championship, a match the Mega-Maniacs lost via disqualification. Hogan went into the match injured (he had a cut above his left eyebrow, and the left eye itself was fully black). The WWF used Hogan's injury in a storyline that had DiBiase allegedly paying a group of thugs in a failed attempt to take Hogan out before WrestleMania.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm9/results/ |title=WrestleMania IX official results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=April 4, 1993 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331194144/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm9/results/ |archive-date=March 31, 2008}} Later that night, Hogan won his fifth WWF Championship by pinning Yokozuna in an impromptu match only moments after Yokozuna had defeated Bret Hart for the championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454131 |title=Hulk Hogan's fifth WWE Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217092753/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/304454131 |archive-date=December 17, 2008}} Hogan reportedly used his influence to have the finish of WrestleMania changed the weekend of the event so he would be champion during an upcoming international and de facto farewell tour.{{Cite web |date=April 6, 2021 |title=Hulk Hogan manipulated Vince McMahon to steal Bret Hart and Yokozuna's WM9 moment |url=https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/858731/hulk-hogan-vince-mcmahon-bet-hart-yokozun-wwe-wrestlemania/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |website=talkSPORT |language=en-gb |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530003625/https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/858731/hulk-hogan-vince-mcmahon-bet-hart-yokozun-wwe-wrestlemania/ |url-status=live }}

At the first annual King of the Ring pay-per-view on June 13, Hogan defended the WWF Championship in a rematch against Yokozuna. This was Hogan's first and only title defense since defeating Yokozuna at WrestleMania IX. Yokozuna kicked out of Hogan's signature leg drop and scored the pinfall win after Hogan was blinded by a fireball shot by a "Japanese photographer" (actually a disguised Harvey Wippleman). The victorious Yokozuna proceeded to give Hogan a Banzai Drop.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html |title=King of the Ring 1993 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=June 13, 1993 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222220156/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/kingring.html |archive-date=February 22, 2008}} This was Hogan's last WWF pay-per-view appearance until 2002, as both he and Jimmy Hart were preparing to leave the promotion. Hogan continued his feud on the international house show circuit with Yokozuna until August 1993. After that, Hogan sat out the rest of his contract which expired later that year.

On May 3, 1993, Hogan returned to NJPW as WWF Champion and defeated IWGP Heavyweight Champion The Great Muta in a dream match at Wrestling Dontaku. Hogan wrestled against Muta again, this time under his real name (Keiji Mutoh), on September 26, 1993. Hogan also wrestled The Hell Raisers with Muta and Masahiro Chono as his tag team partners. His last match in Japan was on January 4, 1994, at Battlefield, when he defeated Tatsumi Fujinami.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome.html#94 |title=Battlefield |date=January 4, 1994 |access-date=July 19, 2019 |publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607141321/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome.html#94 |url-status=live }}

File:Günther Wagner trifft Hulk Hogan.jpg in 1994]]

Starting in March 1994, Hogan began making appearances on WCW television, as interviewer Gene Okerlund—who was now a WCW employee—visited him on the set of Thunder in Paradise episodes. Hype then built over whether Hogan should remain with Thunder in Paradise or join WCW and have an opportunity to wrestle Ric Flair. On the May 28, 1994, episode of WCW Saturday Night, Hogan tore up his Thunder in Paradise contract and stated he was now willing to quit the show and return to wrestling, and Okerlund issued a telephone survey asking if people wanted to see Hogan in WCW.{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2XJMh5qt7Q&t=2367s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211028/K2XJMh5qt7Q |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |title=Hulk Hogan, Sting, Ric Flair, Sherri & Bockwinkel skit comp (04 30 to 07 16 1994 WCW Saturday Night) |first=Al |last=Balog |publisher=YouTube |access-date=December 28, 2020}}{{cbignore}} On June 11, 1994, Hogan officially signed with Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in a ceremony that was held at Disney-MGM Studios.{{Citation |title=A parade is held for Hulk Hogan as he signs his WCW contract: WCW Pro, June 11, 1994 |url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/a-parade-is-held-for-hulk-hogan-as-he-signs-his-wcw-contract-wcw-pro-june-11-1994 |access-date=September 27, 2018 |archive-date=June 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627034300/https://www.wwe.com/videos/a-parade-is-held-for-hulk-hogan-as-he-signs-his-wcw-contract-wcw-pro-june-11-1994}} The next month, with Jimmy Hart as his manager, Hogan won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in his debut match, defeating Ric Flair in a "dream match" at Bash at the Beach.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411021 |title=Hulk Hogan's first WCW Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080319112603/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411021 |archive-date=March 19, 2008}} Hogan continued his feud with Flair (who defeated him by count-out on the Clash of the Champions XXVIII, thus Hogan retained the title), which culminated in a steel cage match (with Flair's career on the line and Mr. T as the special guest referee) that Hogan won.

After Hogan headlined WCW's premier annual event Starrcade (Starrcade: Triple Threat) in December 1994 by defeating The Butcher for the title, his next feud was against Vader, who challenged him for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at SuperBrawl V, where Hogan won by disqualification after the returning Flair's interference. Hogan then defeated Vader (who was managed part-time by Flair) in a non-title leather strap match at Uncensored. Because of the controversial ending caused once again by Flair at Uncensored, Hogan's feud with Vader culminated in a steel cage match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Bash at the Beach, where Hogan won by escaping the cage. After successfully retaining the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Big Bubba Rogers and Lex Luger in two separate matches on Nitro in September 1995.{{cite web |url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1995092m.htm |title=WCW Monday Night Nitro – September 11th, 1995 |publisher=DDT Digest |access-date=April 22, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080827202051/http://ddtdigest.com/updates/1995092m.htm |archive-date=August 27, 2008}} The October 9, 1995, broadcast of Nitro was Hogan's first appearance in an all-black attire. Hogan feuded with The Dungeon of Doom, which led to a WarGames match at Fall Brawl where Hogan's team (Lex Luger, Randy Savage, and Sting) won.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#95 |title=WCW Fall Brawl Results (1995) |date=September 17, 1995 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110628091514/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#95 |archive-date=June 28, 2011}} Hogan's reign as WCW World Heavyweight Champion (which, at 469 days, is the longest in the title's history) ended when he lost the WCW World Heavyweight Championship to The Giant at Halloween Havoc via disqualification.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#95 |title=Halloween Havoc 1995 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=October 29, 1995 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331015039/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#95 |archive-date=March 31, 2013}}

Following the controversial loss (which was due to a "contract clause"), the WCW World Heavyweight Championship became vacant and a new champion was to be crowned in a 60-man three-ring battle royal at World War III, where The Giant cost Hogan the title.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/ww3.html#95 |title=WCW World War III Results (1995) |date=November 26, 1995 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623095355/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/ww3.html#95 |archive-date=June 23, 2008}} This led to a steel cage match between Hogan and The Giant at SuperBrawl VI, where Hogan won to end their feud.{{cite web |url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wcw/february/1996.htm |title=WCW SuperBrawl VI results |publisher=PWWEW |access-date=June 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617202948/http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wcw/february/1996.htm |archive-date=June 17, 2008 |url-status=live}} In early 1996, Hogan reformed The Mega Powers with Randy Savage to feud with The Alliance to End Hulkamania, which culminated at Uncensored in a Doomsday Cage match that Hogan and Savage won.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#96 |title=Uncensored 1996 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=March 24, 1996 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623212141/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#96 |archive-date=June 23, 2008}} After coming out victorious from his feuds, Hogan began to only appear occasionally on WCW programming.

{{Main|New World Order (professional wrestling)|l1=New World Order (nWo)}}

At Bash at the Beach on July 7, during a six-man tag team match pitting The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) against WCW loyalists, Hogan interfered and attacked Randy Savage on behalf of Hall and Nash, thereby turning heel for the first time in nearly fifteen years.{{cite web |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw96.htm |title=WCW Show Results 1996 |publisher=The History of WCW |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=July 7, 1996 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123094118/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/wcw96.htm |archive-date=January 23, 2009}} After the match, Hogan delivered a promo, accosting the fans and WCW for under-appreciating his talent and drawing power, and announcing the formation of the New World Order (nWo). The new stable gained prominence in the following weeks and months.{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/n/nwo-original.html |title=new World order (nWo) Profile |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=April 14, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410143837/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/n/nwo-original.html |archive-date=April 10, 2008}} Hogan grew a beard alongside his famous mustache and dyed it black, traded his red and yellow garb in for black and white clothing, often detailed with lightning bolts, and renamed himself "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan (often shortened to Hollywood Hogan). Hogan won his second WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Hog Wild on August 10 by defeating The Giant for the title.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411038 |title=Hulk Hogan's second WCW Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327020825/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411038 |archive-date=March 27, 2008}} He spray painted "nWo" across the title belt, scribbled across the nameplate, and referred to the title as the "nWo title". Hogan then started a feud with Lex Luger after Luger and The Giant defeated Hogan and Dennis Rodman in a tag team match at Bash at the Beach on July 13, 1997.

On the August 4 episode of Nitro, Hogan lost the title to Lex Luger by submission.{{cite web |url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/19970804.htm |title=WCW Monday Night Nitro – Monday 08/04/97 |publisher=DDT Digest |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=August 4, 1997 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725044352/http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/19970804.htm |archive-date=July 25, 2008}} Five days later at Road Wild on August 9, Hogan defeated Luger to regain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/3044541108 |title=Hulk Hogan's third WCW Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 14, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107011523/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/3044541108 |archive-date=January 7, 2008}} Hogan then lost the title to Sting in a match at Starrcade on December 28.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wcw/starrcade-history |title=A brief history of WCW Starrcade |publisher=WWE.com |last=Powers |first=Kevin |date=December 29, 2011 |access-date=October 16, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219195307/http://www.wwe.com/inside/wcw/starrcade-history |archive-date=February 19, 2012}} In the match, WCW's newly contracted Bret Hart accused referee Nick Patrick of fast-counting a victory for Hogan and had the match restarted – with himself as referee. Sting later won by submission. After a rematch the following night on Nitro, where Sting controversially retained the title, the WCW World Heavyweight Championship became vacant. Sting went on to win the vacant title against Hogan at SuperBrawl VIII on February 22, 1998,{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#VIII |title=SuperBrawl VIII results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=February 22, 1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623094945/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#VIII |archive-date=June 23, 2008}} and Hogan then developed a rivalry with former friend (and recent nWo recruit) Randy Savage, who had just cost Hogan the title match at SuperBrawl by hitting him with a spray can. The feud culminated in a steel cage match at Uncensored on March 15, which ended in a no contest.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#98 |title=Uncensored 1998 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=March 15, 1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623212141/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#98 |archive-date=June 23, 2008}} Savage took the WCW World Heavyweight Championship from Sting at Spring Stampede on April 19, while Hogan teamed with Kevin Nash to take on Roddy Piper and The Giant in the first-ever bat match.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/stampede.html#98 |title=Spring Stampede 1998 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 14, 2008 |date=April 19, 1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131210018/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/stampede.html#98 |archive-date=January 31, 2013}}

Hogan betrayed Nash by hitting him with the bat and then challenged Savage the following night on Nitro for the world title. In the no disqualification match for Savage's newly won title, Nash entered the ring and hit a powerbomb on Hogan as retribution for the attack the previous night, but Bret Hart interfered moments later and jumped in to attack Savage and preserve the victory for Hogan, who won his fourth WCW World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411024 |title=Hulk Hogan's fourth WCW Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215200620/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411024 |archive-date=February 15, 2008}} Nash's attack on him signified a split of the nWo into two separate factions – Hogan's became nWo Hollywood and Nash's became nWo Wolfpac{{snd}} that feuded with each other for the remainder of the year. Hogan defended the title until July of that year, when WCW booked him in a match against newcomer and then WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Goldberg, who had yet to lose a match in WCW. Late in the match, Hogan was distracted by Karl Malone, and Goldberg pinned Hogan to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the July 6 episode of Nitro.{{cite web |url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998072m.htm |title=WCW Monday Nitro – Monday, 07/06/98 |publisher=DDT Digest |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=July 6, 1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027062056/http://ddtdigest.com/updates/1998072m.htm |archive-date=October 27, 2007}}

Hogan spent the rest of 1998 wrestling celebrity matches: his second tag team match with Dennis Rodman pitted them against Diamond Dallas Page and Karl Malone at Bash at the Beach on July 12,{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#98 |title=Bash at the Beach 1998 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=July 12, 1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406041758/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#98 |archive-date=April 6, 2010}} and at Road Wild on August 8 he and Eric Bischoff lost to Page and Jay Leno thanks to interference from Kevin Eubanks.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#98 |title=Road Wild 1998 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=August 8, 1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420063202/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#98 |archive-date=April 20, 2008}} Hogan also had a critically panned rematch with The Warrior at Halloween Havoc on October 25, where his nephew Horace aided his victory.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#98 |title=Halloween Havoc 1998 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=October 25, 1998 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331015039/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#98 |archive-date=March 31, 2013}}

On the Thanksgiving episode of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Hogan officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling, as well as his candidacy for President of the United States.{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/nov27_hogan.html |title=Hollywood Hogan retires |last=Powell |first=John |publisher=SLAM! Sports |access-date=October 24, 2007 |date=November 27, 1998 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311224757/http://slam.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/nov27_hogan.html |archive-date=March 11, 2016}} Campaign footage aired on Nitro of Hogan and Bischoff holding a press conference, making it appear legitimate. Both announcements were false and made as publicity stunts to draw some of the hype of Jesse Ventura's Minnesota gubernatorial win back to him. After some time off from WCW, Hogan returned on the January 4, 1999, episode of Nitro to challenge Kevin Nash for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship which Hogan won for the fifth time, but many people found the title change to be "scandalous".{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411037 |title=Hulk Hogan's fifth WCW Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723225023/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/30445411037 |archive-date=July 23, 2008}} As a result, the warring factions of the nWo reunited into one group, which began feuding with Goldberg and The Four Horsemen.

Hogan lost the WCW World Heavyweight Championship to Ric Flair at Uncensored in a steel cage First Blood match.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#99 |title=Uncensored 1999 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=March 14, 1999 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623212141/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#99 |archive-date=June 23, 2008}} Later, Hogan was severely injured in a Texas tornado match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship featuring him, Diamond Dallas Page, Flair, and Sting at Spring Stampede.{{cite web |url=http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/stampede.htm |title=Spring Stampede |publisher=Thehistoryofwwe.com |access-date=May 21, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331214806/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/stampede.htm |archive-date=March 31, 2010}} On the July 12 episode of Nitro, Hogan made his return as a face for the first time in three years and accepted an open challenge from Savage, who had won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship at Bash at the Beach the night before in a tag team match by pinning Kevin Nash. Thanks to interference from Nash, Hogan defeated Savage to win his sixth and final WCW World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/304454110315 |title=Hulk Hogan's sixth WCW Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011030638/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/304454110315 |archive-date=October 11, 2007}} Nash turned on him the next week, and the two began a feud that lasted until Road Wild.

On August 9, 1999, Hogan started the night dressed in the typical black and white, but after a backstage scene with his son came out dressed in the traditional red and yellow for his main event six-man tag team match. Hogan then defeated Nash in a retirement match at Road Wild to retain the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Injuries and frustrations mounted, and he was absent from television from October 1999 to February 2000. In his book Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Hogan said that he was asked to take time off by newly hired head of creative booking Vince Russo and was not told when he would be brought back at the time. Despite some reservations, he agreed to do so. On October 24 at Halloween Havoc, Hogan was to face Sting for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#99 |title=Fall Brawl 1999 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=September 12, 1999 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020622221614/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#99 |archive-date=June 22, 2002}} Hogan came to the ring in street clothes, lay down for the pin, and left the ring.{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#99 |title=Halloween Havoc 1999 results |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=October 24, 1999 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331015039/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#99 |archive-date=March 31, 2013}}

File:Hogan in wcw.jpg

Soon after his return in February 2000, at Bash at the Beach on July 9, Hogan was involved in a controversial work with Vince Russo. Hogan was scheduled to challenge Jeff Jarrett for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20000716/ai_n13870868 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071111062336/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20000716/ai_n13870868 |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |title=No more Hulkamania? No way |last=Brown |first=Blackjack |work=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=October 22, 2007 |date=July 16, 2000}} Before the match, there was a backstage dispute between Hogan and Russo; Hogan wanted to take the title, but Russo was going to have Jarrett win, and lose it to Booker T. Russo told Hogan that he was going to have Jarrett lie down for him, simulating a real conflict, although Jarrett was not told it was a work. When the bell rang, Jarrett lay down in the middle of the ring while Russo threw the WCW World Heavyweight Championship belt in the ring and yelled at Hogan from ringside to pin Jarrett. A visibly confused Hogan complied with a foot on Jarrett's chest after getting on the microphone and telling Russo, "Is this your idea, Russo? That's why this company is in the damn shape it's in, because of bullshit like this!" After winning and being announced as the new WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Hogan immediately took the WCW title belt. Moments later, Russo returned to the ring, angrily proclaiming this would be the last time fans would ever see "that piece of shit" in a WCW stadium. This is also when the public discovered, through Russo, the "creative control" clause that Hogan had, which meant that Hogan could control what would happen with his own character, without anyone else telling him no. In his Bash at the Beach shoot promo, Russo said that he was arguing with Hogan all day prior to the event in the back because he wanted to use the clause in the Jarrett match, saying, "That means that, in the middle of this ring, when [Hogan] knew it was bullshit, he beats Jeff Jarrett!". Since Hogan refused to job to Jarrett, a new WCW World Heavyweight Championship was created, setting the stage for a title match between Booker T and Jarrett later that night.

As a result, Hogan filed a defamation of character lawsuit against Russo soon after,{{cite book |title=Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash |last=Bischoff |first=Eric |publisher=Simon and Schuster |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-4165-2729-9 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/controversycreat00bisc/page/344 344–346] |url=https://archive.org/details/controversycreat00bisc/page/344}} which was eventually dismissed in 2002. Russo claims the whole thing was a work, and Hogan claims that Russo made it a shoot.{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_4_2/ai_67872110 |title=Hogan Speaks on Work-shoot |publisher=Wrestling Digest |access-date=October 25, 2007 |date=December 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111042536/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCO/is_4_2/ai_67872110 |archive-date=November 11, 2007}} Eric Bischoff agreed with Hogan's side of the story when he wrote that Hogan winning and leaving with the belt was a work (devised by Bischoff rather than Russo), and that he and Hogan celebrated after the event over the success of the angle, but that Russo coming out to fire Hogan was an unplanned shoot which led to the lawsuit filed by Hogan. It was the last time he was seen in WCW.

In the months following the eventual demise of WCW in March 2001, Hogan underwent surgery on his knees in order for him to wrestle again. As a test, Hogan worked a match in Orlando, Florida on November 14, for the Xcitement Wrestling Federation (XWF) promotion run by his longtime manager Jimmy Hart. Hogan defeated Curt Hennig in this match and felt healthy enough to accept an offer to return to the WWF in February 2002.

File:Hollywoodhulkhoganwmx8.jpg in March 2002, his first WrestleMania in nine years]]

At No Way Out on February 17, 2002, Hogan returned to the WWF as a heel. Returning as leader of the original nWo with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, the three got into a confrontation with The Rock and cost Stone Cold Steve Austin a chance at becoming the Undisputed WWF Champion against Chris Jericho in the main event.{{cite web |url=http://www.gerweck.net/nowayout02.htm |title=No Way Out 2002 review |publisher=Gerweck.net |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=February 17, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327162533/http://www.gerweck.net/nowayout02.htm |archive-date=March 27, 2008}} The nWo feuded with both Austin and The Rock, and Hogan accepted The Rock's challenge to a match at WrestleMania X8 on March 17, where Hogan asked Hall and Nash not to interfere, wanting to defeat The Rock by himself. Despite the fact that Hogan was supposed to be the heel in the match, the crowd cheered for him heavily. The Rock cleanly won the contest,{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm18/results/ |title=WrestleMania X8 official results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=March 17, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080311090004/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm18/results/ |archive-date=March 11, 2008}} and befriended Hogan at the end of the bout, helping him fight off Hall and Nash, who were upset by Hogan's conciliatory attitude.{{cite web |url=http://www.gerweck.net/wrestlemania18.htm |title=WrestleMania 18 review |publisher=Gerweck.net |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=March 17, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324113713/http://www.gerweck.net/wrestlemania18.htm |archive-date=March 24, 2008}} After the match, Hogan turned face by siding with The Rock, though he continued wearing black and white tights for a few weeks after WrestleMania X8 until he resumed wearing his signature red and yellow tights. During this period, the "Hulk Rules" logo of the 1980s was redone with the text "Hulk Still Rules", and Hogan also wore the original "Hulk Rules" attire twelve years earlier, when he headlined WrestleMania VI at the same arena, in the SkyDome. For a time, he was still known as "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, notably keeping the Hollywood Hogan style blond mustache with black beard while wearing Hulkamania-like red and yellow tights and using the "Voodoo Child" entrance theme music he'd used in WCW. On the April 4, 2002, episode of SmackDown!, Hogan began a feud with Triple H, and then defeated Triple H for the Undisputed WWF Championship at Backlash on April 21,{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2002/mainevent/ |title=Hulk Hogan defeats Triple H to become new WWE Undisputed Champion |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=April 21, 2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323125255/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2002/mainevent/ |archive-date=March 23, 2008}}{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445414114 |title=Hulk Hogan's sixth WWE Championship reign |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050624014455/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/30445414114 |archive-date=June 24, 2005}} thus becoming the last ever WWF Champion, as a legal battle with the World Wildlife Fund soon compelled the company to change its name from World Wrestling Federation/WWF to World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE in May 2002.

On May 19 at Judgment Day, Hogan lost the WWE Undisputed Championship to The Undertaker.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2002/mainevent/ |title=Undertaker vs. Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=May 19, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224085257/http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2002/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 24, 2007}} After losing a number one contender match for the WWE Undisputed Championship to Triple H on the June 6 episode of SmackDown!, Hogan began feuding with Kurt Angle resulting in a match between the two at the King of the Ring on June 23, which Angle won by submission. On the July 4 episode of SmackDown!, Hogan teamed with Edge to defeat Billy and Chuck and capture the WWE Tag Team Championship for the first time.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211222 |title=Hollywood Hogan and Edge's first World Tag Team Championship reign |work=WWE |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515054735/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413211222 |archive-date=May 15, 2007}} They celebrated by waving the American flag as the overjoyed audience sang along to Hogan's theme song "Real American". They lost the belts to The Un-Americans (Christian and Lance Storm) at Vengeance on July 21.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2002/results/ |title=Vengeance 2002 official results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=July 21, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331223336/http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2002/results/ |archive-date=March 31, 2008}} In August, Hogan was used in an angle with Brock Lesnar, culminating in a main event singles match on the August 8 episode of SmackDown!, which Lesnar won by technical submission (the match was called after Hogan became unconscious from a bear hug hold). Lesnar became only the second WWE wrestler to defeat Hogan by submission (after Kurt Angle), and the first to defeat Hogan by having the match called. Following the match, Lesnar continued to beat on Hogan, leaving him bloody and unconscious in the ring.

File:Hoganlegdrop.jpg on Mr. McMahon at WrestleMania XIX]]

As a result of Lesnar's assault, Hogan went on hiatus until early 2003, shaving off his black beard and dropping "Hollywood" from his name in his return.{{citation needed|date=October 2016}} Hogan battled The Rock (who had turned heel) once again at No Way Out on February 23 and lost{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/ |title=The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=February 23, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219180229/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2003/mainevent/ |archive-date=February 19, 2008}} and defeated Mr. McMahon at WrestleMania XIX on March 30 in a street fight billed as "twenty years in the making".{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/ |title=WrestleMania XIX official results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=March 30, 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329101800/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/ |archive-date=March 29, 2008}} After WrestleMania, he had a run as the masked Mr. America, a character who, despite sounding and behaving like Hogan, consistently denied he was the Hulkster. Mr. America used Hogan's "Real American" as his entrance theme, as well as all of Hogan's signature gestures, moves, and phrases. He was the subject of a storyline that took place after Hogan was forced by Mr. McMahon to sit out the rest of his contract. A WWE pre-debut push took place with mysterious Mr. America promos airing for weeks during SmackDown!. There was also on-screen discussion on SmackDown! between then General Manager Stephanie McMahon and other players concerning her hiring Mr. America "sight unseen". On May 1, Mr. America debuted on SmackDown! on a Piper's Pit segment. McMahon appeared and claimed that Mr. America was Hogan in disguise; Mr. America shot back by saying, "I am not Hulk Hogan, brother!" (lampooning Hogan's use of "brother" in his promos). The feud continued through the month of May, with a singles match between Mr. America and Hogan's old rival "Rowdy" Roddy Piper at Judgment Day on May 18, a match Mr. America won.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2003/results/ |title=Judgment Day 2003 official results |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=May 18, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327021814/http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2003/results/ |archive-date=March 27, 2008}}

Mr. America's last WWE appearance was on the June 26 episode of SmackDown! when Big Show and The World's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin) defeated Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, and Mr. America in a six-man tag team match.{{cite web |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030626.html |title=SmackDown! results – June 26, 2003 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=June 26, 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420101557/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030626.html |archive-date=April 20, 2008}} After SmackDown! went off the air, Mr. America unmasked to show the fans that he was indeed Hogan, putting his finger to his lips telling the fans to keep quiet about his secret. The next week, Hogan quit WWE due to frustration with the creative team.{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20030706/ai_n12510640 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111062341/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20030706/ai_n12510640 |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |title=No Hulk means no chance of 20th anniversary rematch |last=Brown |first=Blackjack |work=Chicago Sun-Times |date=July 6, 2003 |access-date=October 23, 2007}} On the July 3 episode of SmackDown!, McMahon showed the footage of Mr. America unmasking as Hogan and "fired" him, although Hogan had already quit in real life. It was later revealed that Hogan was unhappy with the payoffs for his matches after his comeback under the Mr. America gimmick. McMahon terminated Hogan's contract in storyline.

Hogan returned to NJPW in October 2003, when he defeated Masahiro Chono at Ultimate Crush II in the Tokyo Dome.

Shortly after Hogan left WWE, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) began making overtures to Hogan, culminating in Jeff Jarrett, co-founder of TNA and then NWA World Heavyweight Champion, launching an on-air attack on Hogan in Japan in October 2003. The attack was supposed to be a precursor to Hogan battling Jarrett for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at TNA's first three-hour pay-per-view. Due to recurring knee and hip problems, Hogan did not appear in TNA. Still, the incident has been shown several times on TNA broadcasts, and was included in the TNA DVD TNA's Fifty Greatest Moments.

File:Hulk Hogan3.jpg in 2005]]

File:Batista, Hulk Hogan and John Cena, April 2004.jpg, Hulk Hogan and John Cena]]

On April 2, 2005, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2005 by actor and friend Sylvester Stallone.{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20050322/ai_n13453252 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111062627/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20050322/ai_n13453252 |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |title=Stallone set to induct Hulk Hogan into hall |publisher=Deseret News (Salt Lake City) |access-date=October 25, 2007 |date=March 22, 2005}} At WrestleMania 21 on April 3, Hogan came out to rescue Eugene, who was being attacked by Muhammad Hassan and Khosrow Daivari. The build-up to Hogan's Hall of Fame induction and preparation for his WrestleMania angle was shown on the first season of Hogan Knows Best. The next night on Raw, Hassan and Daivari came out to confront and assault fan favorite Shawn Michaels. The following week on Raw, Michaels approached Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff demanding a handicap match with Hassan and Daivari. Bischoff refused, but told Michaels if he found a partner he would be granted a tag team match. Michaels then made a plea for Hogan to team with him. On the April 18 episode of Raw, Hassan again led an attack on Michaels until Hogan appeared, saving Michaels and accepting his offer. At Backlash on May 1, Hassan and Daivari lost to Hogan and Michaels.{{cite news |first=Scott |last=Zerr |title=Hogan thrilled to be retro |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/05/01/1021236.html |publisher=SLAM! Sports |date=May 1, 2005 |access-date=October 22, 2007 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731085353/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/05/01/1021236.html |archive-date=July 31, 2012}}

Hogan then appeared on July 4 episode of Raw, as the special guest of Carlito on his talk-show segment Carlito's Cabana. After being asked questions by Carlito concerning his daughter Brooke, Hogan attacked Carlito. Kurt Angle then also appeared, making comments about Brooke, which further upset Hogan, who was eventually double teamed by Carlito and Angle, but was saved by Shawn Michaels. Later that night, Michaels and Hogan defeated Carlito and Angle in a tag team match; during the post-match celebration, Michaels performed the Sweet Chin Music on Hogan and walked off.{{cite news |title=Heartbreaker |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07042005/ |publisher=WWE |date=July 4, 2005 |access-date=October 22, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014023335/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07042005/ |archive-date=October 14, 2007}} The following week on Raw, Michaels appeared on Piper's Pit and challenged Hogan to face him one-on-one for the first time.{{cite news |title=HBK challenges Hogan for SummerSlam |url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/tvshows/raw/200507/11hbkchallenge |publisher=WWE |date=July 11, 2005 |access-date=October 22, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011043518/http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/tvshows/raw/200507/11hbkchallenge |archive-date=October 11, 2007}} Hogan appeared on Raw one week later and accepted the challenge.{{cite news |title=Cena overcomes the odds |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07182005/ |publisher=WWE |date=July 18, 2005 |access-date=October 22, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024100521/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07182005/ |archive-date=October 24, 2007}} The match took place at SummerSlam on August 21, which Hogan won. After the match, Michaels extended his hand to him, telling him that he "had to find out for himself", and Hogan and Michaels shook hands as Michaels left the ring to allow Hogan to celebrate with the crowd.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2005/mainevent/ |title=Legend vs. Icon: Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=August 21, 2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080728152544/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2005/mainevent/ |archive-date=July 28, 2008}}

Prior to WrestleMania 22 in April 2006, Hogan inducted friend and former announcer "Mean" Gene Okerlund into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2006. Hogan returned on Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII with his daughter Brooke. During the show, Randy Orton flirted with Brooke and later attacked Hogan in the parking lot.{{cite web |first=Jen |last=Hunt |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/july152006/matches/258159821/results/ |title=Summer slammed |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=July 15, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331124801/http://www.wwe.com/shows/snme/history/july152006/matches/258159821/results/ |archive-date=March 31, 2008}} He later challenged Hogan to a match at SummerSlam on August 20, which Hogan won.{{cite web |first=Zack |last=Zeigler |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/2944490/results/ |title=The Legend lives on |publisher=WWE |access-date=April 16, 2008 |date=August 20, 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719212909/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2006/matches/2944490/results/ |archive-date=July 19, 2008}} This was Hulk Hogan's final match wrestling for the WWE, although he had negotiations for a match against John Cena at WrestleMania 25 which ultimately fell through.{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=January 16, 2023 |title=Hulk Hogan's First & Last WWE Matches Revealed - Atletifo |url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/hulk-hogans-first-last-wwe-matches-revealed/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127231316/https://atletifo.com/wrestling/wwe/hulk-hogans-first-last-wwe-matches-revealed/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Ayaz |first=Yasser |date=April 3, 2022 |title="I was supposed to wrestle John Cena for the title" - John Cena vs Hulk Hogan almost took place at Wrestlemania |url=https://thesportsrush.com/wwe-news-i-was-supposed-to-wrestle-john-cena-for-the-title-john-cena-vs-hulk-hogan-almost-took-place-at-wrestlemania/ |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=The SportsRush |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127231315/https://thesportsrush.com/wwe-news-i-was-supposed-to-wrestle-john-cena-for-the-title-john-cena-vs-hulk-hogan-almost-took-place-at-wrestlemania/ |url-status=live }}

File:Hogan Vs Flair.jpg on the Hulkamania Tour]]

After a brief fall out with McMahon and WWE,{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070325/ai_n18756946 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111062346/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070325/ai_n18756946 |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |title=Hogan pitches old-timers' tour |last=Brown |first=Blackjack |work=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=October 25, 2007 |date=March 25, 2007}} Hogan was lured to Memphis Wrestling with the proposal of wrestling Jerry Lawler.{{cite news |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070415/ai_n19013656 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111062406/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070415/ai_n19013656 |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |title=WWE derails Lawler vs. Hogan |last=Brown |first=Blackjack |work=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=October 24, 2007 |date=April 15, 2007}} The match had been promoted on Memphis Wrestling Prime Time for several months. On April 12, 2007, Lawler announced in a news conference that WWE had barred him from wrestling Hogan on the basis that NBC performers (including Lawler, on the basis of co-hosting the NBC-owned USA Network's Raw and his appearances on the biannual WWE's Saturday Night's Main Event) are contractually prohibited from appearing on VH1, the channel on which Hogan Knows Best airs. The situation resulted in a lawsuit being filed against WWE by event promoter Corey Maclin.{{cite web |url=http://www.memphisdailynews.com/Editorial/StoryLead.aspx?id=100606 |title=Memphis Promoter Files Suit Against WWE |first=Bill |last=Dries |publisher=Memphis Daily News |date=January 11, 2008 |access-date=January 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115071013/http://www.memphisdailynews.com/Editorial/StoryLead.aspx?id=100606 |archive-date=January 15, 2008}} Lawler was replaced with Paul Wight. Hogan defeated Wight at Memphis Wrestling's PMG Clash of Legends on April 27, 2007, when he picked up and hit a body slam on Wight before pinning him following his signature running leg drop.

File:Hogan gathers himself.jpg

On November 21, 24, 26 and 28, Hogan performed with a group of wrestlers including Spartan-3000, Heidenreich, Eugene, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake and Orlando Jordan across Australia in a tour titled Hulkamania: Let The Battle Begin. The main event of each show was a rematch between Hogan and Ric Flair – the wrestler who defeated Hogan more times than any other. Hogan defeated Flair in all four matches.{{cite web |url=http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=HulkAMAN09&v=SSD&searchId=278c866e-8461-4b0c-a20c-082bfcf71b96 |title=Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin |publisher=Tickettek |access-date=November 5, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708081138/http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=HulkAMAN09&v=SSD&searchId=278c866e-8461-4b0c-a20c-082bfcf71b96 |archive-date=July 8, 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/Hulk-hogan-downs-ric-flair-in-burswood-bout/story-e6frg13u-1225803762480 |title=Hulk Hogan downs Ric Flair in Burswood bout |date=November 25, 2009 |last=Elborough |first=Brad |newspaper=Perth Now |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025112756/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/hulk-hogan-downs-ric-flair-in-burswood-bout/story-e6frg13u-1225803762480 |archive-date=October 25, 2013}}

On October 27, 2009, it was announced that Hogan had signed a contract to join TNA on a full-time basis.{{cite web |url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/1770/84/ |title=Hulk Hogan Joins TNA Wrestling! |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2009 |publisher=Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029133223/http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/1770/84/ |archive-date=October 29, 2009}} The footage of his signing and the press conference at Madison Square Garden following it were featured on the October 29 episode of Impact!.{{cite web |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_36498.shtml |title=Keller's TNA Impact Report 10/29: Examining the Hulk Hogan announcement, Sabin controversy, Wolfe vs. Angle, Joe-Styles-Daniels hype |date=November 3, 2009 |last=Keller |first=Wade |publisher=PWTorch |access-date=December 18, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206234351/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_36498.shtml |archive-date=December 6, 2009}}

On December 5, Hogan announced on Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)'s The Ultimate Fighter that he would make his official TNA debut on January 4, 2010, in a special live three-hour Monday night episode of Impact! to compete with WWE's Raw (which featured the return of Bret Hart).{{cite web |url=http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/1836/84/ |title=Watch The Video Of Hulk Hogan On UFC |publisher=Total Nonstop Action Wrestling |access-date=December 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207091124/http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/1836/84/ |archive-date=December 7, 2009}}

On the January 4 episode of Impact!, Hogan debuted, reuniting briefly with former nWo partners Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean Waltman, the latter two of whom made their returns to the company. He refused to join them for a full-fledged reunion of their group claiming, "it's a different time", and stuck to his business relations with Bischoff, who made his appearance to declare that, the two of them would "flip the company upside down" and everyone would have to earn their spot. Hogan also encountered TNA founder Jeff Jarrett on the broadcast, appearing via video wall and interrupting Jarrett's company success speech, stating that Carter was instrumental to the company's survival, and that just like the rest, Jarrett would have to earn his spot in TNA.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml |title=Keller's TNA Impact Live Report 1/4: Jeff Hardy, NWO reunion, Hulk Hogan, TNA Knockout Title match, more surprises – ongoing coverage |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=January 4, 2010 |work=PWTorch |access-date=January 5, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106163017/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_37861.shtml |archive-date=January 6, 2010}}

On the February 18 episode of Impact!, Hogan took Abyss under his wing, and during this sequence, gave him his Hall of Fame ring and claimed it would make him a "god of wrestling".{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39182.shtml |title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 2/18: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast |date=February 18, 2010 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |last=Wilkenfeld |first=Daniel |publisher=PWTorch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222011546/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39182.shtml |archive-date=February 22, 2010}} Hogan made his in-ring return on the March 8 episode of Impact!, teaming with Abyss to defeat A.J. Styles and Ric Flair when Abyss scored a pinfall over Styles.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39660.shtml |title=TNA Impact Results 3/8: Keller's live ongoing report covering the historic beginning of Monday Night War II |last=Keller |first=Wade |date=March 8, 2010 |work=PWTorch |access-date=March 9, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312083001/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39660.shtml |archive-date=March 12, 2010}} Afterward, the returning Jeff Hardy saved Hogan and Abyss from a beatdown by Styles, Flair and Desmond Wolfe. The storyline became a Team Flair versus Team Hogan situation, with Jarrett and the debuting Rob Van Dam joining Team Hogan and Beer Money (James Storm and Robert Roode) and Sting joining Team Flair. At Lockdown on April 18, Team Hogan (Hulk Hogan, Abyss, Jeff Jarrett, Jeff Hardy and Rob Van Dam) defeated Team Flair (Ric Flair, Sting, Desmond Wolfe, Robert Roode and James Storm) in a Lethal Lockdown match.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40725.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown Results 4/18: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of PPV – Styles vs. The Pope, Team Hogan vs. Team Flair, Angle vs. Anderson |first=James |last=Caldwell |date=April 18, 2010 |access-date=April 18, 2010 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420121437/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_40725.shtml |archive-date=April 20, 2010}}

{{main|Immortal (professional wrestling)}}

File:Hulk Hogan July 2010.jpg

On the June 17 episode of Impact!, Hogan's alliance with Abyss came to an abrupt end when Abyss turned heel.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42023.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact results 6/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Impact on Spike TV |first=James |last=Caldwell |date=June 17, 2010 |access-date=June 18, 2010 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619230712/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42023.shtml |archive-date=June 19, 2010}} Abyss later claimed that he was controlled by some entity that was coming to TNA.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42170.shtml |title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 6/24: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast |first=Daniel |last=Wilkenfeld |date=June 24, 2010 |access-date=October 11, 2010 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203033237/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_42170.shtml |archive-date=February 3, 2013}} The next month, Hogan worked with Bischoff, Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe against Sting and Kevin Nash, who claimed that they knew that Hogan and Bischoff were up to something.{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279856423 |title=Impact Results – 7/22/10 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=July 8, 2010 |work=WrestleView |access-date=October 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725200932/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1279856423 |archive-date=July 25, 2010}} During this time, Abyss went on a rampage, attacking Rob Van Dam to the point that he was forced to vacate the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and eventually put his hands on TNA president Dixie Carter, which led to her signing the paperwork, presented by Bischoff, that would have Abyss fired from TNA following his match with Van Dam at Bound for Glory on October 10.{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/12/15010951.html |title=TNA's 'The Whole F'n Show': Beer Money, Machine Guns put on match of year candidate; Fortune makes statement |first=Matt |last=Bishop |date=August 12, 2010 |access-date=October 11, 2010 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629172343/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/12/15010951.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_43238.shtml |title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 8/19: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV broadcast |first=Daniel |last=Wilkenfeld |date=August 19, 2010 |access-date=October 11, 2010 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501092644/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_43238.shtml |archive-date=May 1, 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44353.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 10/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live Spike TV show – Foley vs. Flair, battle royal, Bound for Glory hype |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=October 7, 2010 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=October 11, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010023420/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44353.shtml |archive-date=October 10, 2010}} Hogan was set to wrestle with Jarrett and Joe against Sting, Nash and D'Angelo Dinero at Bound for Glory, but was forced to miss the event due to a back surgery. He made an appearance at the end of the event, and helped Jeff Hardy win the vacant TNA World Heavyweight Championship and aligning himself with Hardy, Bischoff, Abyss and Jarrett, turning heel in the process.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10–10–10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Angle vs. Anderson vs. Hardy, "they" reveal |date=October 10, 2010 |access-date=October 10, 2010 |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512063829/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_44417.shtml |archive-date=May 12, 2013}} On the October 14 episode of Impact!, it was revealed that Bischoff had tricked Carter and the paperwork she had signed a week earlier, were not to release Abyss, but to turn the company over to him and Hogan. Meanwhile, Bischoff's and Hogan's new stable, now known as Immortal, formed an alliance with Ric Flair's Fortune.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44521.shtml |title=Wilkenfeld's TNA Impact report 10/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Spike TV's live broadcast |date=October 14, 2010 |access-date=October 15, 2010 |last=Wilkenfeld |first=Daniel |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101016232941/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_44521.shtml |archive-date=October 16, 2010}} Dixie Carter returned on the November 25 episode of Reaction, informing Hogan and Bischoff that a judge had filed an injunction against the two on her behalf over not having signatory authority, indefinitely suspending Hogan from TNA.{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1290751829 |title=TNA Impact Results – 11–25–10 |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=November 26, 2010 |work=WrestleView |access-date=November 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127153530/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1290751829 |archive-date=November 27, 2010}} During his absence, Hogan underwent a potentially career–ending spinal fusion surgery on December 21.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_46266.shtml |title=Hogan News: Health update on Hulk Hogan – E! reports on Hogan's ten-hour back procedure |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=December 22, 2010 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=December 23, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226024110/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_46266.shtml |archive-date=December 26, 2010}}{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1293082375 |title=Update: Hulk Hogan recovering after new surgery |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=December 23, 2010 |work=WrestleView |access-date=December 23, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226115318/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1293082375 |archive-date=December 26, 2010}}

Hogan returned to TNA on the March 3, 2011, episode of Impact!, declaring himself as the new owner of TNA, having won the court battle against Dixie Carter.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_48210.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 3/3: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Impact on Spike TV – Hogan, wedding, 3 March 2011 reveal, Tag Title match, retirement match, celebrities |date=March 3, 2011 |access-date=March 3, 2011 |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116164819/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_48210.shtml |archive-date=November 16, 2011}} In April, he began hinting at a possible return to the ring to face the TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Sting.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_49371.shtml |title=TNA News: Lockdown PPV results – Fortune member returns, one title change, Sting-Hogan hype continues, Angle uses RKO, No.1 contender |date=April 17, 2011 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421070911/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_49371.shtml |archive-date=April 21, 2011}} On the May 12 episode of the newly renamed Impact Wrestling, Hogan lost control of the program to Mick Foley, who revealed himself as the Network consultant who had been causing problems for Immortal ever since Hogan and Bischoff took over the company. This angle was cut short three weeks later, when Foley left TNA.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_50020.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 5/12: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of big reveals, final PPV hype, battle royal main event |date=May 12, 2011 |last=Caldwell |first=James |access-date=May 12, 2011 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515041312/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_50020.shtml |archive-date=May 15, 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_50508.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact report 6/2: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV – Angle & Morgan vs. Jarrett & Steiner |first=James |last=Caldwell |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=June 11, 2011 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606130522/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_50508.shtml |archive-date=June 6, 2011}} During the following months, Hogan continued to interfere in Sting's matches, costing him the TNA World Heavyweight Championship first at Hardcore Justice on August 7, recruiting Kurt Angle to Immortal in the process, on the September 1 episode of Impact Wrestling and finally at No Surrender on September 11.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_51958.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Hardcore Justice PPV results 8/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Sting vs. Angle, five title matches, BFG Series matches |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=August 7, 2011 |access-date=September 13, 2011 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828181453/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_51958.shtml |archive-date=August 28, 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/02/18633481.html |title=Impact: Sting looks to regain title in rematch with Angle |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=September 2, 2011 |access-date=September 13, 2011 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629070455/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/02/18633481.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_53179.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA No Surrender PPV results 9/11: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – three-way TNA Title match, BFG Series finals |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=September 11, 2011 |access-date=September 13, 2011 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002124018/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_53179.shtml |archive-date=October 2, 2011}} On the September 15 episode of Impact Wrestling, Sting defeated Immortal member Ric Flair to earn the right to face Hogan at Bound for Glory on October 16.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53235.shtml |title=Impact spoiler – double main event at Bound for Glory |date=September 13, 2011 |access-date=September 13, 2011 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116164608/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53235.shtml |archive-date=November 16, 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_53344.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling report – Flair vs. Sting 9/15: Blog on this week's TV main event |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=September 15, 2011 |access-date=September 16, 2011 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017142232/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_53344.shtml |archive-date=October 17, 2011}} On October 4, it was reported that Hogan had signed a contract extension with TNA.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53952.shtml |title=Breaking News: Hulk Hogan renews with TNA |date=October 4, 2011 |access-date=October 4, 2011 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005233142/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_53952.shtml |archive-date=October 5, 2011}} After feigning retirement from professional wrestling, Hogan accepted the match at Bound for Glory on the October 6 episode of Impact Wrestling, while also agreeing to hand TNA back to Dixie Carter, should Sting win the match.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_54028.shtml |title=Keller's TNA Impact Wrestling report 10/6: Hulk Hogan's "retirement" ceremony, Storm vs. Roode, Kaz vs. Gunner in Knoxville |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=October 6, 2011 |access-date=October 6, 2011 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009230341/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_54028.shtml |archive-date=October 9, 2011}}

Hogan was defeated by Sting at Bound for Glory, ending his storyline as the president of TNA. After the match, Immortal attacked Sting, but Hogan turned on Immortal and helping Sting, turning face in the process.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_54312.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Angle-Roode, Hogan-Sting |date=October 16, 2011 |access-date=October 16, 2011 |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204054725/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_54312.shtml |archive-date=February 4, 2013}} On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Hogan, wearing his trademark yellow and red again, admitted to his mistakes, and put over Sting for winning.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_54431.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling report 10/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage Bound for Glory fallout, TNA World Title match |date=October 20, 2011 |access-date=January 26, 2012 |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023212511/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_54431.shtml |archive-date=October 23, 2011}}

File:Hulk Hogan @ Impact! TV Taping.jpg

During TNA's tour of the United Kingdom, on January 26 and 27, 2012, Hogan returned to the ring at house shows in Nottingham and Manchester, where he, James Storm and Sting defeated Bobby Roode, Bully Ray and Kurt Angle in a six-man tag team main event at both events, the latter of which was Hogan's final match.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_57425.shtml |title=1/26 TNA results Nottingham, U.K.: Hogan & Sting in main event, Joe vs. Crimson, Styles vs. Ray |date=January 26, 2012 |access-date=January 26, 2012 |last=McNichol |first=Rob |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128233403/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_57425.shtml |archive-date=January 28, 2012}}{{cite news |last1=Daly |first1=Wayne |title=TNA Quick Results: Live Event – Manchester, England (1/27) |url=https://www.wrestling-news.net/tna-quick-results-event-manchester/3945/ |access-date=July 28, 2023 |work=Wrestling-news.net |date=January 27, 2012 |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211033441/https://www.wrestling-news.net/tna-quick-results-event-manchester/3945/ |url-status=live }} Hogan returned to Impact Wrestling on February 2, when he was revealed as Garett Bischoff's trainer.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_57698.shtml |title=TNA Impact Wrestling report 2/2: Wembley Arena Edition – Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of TV show |date=February 2, 2012 |access-date=February 3, 2012 |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206025036/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_57698.shtml |archive-date=February 6, 2012}} On the March 29 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hogan returned and accepted Sting's offer to replace him as the new General Manager.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_59713.shtml |title=Turner's TNA Impact Wrestling results 3/29: Will Hulk Hogan accept the GM position?, Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson, Morgan vs. Crimson, and more |date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=March 30, 2012 |last=Turner |first=Scott |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523002358/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_59713.shtml |archive-date=May 23, 2012}}

In July, Hogan, alongside Sting, began feuding with a mysterious group of masked men, who had dubbed themselves the "Aces & Eights".{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_63266.shtml |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Wrestling results 7/12: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact – Aries's first show as champ, BFG Series matches |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=July 12, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2012 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715041528/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_63266.shtml |archive-date=July 15, 2012}} The group's attack on Hogan on the July 12 episode of Impact Wrestling was used to write Hogan off television as he was set to undergo another back surgery.{{cite web |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/26526-fri-update-big-weekend-schedule-batista-fighting-148-drug-tests-another-trt-hogan-update-kharma-new-radio-show-upgrades-chael-quotes-directv-and-impact-tons-more |title=Fri update: Big weekend schedule, Batista fighting, 148 drug tests, another TRT, Hogan update, Kharma, new radio show upgrades, Chael quotes, DirecTV and Impact, tons more |last=Alvarez |first=Bryan |author-link=Bryan Alvarez |date=July 13, 2012 |access-date=July 13, 2012 |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715234403/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/3-news/26526-fri-update-big-weekend-schedule-batista-fighting-148-drug-tests-another-trt-hogan-update-kharma-new-radio-show-upgrades-chael-quotes-directv-and-impact-tons-more |archive-date=July 15, 2012}}

In November, Hogan moved into a storyline with Bully Ray after Austin Aries revealed a secret relationship between Ray and Hogan's daughter Brooke.{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 11/22: Thanksgiving Edition features Gut Checks, Turkeys, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66775.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210514/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66775.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016}}{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 11/29: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Championship Thursday – X Title in main event, Hogan Knows Best? |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66909.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103031801/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_66909.shtml |archive-date=January 3, 2013}} After seeing them kissing in a parking garage on the December 20 episode of Impact Wrestling,{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 12/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Champ. Thursday – Aries vs. Hardy, 1.3.13 reveal |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67417.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230212508/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67417.shtml |archive-date=December 30, 2012}} Hogan suspended Ray indefinitely on the January 3, 2013 episode of Impact Wrestling.{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 1/3: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live show – Sting casually returns, cage main event & unmasking (updated w/Box Score) |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67639.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107081832/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67639.shtml |archive-date=January 7, 2013}} The following week on Impact Wrestling, after Ray saved Brooke from a kidnapping by the Aces & Eights, Brooke accepted his marriage proposal.{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 1/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Sting-Knox, wedding angle, and, oh yeah, a PPV on Sunday (updated w/Box Score) |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67774.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114004837/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67774.shtml |archive-date=January 14, 2013}} Despite Hogan's disapproval, he still walked Brooke down the aisle for her wedding on the next episode of Impact Wrestling, during which Ray's groomsmen Taz interrupted and revealed himself as a member of the Aces & Eights, leading the group to attack Hogan, Ray, and the rest of the groomsmen.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67961.shtml |title=Keller's TNA Impact Report 1/17: The Bully Ray-Brooke Hogan Wedding Episode – What happened? Did Hulk accompany Brooke? Did the wedding end without a hitch? |date=January 17, 2013 |last=Keller |first=Wade |access-date=January 17, 2013 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120222318/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_67961.shtml |archive-date=January 20, 2013}}

On the January 31 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hogan reinstated Ray so he could take on the Aces & Eights.{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 1/31: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact in the U.K. – Angle-Anderson, Wes & Garett turn heel, Wes's hair tells the story |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68308.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190300/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68308.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016}}{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 2/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact in the U.K. – Tag Title change, Sting & Bully main event, Aces & Eights lose again, Nash weighs in |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68494.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002090022/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68494.shtml |archive-date=October 2, 2013}} Hogan named Ray the number one contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship on the February 21 episode of Impact Wrestling.{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Report 2/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact in the U.K. – new KO champ, Hogan's "decision" early contender for worst angle of the year (updated w/Box Score) |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68834.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201112/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_68834.shtml |archive-date=March 3, 2016}} At Lockdown on March 10, Ray betrayed Hogan, after Aces & Eights helped Ray defeat Jeff Hardy win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, and Ray revealed himself as the President of the Aces & Eights.{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Lockdown PPV Results 3/10: Live, in-person coverage from San Antonio – Hardy vs. Ray TNA Title match, Lethal Lockdown, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_69158.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414102411/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnappvs/article_69158.shtml |archive-date=April 14, 2013}} Following Lockdown, Hogan blamed Sting for Ray winning the title as it was Sting who encouraged Hogan to give Ray the title shot.{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 3/14: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact – Lockdown PPV fall-out from Chicago |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69310.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318031827/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69310.shtml |archive-date=March 18, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 3/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Impact from Chicago – new #1 contender to TNA Title, two title matches, Lockdown fall-out |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69437.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325105225/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69437.shtml |archive-date=March 25, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 3/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Open Fight Night – Hardy vs. Anderson, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69573.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401092943/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_69573.shtml |archive-date=April 1, 2013}} Sting returned and saved Hogan from an attack by Aces & Eights on the April 25 episode of Impact Wrestling.{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 4/25 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact – Bully-Hogan, title matches |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70226.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530130040/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70226.shtml |archive-date=May 30, 2013}} The following week on Impact Wrestling, Hogan and Sting reconciled their differences.{{cite web |title=Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 5/2 (Hour 1): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Impact – Sabin returns to TV |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70339.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507112236/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_70339.shtml |archive-date=May 7, 2013}} On the October 3 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hogan refused an offer from Dixie Carter to become her business partner and quit; this was done to officially write Hogan off, as a result of his contract expiring with TNA.{{cite web |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-squared-circle/Hulk-Hogan-no-longer-under-contract-with-TNA-Wrestling.html |title=Hulk Hogan no longer under contract with TNA Wrestling |date=October 2, 2013 |work=Philly.com |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721155925/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-squared-circle/Hulk-Hogan-no-longer-under-contract-with-TNA-Wrestling.html |archive-date=July 21, 2015}}

File:WWE Raw IMG 5754 (13772931635).jpg

On February 24, 2014, on Raw, Hogan made his first WWE in-ring appearance since December 2007 to hype the WWE Network.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_76606.shtml |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 2/24: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Chamber PPV fall-out, Hogan's return, Taker's return, stage set for WM30, more |date=February 24, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2014 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227025709/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_76606.shtml |archive-date=February 27, 2014}} On the March 24 episode of Raw, Hogan came out to introduce the guest appearances of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joe Manganiello; this was to promote the guests' new movie Sabotage.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-03-24/arnold-schwarzenegger-and-joe-manganiello-join-hulk-hogan-in-the-ring-photos |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joe Manganiello join Hulk Hogan in the ring: photos |work=WWE |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427012016/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-03-24/arnold-schwarzenegger-and-joe-manganiello-join-hulk-hogan-in-the-ring-photos |archive-date=April 27, 2015}}

File:Hogan Rock and Austin WrestleMania XXX.jpg and The Rock at WrestleMania XXX in April 2014]]

At WrestleMania XXX in April, Hogan served as the host, coming out at the start of the show to hype up the crowd. During his promo, he mistakenly referred to the Superdome, the venue the event was being held at, as the Silverdome, which became the subject of jokes throughout the night.[http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/04/wrestlemania-hulk-hogan-silverdome-superdome "Hulk Hogan flubbed the name of the Superdome, and New Orleans' reaction was priceless"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822014626/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/04/wrestlemania-hulk-hogan-silverdome-superdome |date=August 22, 2017 }}. USA Today. Retrieved August 21, 2017 Hogan was later joined by Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, and they finished their promo by drinking beer together in the ring. Later in the show, Hogan shared a moment with Mr. T, Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper, with whom he main-evented the first WrestleMania.

File:NWo WM31.jpg members Hulk Hogan with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall at WrestleMania 31 in March 2015]]

On February 27, 2015, Hogan was honored at Madison Square Garden during a WWE live event dubbed "Hulk Hogan Appreciation Night" with a special commemorative banner hanging from the rafters, honoring his wrestling career and historic matches he had in the arena.{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/556745-photos-hulkamania-banner-msg |title=PHOTOS: MSG Honors Hulk Hogan with "Hulkamania" Banner |last=Paglino |first=Nick |date=February 27, 2015 |work=Wrestlezone |access-date=July 18, 2015 |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211033445/https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/556745-photos-hulamania-banner-msg |url-status=live }}

On the March 23 episode of Raw, Hogan along with Snoop Dogg confronted Curtis Axel – who at the time had been "borrowing" Hogan's Hulkamania gimmick with Axel referring to himself as "AxelMania". On March 28, the night before WrestleMania, Hogan posthumously inducted longtime partner and rival "Macho Man" Randy Savage into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2015. The next night at WrestleMania 31, Hogan reunited with Hall and Nash to reform the nWo, appearing in Sting's corner in his match against Triple H, who himself was joined by D-Generation X (DX) members Billy Gunn, X-Pac, Road Dogg, and Shawn Michaels.

{{quote box

| quote = Eight years ago I used offensive language during a conversation. It was unacceptable for me to have used that offensive language; there is no excuse for it; and I apologize for having done it.

| source =—Hogan's response in People to the revelation of his previous comments{{cite news |last1=Kimble |first1=Lindsay |title=Hulk Hogan Apologizes for 'Unacceptable' Racist Rant as He Is Scrubbed from WWE Hall of Fame |url=http://www.people.com/article/hulk-hogan-racist-rant-statement |work=People |access-date=25 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724215657/http://www.people.com/article/hulk-hogan-racist-rant-statement |archive-date=July 24, 2015 |df=mdy-all}}

| align = right

| width = 30%

| salign = right

}}

In July 2015, National Enquirer and Radar Online publicized an anti-black rant made by Hogan on a leaked sex tape recorded in 2007. In the recording, he is heard expressing disgust with the notion of his daughter dating a black man, referenced by repeated use of the racial slur "nigger".{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/07/24/wwe-erases-hulk-hogan-mentions-from-web-site/ |title=WWE terminates Hulk Hogan's contract, erases him from Web site (updated) |last=Bonesteel |first=Matt |date=July 24, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724220009/http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/07/24/wwe-erases-hulk-hogan-mentions-from-web-site/ |archive-date=July 24, 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/hulk-hogan-racist-scandal-n-word-caught-on-tape-wrestling/ |title=Hulk Hogan Racist Scandal — Pro Wrestling Icon Caught On Tape Saying N-Word In Bigoted Rant About Daughter Brooke's Dating – Radar Online |work=Radar Online |access-date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724205043/http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/hulk-hogan-racist-scandal-n-word-caught-on-tape-wrestling/ |archive-date=July 24, 2015 |date=July 24, 2015}} Hogan also admitted to being "a racist, to a point".

Once the recordings went public erupting in a media scandal, Hogan apologized for the remarks, which he said is "language that is offensive and inconsistent with [his] own beliefs". Three black wrestlers who worked in the WWF and WCW with Hogan made supportive comments. Virgil commented "Hogan has never given me a reason to believe he is a racist"{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2015/07/24/hulk-hogan-racist-n-word-virgil/ |title=WWE Legend Virgil – The Hulk Hogan I Knew Was Not Racist |date=July 24, 2014 |website=TMZ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026235812/http://www.tmz.com/2015/07/24/hulk-hogan-racist-n-word-virgil |archive-date=October 26, 2015}} while Dennis Rodman said he "most certainly is not a racist"{{cite tweet |user=dennisrodman |date=July 24, 2015 |number=624624182521917440 |title=I've known @HulkHogan for 25 years. Here he is hanging with Kylin in NJ. There isn't a racist bone in that mans body.}}
{{cite tweet |user=dennisrodman |date=July 24, 2015 |number=624624728041488385 |title=Lets lend our support to the Hulkster @HulkHogan who most certainly is not a racist}} and Kamala added "I do not think Hogan meant harm by saying that. Hogan is my brother until he decides not to be."{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/602515-kamala-supports-hulk-hogan-was-told-vince-mcmahon-does-not-like-black-people-kliq-behind-the-curtain-preview-video |title=Kamala Supports Hulk Hogan |date=July 28, 2015 |last=Jansen |first=Jonathen |website=WrestleZone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730193504/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/602515-kamala-supports-hulk-hogan-was-told-vince-mcmahon-does-not-like-black-people-kliq-behind-the-curtain-preview-video |archive-date=July 30, 2015}} Black wrestlers working in the WWE made different comments. Mark Henry said he was pleased by WWE's "no tolerance approach to racism" response, and that he was hurt and offended by Hogan's manner and tone.{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/601543-mark-henry-issues-statement-on-hulk-hogan-comments |title=Mark Henry Issues Statement On Hulk Hogan Comments |first=Nick |last=Paglino |website=WrestleZone.Com |date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101044158/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/601543-mark-henry-issues-statement-on-hulk-hogan-comments |archive-date=November 1, 2015}}
{{cite tweet |user=TheMarkHenry |number=624653728931557376 |date=July 24, 2015 |title=I'm disappointed in the comments made by Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan). I've known Terry for a long time as both a work colleague and as someone I consider a friend. I'm hurt and offended that he expressed his feelings in the manner and tone that was presented on the tape. I am, however, pleased that the WWE took swift action in response to his comments and I support the position the organization is taking in this matter: a no-tolerance approach to racism.}} Booker T said he was shocked and called the statements unfortunate.{{cite web |url=https://www.thewrap.com/hulk-hogan-n-word-scandal-wrestler-booker-t-is-shocked-by-the-statements/ |website=TheWrap.Com |first=Greg |last=Gilman |title=Hulk Hogan N-Word Scandal: Wrestler Booker T Is 'Shocked By the Statements' |date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208211245/https://www.thewrap.com/hulk-hogan-n-word-scandal-wrestler-booker-t-is-shocked-by-the-statements/ |archive-date=December 8, 2015}}
{{cite tweet |user=bookert5x |number=624612626220236800 |date=July 24, 2015 |title=I am shocked by the statements made by Hulk Hogan. It's unfortunate, but that's something that he's going to have to deal with.}}

On July 24, WWE terminated their contract with Hogan, stating that they are "committed to embracing and celebrating individuals from all backgrounds",{{cite news |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-terminates-contract-with-hulk-hogan-27695748 |title=WWE has terminated its contract with Terry Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan) |newspaper=WWE |access-date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726190512/http://www.wwe.com/inside/wwe-terminates-contract-with-hulk-hogan-27695748 |archive-date=July 26, 2015}} although Hogan's lawyer said Hogan chose to resign. A day prior, WWE removed almost all references to Hogan from their website, including his listing as a judge for Tough Enough, his merchandise from WWE Shop, and his entry from its WWE Hall of Fame page (he was still listed in the Hall of Fame entry of the official WWE encyclopedia released in October 2016). His DLC appearance from WWE 2K15 was taken down from sale, and his character was cut from then upcoming WWE 2K16 game during development.{{cite web |last1=Caldwell |first1=James |title=Hulk Hogan removed from all-things WWE, including Tough Enough, plus Hogan posts cryptic tweet |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_86433.shtml |website=pwtorch.com |access-date=July 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724113840/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_86433.shtml |archive-date=July 24, 2015}}{{cite news |last=Montag |first=Ali |title=WWE splits with Hulk Hogan amid reported comments |date=July 24, 2015 |work=CNBC.com |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/24/wwe-splits-with-hulk-hogan-amid-reported-comments.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725012459/http://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/24/wwe-splits-with-hulk-hogan-amid-reported-comments.html |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live}}

In response to the controversy, Mattel stopped producing Hogan action figures, while Hogan's merchandise was taken down from online stores of Target, Toys "R" Us, and Walmart.{{cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Michael |title=Hulk Hogan Fall-Out – Major Retailers Pull Merchandise, Update – Mattel halting production |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_86521.shtml |website=pwtorch.com |access-date=July 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729184048/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_86521.shtml |archive-date=July 29, 2015}} On July 28, Radar Online reported that Hogan had also used homophobic slurs on the leaked sex tape.{{cite web |last1=Howard |first1=Dylan |last2=Cronin |first2=Melissa |last3=Cartwright |first3=Lachlan |title=A New Low! Hulk Hogan Spits Vile Homophobic Slurs In Latest Rant From Leaked Audiotape — The Last Straw For Fans? |url=http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/hulk-hogan-homophobic-rant-revealed-audiotape-transcript-racist-n-word/ |access-date=July 29, 2015 |date=July 28, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728203443/http://radaronline.com/celebrity-news/hulk-hogan-homophobic-rant-revealed-audiotape-transcript-racist-n-word/ |archive-date=July 28, 2015}} Days later, it was reported that Hogan had used racist language in a 2008 call to his then-imprisoned son, Nick, and also said that he hoped they would not be reincarnated as black males.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a660952/hulk-hogan-is-under-fire-again-after-more-racially-charged-comments-emerge.html |title=Hulk Hogan is under fire again after more racially-charged comments emerge |last=Rigby |first=Sam |date=July 30, 2015 |website=Digital Spy |access-date=August 2, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801221103/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/news/a660952/hulk-hogan-is-under-fire-again-after-more-racially-charged-comments-emerge.html |archive-date=August 1, 2015}}

Hogan gave an interview with ABC on August 31 in which he pleaded forgiveness for his racist comments, attributing these to a racial bias inherited from his neighborhood while growing up.{{cite web |url=https://gma.yahoo.com/hulk-hogan-racial-slur-scandal-please-forgive-people-112815982--abc-news-celebrities.html |title=Hulk Hogan on Racial Slur Scandal: 'Please Forgive Me ... People Get Better' |date=August 31, 2015 |work=Yahoo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001171020/https://gma.yahoo.com/hulk-hogan-racial-slur-scandal-please-forgive-people-112815982--abc-news-celebrities.html |archive-date=October 1, 2015}} Hogan claimed that the term "nigger" was used liberally among friends in Tampa; former neighbors disputed this claim.{{cite web |url=http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/08/31/hulk-hogan-racial-slurs-south-tampa/71480068/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150930015238/http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/08/31/hulk-hogan-racial-slurs-south-tampa/71480068/ |archive-date=September 30, 2015 |title=Hulk Hogan under fire after slamming neighborhood on national TV |date=August 31, 2015 |work=10NEWS}}

In the time that followed, numerous African-Americans associated with wrestling expressed some level of support for Hogan including: The Rock,{{Cite web |url=https://www.etonline.com/news/169081_dwayne_johnson_talks_hulk_hogan_racist_rant |title=Dwayne Johnson on Hulk Hogan Racist Rant: 'We've All Talked Trash' |website=Entertainment Tonight |date=July 31, 2015 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213427/https://www.etonline.com/news/169081_dwayne_johnson_talks_hulk_hogan_racist_rant |url-status=live }} Dennis Rodman,{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Dennis-Rodman-Defends-Hulk-Hogan-WWE-Termination-73797.html |title=Dennis Rodman Defends Hulk Hogan After WWE Termination |date=July 25, 2015 |website=CINEMABLEND |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213030/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Dennis-Rodman-Defends-Hulk-Hogan-WWE-Termination-73797.html |url-status=live }} Booker T,{{Cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2018/05/28/booker-t-wwe-hulk-hogan/ |title=Booker T Says Hulk Hogan Belongs Back In WWE |website=TMZ |date=May 28, 2018 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213028/https://www.tmz.com/2018/05/28/booker-t-wwe-hulk-hogan/ |url-status=live }} Kamala,{{Cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2531386-the-ugandan-giant-kamala-responds-to-former-foe-hulk-hogans-racist-remarks |title=The Ugandan Giant, Kamala, Responds to Former Foe Hulk Hogan's Racist Remarks |last=King |first=Jason |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213408/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2531386-the-ugandan-giant-kamala-responds-to-former-foe-hulk-hogans-racist-remarks |url-status=live }} Virgil,{{Cite web |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/hulk-hogans-friend-fellow-wwe-6133818 |title=Hulk Hogan's friend and fellow WWE legend Virgil defends star |last1=Bucktin |first1=Christopher |last2=McGeorge |first2=Alistair |date=July 24, 2015 |website=mirror |access-date=September 4, 2019 |last3=Rutter |first3=Claire |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213357/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/hulk-hogans-friend-fellow-wwe-6133818 |url-status=live }} Mr. T,{{cite web |last1=Ojha |first1=Adarsh |title=Are Hulk Hogan and Mr. T Still Friends Despite Former's Controversial and Highly Criticized Comments? |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-are-hulk-hogan-and-mr-t-still-friends-despite-formers-controversial-and-highly-criticised-comments/ |access-date=June 17, 2022 |work=EssentiallySports |date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616220408/https://www.essentiallysports.com/wwe-news-are-hulk-hogan-and-mr-t-still-friends-despite-formers-controversial-and-highly-criticised-comments/ |url-status=live }} Mark Henry,{{Cite web |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2018/07/mark-henry-on-what-he-told-hulk-hogan-backstage-at-wwe-642850/ |title=Mark Henry On What He Told Hulk Hogan Backstage At WWE Extreme Rules |date=July 17, 2018 |website=Wrestling Inc. |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=September 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914230857/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2018/07/mark-henry-on-what-he-told-hulk-hogan-backstage-at-wwe-642850/ |url-status=live }} Big E,{{Cite web |url=https://thebiglead.com/2019/04/07/big-e-offers-his-blessing-for-hulk-hogan-redemption-after-apology-at-wrestlemania-35/ |title=Big E Offers His Blessing for Hulk Hogan Redemption After Apology at WrestleMania 35 |date=April 8, 2019 |website=The Big Lead |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213031/https://thebiglead.com/2019/04/07/big-e-offers-his-blessing-for-hulk-hogan-redemption-after-apology-at-wrestlemania-35/ |url-status=live }} and D'Angelo Dinero, who stressed his forgiveness of Hogan, whom he saw as having made a "positive mark on humanity" for over three decades.: {{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BlRz0tfAbzk/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BlRz0tfAbzk |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |url-access=subscription |title=Elijah Burke on Instagram: "Pope's unfiltered thoughts on Hulk Hogan's Reinstatement into the WWE Hall Of Fame (Full Read on Facebook.com/ElijahBurke): If someone had…" |website=Instagram |access-date=January 8, 2019}}{{cbignore}}

On July 15, 2018, Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame.{{Cite news |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/hulk-hogan-reinstated-into-wwe-hall-of-fame |title=Hulk Hogan reinstated into WWE Hall of Fame |work=WWE |access-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715210833/https://www.wwe.com/article/hulk-hogan-reinstated-into-wwe-hall-of-fame |url-status=live }} Later that same night, he was invited backstage to WWE's Extreme Rules pay-per-view event and was briefly mentioned on the event's kickoff show. Hogan made his on-screen return on November 2, 2018, as the host of Crown Jewel.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/hulk-hogan-makes-his-return-to-wwe-as-host-of-crown-jewel-event-in-saudi-arabia/ |title=Hulk Hogan makes his return to WWE as host of Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia |date=October 31, 2018 |access-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-date=November 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101175748/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/hulk-hogan-makes-his-return-to-wwe-as-host-of-crown-jewel-event-in-saudi-arabia/ |url-status=live }} Hogan next appeared on the January 7, 2019, episode of Raw to present a tribute to his longtime friend and colleague Mean Gene Okerlund, who had died five days prior. It was the first time Hogan had appeared in a WWE ring in North America since his 2015 firing. Hogan subsequently appeared on a WWE Network special where he spoke further of his relationship with Okerlund.

Hogan inducted his Mega-Maniacs tag team partner and longtime friend Brutus Beefcake into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 6, 2019. The following night at WrestleMania 35, he made a surprise appearance at the beginning of the show alongside WrestleMania host Alexa Bliss, welcoming fans to the event and parodying his gaffe from WrestleMania XXX, when he incorrectly referred to the Superdome as the Silverdome. On the June 17, 2019 episode of Raw, WWE aired a Hogan interview about the U.S. Women's World Cup soccer team.{{Cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/2019/06/18/hulk-hogan-wwe-raw-promo-us-womens-soccer-world-cup-video/ |title=Watch: Hulk Hogan Appears on WWE Raw Via Twitter Promo |website=WWE |date=June 18, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722213832/https://comicbook.com/wwe/2019/06/18/hulk-hogan-wwe-raw-promo-us-womens-soccer-world-cup-video/ |url-status=live }} On the July 22, 2019 episode of Raw, Hogan appeared as part of the "Raw Reunion" special. Hogan was one of the speakers during the "Toast to Raw" segment along with Steve Austin. On September 30, 2019, episode of Raw, he and Ric Flair unveiled a 10-man tag team match, for Crown Jewel.{{Cite web |url=http://whatculture.com/wwe/team-hogan-vs-team-flair-confirmed-for-wwe-crown-jewel-2019 |title=Team Hogan Vs. Team Flair Confirmed for WWE Crown Jewel 2019 |date=October 2019 |access-date=October 2, 2019 |archive-date=October 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002200510/http://whatculture.com/wwe/team-hogan-vs-team-flair-confirmed-for-wwe-crown-jewel-2019 |url-status=live }} Hogan and Flair made multiple appearances on shows with their teams leading up to the event, which saw Hogan manage his team to victory.

Hogan made it public knowledge that he hoped to have one more match in the WWE, including during an interview with the Los Angeles Times.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2019-10-07/hulk-hogan-wwe-vince-mcmahon-terry-bollea-wrestlemania-career |title=Column: Hulk Hogan hopes to return for one final WWE match at WrestleMania |date=October 7, 2019 |access-date=July 30, 2020 |work=The Los Angeles Times |first1=Arash |last1=Markazi |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801200135/https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2019-10-07/hulk-hogan-wwe-vince-mcmahon-terry-bollea-wrestlemania-career |url-status=live }} On December 9, 2019, it was announced that Hogan would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame a second time as a member of the New World Order, together with fellow former nWo stablemates Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Sean Waltman.

Hogan made his only appearance of 2020 on WWE's non-WWE Network programming when he appeared via satellite on the February 14, 2020, episode of SmackDown to speak about the Hall of Fame. He was interrupted by Bray Wyatt, as Hogan warned him about his upcoming match with Goldberg.{{Cite web |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2020-02-14/article/hulk-hogan-interrupted-by-bray-wyatt |title=Hulk Hogan was interrupted by Bray Wyatt |website=Wwe.com |access-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626204211/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2020-02-14/article/hulk-hogan-interrupted-by-bray-wyatt |url-status=live }} The 2020 Hall of Fame ceremony was subsequently delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and aired on April 6, 2021.

Hogan made his first appearance of 2021 on the January 4 episode of Raw, which was a special Legends Night episode. He opened the show introducing the 'H-Phone,' his spin on an iPhone. He appeared in a backstage segment with Jimmy Hart, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus, where he gave his approval to McIntyre, the current WWE Champion. He also watched the championship main event match between McIntyre and Keith Lee on-stage with the rest of the guest legends.

It was announced on the March 19, 2021, episode of WWE SmackDown he would co-host WrestleMania 37 with Titus O'Neil. Hogan opened both nights of WrestleMania 37 with O'Neil, appeared in multiple segments with Bayley, which led to a return of the Bella Twins, who attacked Bayley, and was introduced during the Hall of Fame celebration with Nash, Hall and Waltman.

On January 23, 2023, Hogan appeared live alongside Jimmy Hart to open the WWE Raw is XXX show, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Raw.{{Cite web |title=Hulk Hogan Makes A Surprise Appearance On 'WWE Raw' & Fans Go Wild: Watch |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/hulk-hogan-makes-a-surprise-appearance-on-wwe-raw-fans-go-wild-watch/ar-AA16FKHE |access-date=January 24, 2023 |website=MSN |archive-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124173931/https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/hulk-hogan-makes-a-surprise-appearance-on-wwe-raw-fans-go-wild-watch/ar-AA16FKHE |url-status=live }} On January 22, 2024, WWE celebrated the 40th anniversary of 'Hulkamania' with Hogan appearing in pre-taped footage.{{Citation |title=The dawn of Hulkamania: Raw highlights, Jan. 22, 2024 |url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/the-dawn-of-hulkamania-raw-highlights-jan-22-2024 |access-date=January 24, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124151650/https://www.wwe.com/videos/the-dawn-of-hulkamania-raw-highlights-jan-22-2024 |url-status=live }} On January 6, 2025, Hogan made a live appearance during the Raw debut on Netflix, once again being accompanied by Hart, advertising his Real American Beer.{{Cite news |last=Pollina |first=Richard |date=January 7, 2025 |title=Hulk Hogan gets viciously booed on WWE Raw's Netflix debut |url=https://nypost.com/2025/01/07/sports/hulk-hogan-gets-mercilessly-booed-on-raw-as-netflix-hosts-wwe/ |work=New York Post |access-date=January 7, 2025}}

Hogan has been described as one of the largest attractions in professional wrestling history and a major reason why Vince McMahon's expansion of his promotion worked. Wrestling historian and journalist Dave Meltzer stated that "...You can't possibly overrate his significance in the history of the business. And he sold more tickets to wrestling shows than any man who ever lived".{{cite tweet |user=davemeltzerWON |number=1341929868125073408 |title=There's a lot you can say about him, but you can't possibly overrate his significance in the history of the business. And he sold more tickets to wrestling shows than any man who ever lived and I don't expect anyone to ever sell more tickets than he did ever. |date=December 24, 2020 |access-date=December 25, 2020}} Hogan's match with Andre the Giant at The Main Event on February 5, 1988, holds American television records for a wrestling audience with a 15.2 Nielsen rating and 33 million viewers. IMDb ranked Hogan as the biggest draw in professional wrestling history, ranking him number 1 in a list with 60 other wrestlers.{{cite web |title=Top 60 biggest draws in professional wrestling history. |url=https://www.imdb.com/list/ls063702178/ |website=IMDb |access-date=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728091429/https://www.imdb.com/list/ls063702178/ |url-status=live }}

In a 2022 survey, Hogan was the most often cited professional wrestler by those in the general public who could name a professional wrestler.{{cite news |last1=Konuwa |first1=Alfred |date=December 24, 2022 |title=33% Of Adults Couldn't Name A Pro Wrestler And Few Could Name Current WWE Stars, Per Survey |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2022/12/24/33-of-adults-couldnt-name-a-pro-wrestler-and-few-could-name-current-wwe-stars-per-survey/ |work=Forbes |access-date=August 7, 2024}}{{Better source needed|reason=Most content on Forbes.com is written by contributors with minimal editorial oversight, and is generally unreliable.|date=August 2024}}

Fellow wrestler Cody Rhodes has said numerous times that Hogan's WrestleMania X8 match with The Rock is the greatest match in wrestling history and that it epitomized what professional wrestling is.{{cite tweet |user=CodyRhodes |number=977349057113919489 |title=Hogan vs Rock. I don't trust anybody who says otherwise. (Also, I answer this every time we do one of these ha) |date=March 24, 2018 |Access-date=June 17, 2022}}{{cite tweet |user=CodyRhodes |number=1018238315223396353 |title=The best match ever is Hogan/Rock. When I ask my friends their all time favorite, if they say anything else...I can determine they haven't grasped what wrestling is yet. |date=July 15, 2018 |Access-date=June 17, 2022}}

Fellow WWE Hall of Fame member Bret Hart has been repeatedly critical of Hogan's wrestling abilities, including in 2021 saying that he "didn't know a headlock from a headlamp", and that he was "very limited".{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Andrew |date=December 14, 2021 |url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/12/14/bret-hart-hulk-hogan-was-68-and-a-one-out-of-three-wrestler-he-didnt-know-a-headlock-from-a-headlamp/ |title=Bret Hart: Hulk Hogan was 6'8 and a one-out-of-three wrestler, he didn't know a headlock from a headlamp |access-date=April 10, 2022 |work=POST Wrestling |archive-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704211125/https://www.postwrestling.com/2021/12/14/bret-hart-hulk-hogan-was-68-and-a-one-out-of-three-wrestler-he-didnt-know-a-headlock-from-a-headlamp/ |url-status=live }} Hart had previously referred to Hogan as a "hero" to fans.{{cite news |last1=Cutis |first1=Jennifer |title=Bret Hart calls Hulk Hogan a hero… Bret Hart says, "it's hard to make everybody happy" |url=https://www.wrestlingnewsplus.com/bret-hart-says-hulk-hogan-is-a-hero-says-hulk-was-considerate-to-him/ |access-date=June 13, 2022 |work=Wrestling News Plus |date=January 25, 2021 |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518133322/https://www.wrestlingnewsplus.com/bret-hart-says-hulk-hogan-is-a-hero-says-hulk-was-considerate-to-him/ |url-status=live }} and previously complimented Hogan's look. "You look at Hulk Hogan, okay? Unbelievable look, 6'8″ with the 24-inch pythons, it's an incredible [look]. When he walks in the room, the whole room stops. Like, you see it. He [has] got, like, legs stuck on his shoulders. His arms are as big as somebody's legs.{{cite news |last1=McCarthy |first1=Alex |title=Bret Hart compares Hulk Hogan as a wrestler against himself |url=https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/732697/bret-hart-hulk-hogan-wwe/ |access-date=June 13, 2022 |work=talkSPORT |date=July 15, 2020 |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813041452/https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/732697/bret-hart-hulk-hogan-wwe/ |url-status=live }}

Former writer Vince Russo, who Hogan had previously sued, said in 2022 that more wrestlers should wrestle like Hogan, as opposed to the modern-day style acrobats.{{cite news |last1=Hart |first1=Danny |title=WWE veteran thinks current wrestlers should learn from Hulk Hogan (Exclusive) |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-wwe-veteran-thinks-wrestlers-learn-hulk-hogan |access-date=June 17, 2022 |work=Sportskeeda |date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616215234/https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-wwe-veteran-thinks-wrestlers-learn-hulk-hogan |url-status=live }}

Hogan himself has previously said he is "number two" behind Ric Flair, who he said is the greatest wrestler of all time.{{cite news |last1=Mendhe |first1=Abhilash |title="I'm #2"- Hulk Hogan calls former WWE Champion 'third greatest wrestler of all time' |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-i-m-2-hulk-hogan-calls-former-wwe-champion-third-greatest-wrestler-time |access-date=June 13, 2022 |work=Sportskeeda |date=February 11, 2022 |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612040224/https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-i-m-2-hulk-hogan-calls-former-wwe-champion-third-greatest-wrestler-time |url-status=live }}

Chris Jericho said on his podcast in 2023 that Hogan was a better worker than Flair in his experience. "Hogan is a better worker than Flair. For me. I always had amazing matches with Hogan because he knew exactly who he was as a babyface, as a heel, whatever. He was so great. He knew his audience. He didn't do anything he didn't have to. It was one of my favorite times in my career."{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Paul |date=May 7, 2023 |title=Chris Jericho: Hulk Hogan Is a Better Worker Than Ric Flair |work=Wrestling News |url=https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/chris-jericho-hulk-hogan-is-a-better-worker-than-ric-flair |access-date=May 11, 2023 |archive-date=May 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511005017/https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/chris-jericho-hulk-hogan-is-a-better-worker-than-ric-flair |url-status=live }}

On February 20, 2019, it was announced that Chris Hemsworth would portray him in a biopic, directed by Todd Phillips.{{Cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=February 20, 2019 |title=Chris Hemsworth to Play Hulk Hogan in Biopic Directed by Todd Phillips (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/chris-hemsworth-play-hulk-hogan-biopic-1186126 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221012724/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/chris-hemsworth-play-hulk-hogan-biopic-1186126 |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |work=Hollywood Reporter}} However, in 2024, Phillips announced the movie has been scrapped.{{Cite web |last=Ankers-Range |first=Adele |date=August 22, 2024 |title=Joker Director Todd Phillips Says Hulk Hogan Biopic With Chris Hemsworth No Longer Happening |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/joker-director-todd-phillips-hulk-hogan-biopic-chris-hemsworth-no-longer-happening |website=IGN |access-date=October 7, 2024}}

File:Hulkamania - ring.jpg

Hogan created and financed a restaurant called Pastamania located in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.{{cite book |title=Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling |last=Reynolds |first=R.D. |page=[https://archive.org/details/wrestlecrapveryw00rdre/page/140 140] |publisher=ECW Press |year=2003 |isbn=978-1-55022-584-6 |url=https://archive.org/details/wrestlecrapveryw00rdre/page/140}} It opened on the Labor Day weekend of 1995 and was heavily promoted on World Championship Wrestling (WCW)'s live show Monday Nitro. The restaurant, which remained in operation for less than a year, featured such dishes as "Hulk-U's" and "Hulk-A-Roos".

In interviews on The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Hogan claimed that the opportunity to endorse what came to be known as the George Foreman Grill was originally offered to him, but when he failed to respond in time, Foreman endorsed the grill instead. However, there is no direct evidence to support this claim.{{Cite web |last=Mahmood |first=Malik Umar Khalid |date=August 28, 2022 |title=The Ridiculous Story Of Hulk Hogan & The George Foreman Grill, Explained |url=https://www.thesportster.com/ridiculous-story-hulk-hogan-george-foreman-grill-explained/ |website=TheSportster |access-date=May 21, 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Cronin |first=Brian |date=January 16, 2022 |title=Did Hulk Hogan Seriously Pass on a Chance to Endorse the George Foreman Grill? |url=https://www.cbr.com/hulk-hogan-george-foreman-grill-mistake/ |website=CBR |access-date=May 21, 2024}} Instead, Hogan endorsed a blender, known as the Hulk Hogan Thunder Mixer. He has since endorsed a grill known as "The Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill", voluntarily recalled as a fire hazard in 2008 along with other QVC and Tristar grills.{{cite web |title=QVC and Tristar Recall Electric Grills Due to Fire Hazard; Consumers to Receive New Instructions |url=https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2008/qvc-and-tristar-recall-electric-grills-due-to-fire-hazard-consumers-to-receive-new |access-date=July 3, 2023 |work=U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |date=March 6, 2008 |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703000412/https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2008/qvc-and-tristar-recall-electric-grills-due-to-fire-hazard-consumers-to-receive-new |url-status=live }}

In 2006, Hogan unveiled Hogan Energy, a drink distributed by Socko Energy.{{cite web |title=Hogan Energy Powered By Socko |publisher=BeverageWorld.com |date=September 27, 2006 |access-date=November 3, 2006 |url=http://www.beverageworld.com/content/view/33168/168/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705034431/http://www.beverageworld.com/content/view/33168/168/ |archive-date=July 5, 2008}} His name and likeness were also applied to a line of microwavable hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and chicken sandwiches sold at Wal-Mart called "Hulkster Burgers".{{cite web |url=http://chipperprime.img.jugem.jp/20080426_337514.jpg |title=Hulkster Cheesburger. JPG Image |access-date=May 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929202754/http://chipperprime.img.jugem.jp/20080426_337514.jpg |archive-date=September 29, 2013}} On November 1, 2011, Hogan launched a new website called Hogan Nutrition, which features many nutritional and dietary products.{{cite web |url=http://www.hogannutrition.com |title=Hulk Hogan Nutrition |publisher=Hogannutrition.com |access-date=May 30, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603023111/http://hogannutrition.com/ |archive-date=June 3, 2013}}

On New Year's Eve 2012, Hogan opened a beachfront restaurant called "Hogan's Beach", located in the Tampa area.{{cite web |last=Forbes |first=Paula |url=http://eater.com/archives/2013/01/02/hulk-hogans-florida-restaurant-hogans-beach-opens-the-drinking-has-begun.php |title=Hogan's Beach, Hulk Hogan's Florida Restaurant, Opens: 'The Drinking Has Begun' – Hulk Hogan Wire – Eater National |publisher=Eater.com |date=January 2, 2013 |access-date=May 30, 2013 |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211033446/https://www.eater.com/2013/1/2/6501631/hogans-beach-hulk-hogans-florida-restaurant-opens-the-drinking-has |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.hogansbeachtampa.com |title=Welcome to Hogan's Beach Tampa |work=hogansbeachtampa.com |access-date=July 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722121200/http://www.hogansbeachtampa.com/ |archive-date=July 22, 2015}} The restaurant dropped Hogan's name in October 2015.{{cite web |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/97247/hogan-restaurant-closes.html?p=1 |title=Hogan Restaurant Closes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019232003/http://pwinsider.com/article/97247/hogan-restaurant-closes.html?p=1 |archive-date=October 19, 2015}} Hogan later opened Hogan's Hangout in Clearwater Beach.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/openings-closings/article/21075790/listen-up-brother-hogans-hangout-in-clearwater-is-hiring |title=Listen up, brother, Hogan's Hangout in Clearwater is hiring right now |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724225748/https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/openings-closings/article/21075790/listen-up-brother-hogans-hangout-in-clearwater-is-hiring |url-status=live }}

In 2024, Hogan launched "Real American Beer" (a light beer brand).{{cite web |url=https://therealamerican.com |title=The Beer America Built |publisher=Real American Beer |access-date=January 13, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Robledo |first=Anthony |date=June 12, 2024 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2024/06/12/hulk-hogan-real-american-beer-lager-brand/74052573007/ |title=Hulk Hogan launches 'Real American Beer' lager brand in 4 states with 13 more planned |work=USA Today |access-date=January 13, 2025}}

In September 2008, Hogan's net worth was revealed to be around $30 million.{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/06/Hulk-hogans-net-worth-rev_n_124459.html |title=Hulk Hogan's Net Worth Revealed In Divorce Papers |work=Huffington Post |access-date=May 21, 2010 |date=September 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607101133/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/06/hulk-hogans-net-worth-rev_n_124459.html |archive-date=June 7, 2009}}{{cite web |url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/09/05/divorce_papers_reveal_Hulk_hogan_s_net_w |title=Divorce Papers Reveal Hulk Hogan's Net Worth |publisher=Starpulse.com |date=September 5, 2008 |access-date=May 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607115855/http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/09/05/divorce_papers_reveal_hulk_hogan_s_net_w |archive-date=June 7, 2009}}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-09-05-hogan-divorce_N.htm |work=USA Today |title=Divorce papers reveal Hulk Hogan's net worth |date=September 5, 2008 |access-date=May 4, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416165917/http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-09-05-hogan-divorce_N.htm |archive-date=April 16, 2009}} In September 2011, Hogan revealed that his lavish lifestyle and divorce had cost him hundreds of millions of dollars and nearly bankrupted him.{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/29/18758376.html |title=Hogan lost 'hundreds of millions' |date=September 29, 2011 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer |access-date=October 4, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714214702/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/29/18758376.html |archive-date=July 14, 2012}}

In October 2007, Hogan transferred all trademarks referring to himself to his liability company named "Hogan Holdings Limited". The trademarks include Hulk Hogan, "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, Hulkster, Hogan Knows Grillin, Hulkamania.com, and Hulkapedia.com.{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestle-complex.com/headlines/judgement_day_08_Hulk_hogan_news_ravens_trade.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210093126/http://www.wrestle-complex.com/headlines/judgement_day_08_hulk_hogan_news_ravens_trade.shtml |archive-date=February 10, 2008 |last=Moniz |first=Shawn |title=Hogan Transfers Trademarks To Liability Company |publisher=Wrestle-Complex.com |access-date=November 1, 2007 |date=November 1, 2007}}

In April 2008, Hogan announced that he would lend his license to video game developer Gameloft to create "Hulkamania Wrestling" for mobile phones. Hogan stated in a press release that the game would be "true to [his] experiences in wrestling" and use his classic wrestling moves like the Doublehand Choke Lift and Strong Clothesline.[https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS178401+21-Apr-2008+PRN20080421 "Gameloft Announces Licensing Deal With Wrestling Superstar Hulk Hogan"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111164157/http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS178401+21-Apr-2008+PRN20080421 |date=January 11, 2009 }}. Reuters (April 21, 2008). Retrieved November 3, 2008. {{as of|2010}}, Hogan stars alongside Troy Aikman in commercials for Rent-A-Center.{{YouTube|V7fKYAJ41hM|RAC TV "Seal The Deal"}}. Retrieved on May 8, 2011. On March 24, 2011, Hogan made a special appearance on American Idol, giving a big surprise to wrestling fans Paul McDonald and James Durbin. On October 15, 2010, Endemol Games UK (a subsidiary of media production group Endemol UK) announced a partnership with Bischoff Hervey Entertainment to produce "Hulk Hogan's Hulkamania", an online gambling game featuring video footage of Hogan.{{cite web |title=Endemol signs Hulk Hogan |url=http://www.egrmagazine.com/news/595547/news-in-brief-playtech-endemol-signs-hulk-hogan-nova-scotia-passes-on-egaming.thtml |access-date=August 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425012338/http://www.egrmagazine.com/news/595547/news-in-brief-playtech-endemol-signs-hulk-hogan-nova-scotia-passes-on-egaming.thtml |archive-date=April 25, 2011}}{{cite web |last=Nesmeth |first=Eliot |title=Endemol and hulk hogan team up for online gaming deal |url=http://www.ericbischoff.com/press/37-press/128-endemol-and-hulk-hogan-team-up-for-online-gaming-deal |access-date=August 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001013240/http://www.ericbischoff.com/press/37-press/128-endemol-and-hulk-hogan-team-up-for-online-gaming-deal |archive-date=October 1, 2011}}

In October 2013, Hogan partnered with Tech Assets, Inc. to open a web hosting service called "Hostamania".{{cite web |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/hulk_hogan_announces_launch_of_website_hosting_company_hostamania_/prweb11197629.htm |title=Hulk Hogan Announces Launch of Website Hosting Company, "Hostamania" |publisher=PRWeb |date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007123747/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/10/prweb11197629.htm |archive-date=October 7, 2013}} To promote the service, a commercial video was released, featuring Hogan parodying Jean-Claude Van Damme's GoDaddy.com commercials and Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" music video.{{cite news |url=https://www.tmz.com/2013/10/04/hulk-hogan-miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-hostamania/ |title=Hulk Hogan MAN THONGIN' In Miley Cyrus Spoof Video |work=TMZ |date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011012205/http://www.tmz.com/2013/10/04/hulk-hogan-miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-hostamania/ |archive-date=October 11, 2013}}{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/hulk-hogan-parodies-miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-video-commercial-article-1.1476521 |title=Hulk Hogan wears thong, straddles wrecking ball in Miley Cyrus spoof video for new ad |last=Eby |first=Margaret |work=New York Daily News |date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=October 15, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016094205/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/hulk-hogan-parodies-miley-cyrus-wrecking-ball-video-commercial-article-1.1476521 |archive-date=October 16, 2013}} On November 21, 2013, Hulk Hogan and GoDaddy.com appeared together on a live Hangout On Air on Google Plus,{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63wuQCmPE6M |title=Hulk Hogan Adapt or Become Irrelevant |publisher=YouTube |date=November 21, 2013 |access-date=November 21, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121230149/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63wuQCmPE6M |archive-date=November 21, 2013}} where Hulk Hogan had a casual conversation about Hostamania, fans, and business.

Hogan became a distributor for multi-level marketing company ViSalus Sciences after looking for business opportunities outside of wrestling.{{cite magazine |title=Hulk Hogan on Personal Branding, Family Life and Reality TV |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2011/08/22/Hulk-hogan-on-personal-branding-family-life-and-reality-tv/ |last=Schawbel |first=Dan |magazine=Forbes |page=3 |date=August 22, 2011 |access-date=August 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927221007/http://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2011/08/22/hulk-hogan-on-personal-branding-family-life-and-reality-tv/ |archive-date=September 27, 2011}} Hogan supports the American Diabetes Association.{{cite web |title=American diabetic association celebrity supporters |url=http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/655-american-diabetes-association |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905074241/http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/655-american-diabetes-association |archive-date=September 5, 2011}}

Hogan endorsed Donald Trump for president at the 2024 Republican National Convention.{{Cite news |last=Balk |first=Tim |date=July 19, 2024 |title=Why Hulk Hogan Is Speaking at the Republican National Convention |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/18/us/politics/hulk-hogan-rnc-speech-trump.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=July 19, 2024}} He notably spoke at the 2024 Trump rally at Madison Square Garden.{{Cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Hulk Hogan, Dr. Phil, Elon Musk Speak at Donald Trump's Insult-Filled Rally at Madison Square Garden |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/hulk-hogan-dr-phil-elon-musk-donald-trump-rally-madison-square-garden-1236046330/ |access-date=October 29, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter }}

In 2025, he would appear in the documentary film Wrestlemania IX: The Spectacle. The documentary was released on Peacock on April 11, 2025.{{cite news|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/wrestlemania-ix-documentary-now-available-on-peacock/|title=Wrestlemania IX Documentary Now Available On Peacock|first=Joseph|last=Lee|publisher=411 Mania|date=April 11, 2025|accessdate=April 11, 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/wrestlemania-ix-becoming-a-spectacle-trailer|title=WWE's New Peacock Doc Reveals the Shocking Events Behind WrestleMania in 1993|first=Tyler|last=McCarthy|publisher=NBC News|date=April 2, 2025|accessdate=April 11, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/article/wrestlemania-ix-becoming-a-spectacle-premieres-friday-april-11-on-peacock|title=WrestleMania IX: Becoming a Spectacle premieres Friday, April 11, on Peacock|publisher=WWE.com|date=April 2, 2025|accessdate=April 11, 2025}}

File:Hulk Hogan's handprints in cement (Great Movie Ride, Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios).jpg at Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park]]

Hogan's crossover popularity led to several television and movie roles. Early in his career Hogan played the part of Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982). He also appeared in No Holds Barred (1989), before starring in family films Suburban Commando (1991), Mr. Nanny (1993), Santa with Muscles (1996), and 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain (1998).{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001356/ |title=Hulk Hogan |website=IMDb |access-date=October 24, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011033155/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001356/ |archive-date=October 11, 2007}} Hogan also appeared in 1992 commercials for Right Guard deodorant. He starred in his own television series, Thunder in Paradise, in 1994. He is the star of The Ultimate Weapon (1998), in which Brutus Beefcake also appears in a cameo.{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0186647/ |title=The Ultimate Weapon (1997) |website=IMDb |date=May 15, 2002 |access-date=October 24, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014210230/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0186647/ |archive-date=October 14, 2007}}

In 1997, Hogan starred in the TNT original movie Assault on Devil's Island, as the leader of a commando unit featuring fellow genre veterans Carl Weathers and Shannon Tweed. Eric Bischoff was also listed as an executive producer. The characters were considered for a regular series, but instead received a second feature-length showcase two years later, called Assault on Death Mountain. In 1995, he appeared on TBN's Kids Against Crime. Hogan made cameo appearances in Muppets from Space, Gremlins 2: The New Batch (the theatrical cut) and Spy Hard as himself. Hogan also played the role of Zeus in Little Hercules in 3D. Hogan also made two appearances on The A-Team (in 1985 and 1986), along with Roddy Piper. He also appeared on Suddenly Susan in 1999.{{cite book |title=Hollywood Hulk Hogan |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=Simon and Schuster |year=2002 |page=85 |isbn=978-0-7434-7556-3}} In 2001, Hogan guest-starred on an episode of Walker, Texas Ranger.

Hogan has become a busy voice actor in later years making guest voice spots on Robot Chicken and American Dad! and as a primary actor in the Cartoon Network/Adult Swim series China, IL.

On July 10, 2005, VH1 premiered Hogan Knows Best a reality show which centered around Hogan, his then-wife Linda, and their children Brooke and Nick.{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan Knows Best: About the Series |publisher=VH1 |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/hogan_knows_best/series_about.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020025828/http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/hogan_knows_best/series_about.jhtml |archive-date=October 20, 2008}} In July 2008, a spin-off entitled Brooke Knows Best premiered, which focused primarily on Hogan's daughter Brooke.{{cite web |title=Brooke Knows Best |publisher=VH1 |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/brooke_knows_best/series.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719121334/http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/brooke_knows_best/series.jhtml |archive-date=July 19, 2008}}

Hogan hosted the comeback series of American Gladiators on NBC in 2008.{{cite news |url=http://www.sportsfeatures.com/index.php?section=pp&action=show&id=43247 |title=Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan To Host The Return Of Popular Competition Series "American Gladiators" Coming To NBC Midseason |access-date=October 3, 2007 |date=October 3, 2007 |publisher=Sports Features Communications |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011211922/http://sportsfeatures.com/index.php?section=pp&action=show&id=43247 |archive-date=October 11, 2007}} He also hosted and judged the short-lived reality show, Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN0533898420080606 |title=Former celebrities compete in CMT wrestling show |access-date=June 6, 2008 |date=June 5, 2008 |work=Reuters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110070259/http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN0533898420080606 |archive-date=January 10, 2009}} Hogan had a special titled Finding Hulk Hogan on A&E on November 17, 2010.{{cite news |url=http://tv.broadwayworld.com/article/AE_Presents_Finding_Hulk_Hogan_20010101#ixzz13bCIqYKe |title=A&E Presents Finding Hulk Hogan |access-date=November 1, 2010 |date=October 27, 2010 |agency=Reuters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708095202/http://tv.broadwayworld.com/article/AE_Presents_Finding_Hulk_Hogan_20010101#ixzz13bCIqYKe |archive-date=July 8, 2011}}

In 2015, Hogan was a judge on the sixth season of Tough Enough, alongside Paige and Daniel Bryan,{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-tough-enough/hulk-hogan-chris-jericho-paige-daniel-bryan-headline-new-season-wwe-tough-enough-27362450 |title=Hulk Hogan, Chris Jericho, Paige and Daniel Bryan headline new season of WWE Tough Enough |website=WWE.com |date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=May 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509023409/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-tough-enough/hulk-hogan-chris-jericho-paige-daniel-bryan-headline-new-season-wwe-tough-enough-27362450 |archive-date=May 9, 2015}} but due to the scandal, he was replaced by The Miz after episode 5.

Hogan released a music CD, Hulk Rules, as Hulk Hogan and the Wrestling Boot Band, which also included Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart, his then-wife Linda and J.J Maguire. Despite negative reviews, Hulk Rules reached No. 12 on the Billboard Top Kid Audio chart in 1995.{{cite news|url=https://whatculture.com/wwe/10-worst-moments-in-hulk-hogans-career?page=4|title=C10 Worst Moments In Hulk Hogan's Career|publisher=whatculture.com|date=August 15, 2014|access-date=March 13, 2023}} Green Jellÿ released a duet with Hogan, performing Gary Glitter's song "I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)". He has also made cameos in several music videos. From her self-named show Dolly, the music video for Dolly Parton's wrestling-themed love song "Headlock on My Heart" features Hogan as "Starlight Starbright". In the music video "Pressure" by Belly featuring Ginuwine, Hogan and his daughter Brooke both made brief cameo appearances.

Hogan was a regular guest on Bubba the Love Sponge's radio show. He also served as the best man at Bubba's January 2007 wedding.{{cite web |url=http://www.btls.com/show-staff/bubba |title=Bubba's staff profile |publisher=Bubba the Love Sponge.com |access-date=April 20, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225004250/http://www.btls.com/show-staff/bubba |archive-date=December 25, 2010}} On March 12, 2010, Hogan hosted his own radio show titled Hogan Uncensored, on Sirius Satellite Radio's Howard 101.{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_40523.shtml |title=TNA News: Hulk Hogan to begin weekly satellite radio show on Monday nights before TNA Impact |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=April 9, 2010 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch |access-date=April 20, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412023116/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_40523.shtml |archive-date=April 12, 2010}}

The Wrestling Figure Checklist records Hogan as having 171 different action figures, produced between the 1980s and 2010s from numerous manufacturers and promotions.{{Cite book |last=George |first=Harvey |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wrestling-Figure-Checklist-Definitive-Professional-ebook/dp/B08HVLCNKV |title=Wrestling Figure Checklist: The Definitive Guide to the Action Figures of Professional Wrestling}}

File:Hulk Hogan.jpg

File:Hulkhogan1988.jpg

Hogan provided his voice for the 2011 game Saints Row: The Third as Angel de la Muerte, a member of the Saints.{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/118/1182800p1.html |title=Hulk Hogan Joins Saints Row Cast |first=Jamie |last=Feltham |date=July 20, 2011 |access-date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212090910/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/118/1182800p1.html |archive-date=February 12, 2012}} In October 2011, he released a video game called Hulk Hogan's Main Event.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/hulk-hogans-main-event/platform/xbox360 |title=Hulk Hogan's Main Event |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=October 11, 2011 |access-date=May 22, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426152908/http://www.gamespot.com/hulk-hogans-main-event/platform/xbox360/ |archive-date=April 26, 2012}}

A likeness of him, as Rex Kwan-Do, is featured as a playable police officer in This Is The Police.

Hulk Hogan and Hollywood Hogan are featured in the following licensed wrestling video games:

File:Hulk Hogan in Toronto.jpg in 2009]]

{{further|Belzer v. Bollea}}

On March 27, 1985, just days prior to the inaugural WrestleMania, Richard Belzer requested on his cable TV talk show Hot Properties that Hogan demonstrate one of his signature wrestling moves. After consistently refusing but being egged on by Belzer, Hogan put Belzer in a modified Guillotine choke, which caused Belzer to pass out. When Hogan released him, Belzer hit his head on the floor, sustaining a laceration to the scalp that required a brief hospitalization. Belzer sued Hogan for $5 million and later settled out of court. On the October 20, 2006 broadcasting of the Bubba the Love Sponge Show, it was claimed (with Hogan in the studio) that the settlement totaled $5 million, half from Hogan and half from Vince McMahon. During his June 23, 2008, appearance on Sirius Satellite Radio's The Howard Stern Show, Belzer suggested that the real settlement amount was actually closer to $400,000.{{cite web |url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wrestlings-greatest-shoots-wrestlemania-edition-hulk-hogan-vs-richard-belzer/ |title=Wrestling's Greatest Shoots, 'WrestleMania' Edition: Hulk Hogan vs. Richard Belzer |author=The Masked Man |work=Grantland |access-date=August 11, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921012131/http://grantland.com/the-triangle/wrestlings-greatest-shoots-wrestlemania-edition-hulk-hogan-vs-richard-belzer/ |archive-date=September 21, 2015 |date=April 2, 2014}}

{{further|United States v. McMahon}}

In 1994, Hogan, having received immunity from prosecution, testified in the trial of Vince McMahon relating to shipments of steroids received by both parties from WWF physician George T. Zahorian III. Under oath, Hogan admitted that he had used anabolic steroids since 1976 to gain size and weight, but that McMahon had neither sold him the drugs nor ordered him to take them. The evidence given by Hogan proved extremely costly to the government's case against McMahon. Due to this and jurisdictional issues, McMahon was found not guilty.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/23/nyregion/a-promoter-of-wrestling-is-acquitted.html |title=A Promoter Of Wrestling Is Acquitted |newspaper=The New York Times |date=July 23, 1994 |access-date=March 19, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319152909/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/23/nyregion/a-promoter-of-wrestling-is-acquitted.html |archive-date=March 19, 2018}}

{{main|Bollea v. Gawker}}

In April 2012, a sex tape between Hogan and Heather Clem, the estranged wife of radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge, emerged online. On October 4, 2012, Gawker released a short clip of the video.{{cite web |url=http://gawker.com/5948770/even-for-a-minute-watching-hulk-hogan-have-sex-in-a-canopy-bed-is-not-safe-for-work-but-watch-it-anyway |title=Even for a Minute, Watching Hulk Hogan Have Sex in a Canopy Bed is Not Safe For Work but Watch it Anyway |last=Daulerio |first=A. J. |date=October 4, 2012 |publisher=Gawker |access-date=February 17, 2013 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20150703232454/http://gawker.com/5948770/even-for-a-minute-watching-hulk-hogan-have-sex-in-a-canopy-bed-is-not-safe-for-work-but-watch-it-anyway |archive-date=July 3, 2015}} In the video, Bubba can be heard saying that the couple can "do their thing" and he will be in his office. At the end of the video, he can also be heard telling Heather, "If we ever need to retire, here is our ticket".{{cite web |url=http://sextape.com/hulkhogan/ |title=Hulk Hogan Sex Tape |date=February 4, 2013 |publisher=SexTape.com |access-date=February 12, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124092747/http://sextape.com/hulkhogan/ |archive-date=January 24, 2013}} Hogan later told Howard Stern on his satellite radio show that, "it was a bad choice and a very low point" and "I was with some friends and made a wrong choice. It has devastated me, I have never been this hurt".{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hulk-hogan-devastated-leak-sex-tape-article-1.1178397 |title=Hulk Hogan 'devastated' by leak of sex tape filmed six years ago with friend's wife Heather Clem; Lawyer says wrestler suffered the 'ultimate betrayal' |work=NY Daily News |access-date=May 30, 2013 |location=New York |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525011122/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hulk-hogan-devastated-leak-sex-tape-article-1.1178397 |archive-date=May 25, 2013}} On October 15, 2012, Hogan filed a lawsuit against Bubba and Heather Clem for invading his privacy.{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hulk-hogan-sue-bubba-love-sponge-sex-tape-article-1.1184039 |title=Hulk Hogan to sue former friend Bubba the Love Sponge, sex tape partner Heather Clem for invasion of privacy |work=The New York Daily News |access-date=October 15, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017032733/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/hulk-hogan-sue-bubba-love-sponge-sex-tape-article-1.1184039 |archive-date=October 17, 2012}} A settlement with Bubba was announced on October 29, 2012.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2012/10/29/us/ap-us-hulk-hogan-sex-tape.html |title=Hulk Hogan Settles Sex Tape Lawsuit With DJ |work=The New York Times}} Clem publicly apologized to Hogan.{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/358041/hulk-hogan-settles-sex-tape-lawsuit-with-bubba-the-love-sponge |title=Hulk Hogan Settles Sex Tape Lawsuit With Bubba the Love Sponge |last=Gicas |first=Peter |date=October 29, 2012 |publisher=E! Online |access-date=February 12, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310213147/http://www.eonline.com/news/358041/hulk-hogan-settles-sex-tape-lawsuit-with-bubba-the-love-sponge |archive-date=March 10, 2013}} In December 2012, a federal court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, found that Gawker's publication of the video snippet did not violate U.S. copyright law. Hogan then joined Gawker in the ongoing action against Heather Clem in state court in Florida, alleging invasion of privacy, negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress and seeking $100 million in damages.{{cite news |last1=Krayewski |first1=Ed |title=Gawker Media is Fighting for Free Speech—and Its Life |url=http://reason.com/archives/2015/07/02/hulk-hogan-gawker-lawsuit-free-speech |access-date=July 18, 2015 |work=Reason |date=July 2, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716000655/http://reason.com/archives/2015/07/02/hulk-hogan-gawker-lawsuit-free-speech |archive-date=July 16, 2015}}

On October 1, 2015, the New York Post reported that a Florida Judge granted Hogan access to Gawker's computer system for a forensic expert to search Gawker's computers and office.{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2015/10/01/hulk-hogan-gains-access-to-gawker-computer-system/ |title=Hulk Hogan gains access to Gawker computer system |date=October 1, 2015 |work=New York Post |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104041733/http://nypost.com/2015/10/01/hulk-hogan-gains-access-to-gawker-computer-system/ |archive-date=November 4, 2017}}

Hogan sued Gawker for $100 million for defamation, loss of privacy, and emotional pain,{{cite web |url=http://observer.com/2015/11/hulk-hogan-v-gawker-ugh/ |title=Hogan suing for $100 million |date=November 3, 2015 |work=The Observer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109163755/http://observer.com/2015/11/hulk-hogan-v-gawker-ugh/ |archive-date=January 9, 2016}} and on March 18, 2016, was awarded $115 million.{{cite web |url=https://nytimes.com/2016/03/19/business/media/gawker-hulk-hogan-verdict.html |title=Hulk Hogan Awarded $115 Million in Privacy Suit Against Gawker |date=March 18, 2016 |work=The New York Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318234429/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/19/business/media/gawker-hulk-hogan-verdict.html |archive-date=March 18, 2016}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/mar/18/hulk-hogan-awarded-115m-in-damages-in-gawker-sex-tape-lawsuit |title=Hulk Hogan awarded $115m in Gawker sex tape lawsuit |last1=Woolf |first1=Nicky |last2=Helmore |first2=Edward |date=March 19, 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |access-date=March 19, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318235238/http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/mar/18/hulk-hogan-awarded-115m-in-damages-in-gawker-sex-tape-lawsuit |archive-date=March 18, 2016}} Also, on August 11, 2016, a Florida judge gave Hogan control of the assets of A.J. Daulerio, former Gawker editor-in-chief, who was involved in the posting of Hogan's sex tape.{{cite web |url=http://lawnewz.com/high-profile/judge-rules-that-hulk-hogan-gets-control-of-former-gawker-editors-assets/ |title=Judge rules Hogan control of Former Gawker Editor's Assets |last=Bixenspan |first=David |date=August 11, 2016 |access-date=August 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813125835/http://lawnewz.com/high-profile/judge-rules-that-hulk-hogan-gets-control-of-former-gawker-editors-assets/ |archive-date=August 13, 2016}}

Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel helped Hogan to finance his lawsuit against Gawker Media.{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/tech-billionaire-thiel-backing-wrestler-hogans-gawker-lawsuit-040625660.html |title=Tech billionaire Thiel helps Hulk Hogan |last1=McBride |first1=Sarah |last2=Somerville |first2=Heather |date=May 25, 2016 |publisher=Yahoo Tech |access-date=May 26, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526152009/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/tech-billionaire-thiel-backing-wrestler-hogans-gawker-lawsuit-040625660.html |archive-date=May 26, 2016}}

On November 2, 2016, Gawker reached a $31 million settlement with Hogan.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/03/business/media/gawker-hulk-hogan-settlement.html |title=Gawker and Hulk Hogan Reach $31 Million Settlement |date=November 2, 2016 |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 2, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105235429/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/03/business/media/gawker-hulk-hogan-settlement.html |archive-date=November 5, 2016}}

Hogan has been accused multiple times of fabricating elements of his past, including that he was one of the last people to see Kerry Von Erich prior to his death, that an experience with a terminally ill child through the Make-A-Wish Foundation at SummerSlam in 1992 inspired the songs on his Hulk Rules album (despite the fact that he never made an appearance at the event and was not working for the WWF at the time), that he was scouted by MLB teams prior to having suffered an elbow injury, that he played in the Little League World Series and finished with a batting average of .714 (despite Little League Baseball having no record of him having played at any of those events), that The Undertaker injured his neck at the Survivor Series in 1991, that Elvis Presley was a fan of his (despite having died two years before Hogan's debut), that both The Rolling Stones and Metallica wanted him to play bass for their bands, that André the Giant weighed over 600 pounds at the time of their match at WrestleMania III, and that he was offered the starring role in the film The Wrestler but turned it down.{{Cite web |last=Weyer |first=Michael |date=June 6, 2022 |title=23 Of The Most Outrageous Lies Hulk Hogan Has Said |url=https://www.thesportster.com/outrageous-hulk-hogan-lies/ |access-date=May 23, 2024 |website=TheSportster |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Aftab |first=Manik |date=February 29, 2024 |title='Greatest' Lies Hulk Hogan has told |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/?p=1448391 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |website=Wrestlezone |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Dickinson |first=Martin |date=August 29, 2022 |title=Times Hulk Hogan Got Caught Lying |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/962750/times-hulk-hogan-got-caught-lying/ |access-date=May 23, 2024 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}} During an appearance on Bubba the Love Sponge, Hogan claimed to have a 10-inch penis. During the Gawker trial, he admitted in court that this was not true, claiming he was speaking as the character Hulk Hogan, and not as Terry Bollea.{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/03/08/hulk-hogan-i-do-not-have-a-10-inch-penis/|title=Hulk Hogan is asked the question every man fears|first1=Julia|last1=Marsh|first2=Bruce|last2=Golding|date=March 8, 2016}}

File:Linda Hogan.jpg

On December 18, 1983, Hogan married Linda Claridge. They have a daughter Brooke (born May 5, 1988) and a son Nick (born July 27, 1990). Hogan made his personal life the centerpiece of the television show Hogan Knows Best, which included his wife and two children.{{cn|date=March 2025}}

According to an interview in the National Enquirer, Christiane Plante claimed that Hogan had an affair with her in 2007 while the Hogan family was shooting Hogan Knows Best.{{cite web |last=Hines |first=Ree |date=February 28, 2008 |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/hulk-hogan-cheated-brooke-s-bff-wbna23397552 |title=Hulk Hogan cheated with Brooke's BFF |publisher=Today.com |access-date=June 6, 2009}} Plante was 33 years old at the time and had worked with Brooke Hogan on her 2006 album.{{cite web |url=http://anythinghollywood.com/2008/02/Hulk-hogan-cheating-on-his-wife-with-daughters-pal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303045053/http://anythinghollywood.com/2008/02/hulk-hogan-cheating-on-his-wife-with-daughters-pal/ |archive-date=March 3, 2008 |title=Hulk Hogan Cheated On His Wife With Daughter's Pal! |publisher=Anythinghollywood.com |access-date=May 21, 2010}}

On November 20, 2007, Linda filed for divorce in Pinellas County, Florida.{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2007/11/23/hulk-and-wife-headed-for-divorce-court/ |title=Hulk and Wife Headed for Divorce Court |date=November 23, 2007 |publisher=TMZ.com |access-date=November 23, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123143833/http://www.tmz.com/2007/11/23/hulk-and-wife-headed-for-divorce-court/ |archive-date=January 23, 2009}} In November 2008, Linda claimed to the public that she made the decision to end her marriage after finding out about Hogan's affair.{{cite web |url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b67542_linda_hogan_hulks_affair_killed_our.html |title=Linda Hogan: Hulk's Affair Killed Our Marriage |publisher=E! Online |date=November 6, 2008 |access-date=May 21, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507174623/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b67542_linda_hogan_hulks_affair_killed_our.html |archive-date=May 7, 2010}}{{cite news |last=De Leon |first=Chris |title=Linda Hogan Blames Christiane Plante for Failed Marriage with Hulk |work=E!News |publisher=BuddyTV |date=November 7, 2008 |url=http://www.buddytv.com/articles/hogan-knows-best/linda-hogan-blames-christiane-24323.aspx |access-date=February 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214170309/http://www.buddytv.com/articles/hogan-knows-best/linda-hogan-blames-christiane-24323.aspx |archive-date=February 14, 2009}} In his 2009 autobiography, Hogan acknowledged that Linda on numerous occasions suspected he was having infidelities whenever he developed friendships with other women, but denied allegations that he ever cheated on her.{{cite book |title=My Life Outside the Ring |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |publisher=St. Martin's Press |page=159 |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}} Hogan only retained around 30% of the couple's liquid assets totaling around $10 million in the divorce settlement.{{cite news |title=Details of Hulk Hogan's costly divorce become public |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/11/hulk-hogan-divorce-settlement-costly-details-linda-bollea/1 |access-date=September 22, 2014 |work=USA Today |date=November 23, 2011}} Hogan considered committing suicide after the divorce and credits Laila Ali, his co-star on American Gladiators, with preventing him from doing so.{{cite news |title=Hulk Hogan says he considered suicide after breakup |last=France |first=Lisa Respers |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2009-10-21/entertainment/hulk.hogan.book_1_terry-bollea-hulk-hogan-laila-ali |publisher=CNN |date=October 21, 2009 |access-date=April 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101013191902/http://articles.cnn.com/2009-10-21/entertainment/hulk.hogan.book_1_terry-bollea-hulk-hogan-laila-ali |archive-date=October 13, 2010}}

Hulk Hogan began a relationship with Jennifer McDaniel in early 2008.{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/12/02/2009-12-02_hulk_hogan_engaged_to_jennifer_mcdaniel.html |title=From the wrestling ring to the diamond ring! Hulk Hogan engaged to Jennifer McDaniel |access-date=July 7, 2010 |work=Daily News |date=December 2, 2009 |location=New York |first=Cristina |last=Everett |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205030639/http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/12/02/2009-12-02_hulk_hogan_engaged_to_jennifer_mcdaniel.html |archive-date=December 5, 2009}} The two were engaged in November 2009 and married on December 14, 2010, in Clearwater, Florida.{{cite web |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/18413/105/ |title=Sun. update: Survivor Series preview; New PPV main; Is Hogan married: UFC cut;Rock promo last night |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |date=November 21, 2010 |access-date=November 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216013920/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/18413/105 |archive-date=February 16, 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_46056.shtml |title=Hogan News: Hogan wedding update – TMZ reports on brawl during Hogan's wedding ceremony tonight in Florida |last=Caldwell |first=James |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |date=December 14, 2010 |access-date=December 15, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218192838/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_46056.shtml |archive-date=December 18, 2010}} On February 28, 2022, Hogan stated on Twitter that he and McDaniel divorced.{{Cite web |last=Garvey |first=Marianne |date=March 1, 2022 |title=Hulk Hogan is divorced from second wife Jennifer McDaniel |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/01/entertainment/hulk-hogan-divorced/index.html |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=CNN}}

Hogan became engaged to yoga instructor Sky Daily in July 2023, proposing to her at actor Corin Nemec's wedding reception.{{Cite web |title=Wrestler Hulk Hogan proposes to girlfriend at St. Petersburg wedding |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/2023/07/28/hulk-hogan-engaged-tampa-st-petersburg-birchwood/ |access-date=August 2, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Ryan |date=August 2, 2023 |title=Report - Hulk Hogan Proposed To His Girlfriend At Corin Nemec's Wedding |url=https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/report-hulk-hogan-proposed-to-his-girlfriend-at-corin-nemecs-wedding |access-date=August 2, 2023 |website=eWrestlingNews.com |language=en-US}} They married on September 22, 2023.{{cite magazine |last=Klack |first=Erin |date=September 23, 2023 |url=https://people.com/hulk-hogan-marries-girlfriend-sky-daly-florida-7973944 |title=Hulk Hogan Marries Sky Daily in Florida Months After Revealing Engagement |magazine=People |access-date=September 24, 2023}}

In 2007, he has spoken about his faith in his life saying, "[I've] leaned on my religion. I was saved when I was 14. I accepted Christ as my savior. He died on the cross and paid for my sins{{nbsp}}[...] I could have went the wrong way. I could have self-destructed, but I took the high road".{{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan Leans on His Faith |url=http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/idolchatter/2009/04/wrestlerreality-tv-star-hulk-h.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301134011/http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/idolchatter/2009/04/wrestlerreality-tv-star-hulk-h.html |archive-date=March 1, 2014 |date=April 17, 2009}}

On December 20, 2023, he was baptized at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida.{{cite news |last1=Gryboski |first1=Michael |date=December 21, 2023 |title=Hulk Hogan, wife get baptized at Florida church: 'Only love' |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/only-love-hulk-hogan-and-wife-get-baptized-at-fla-church.html |work=The Christian Post |access-date=December 29, 2023}}

Hogan has suffered numerous health problems, particularly with his back since retiring as a wrestler following the years of heavy weight-training and jolting as a wrestler.{{cite web |url=https://www.theweek.com/article/index/96230/Hulk_Hogans_painful_decline |title=Hulk Hogan's painful decline |publisher=TheWeek.com |date=May 15, 2009 |access-date=May 13, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516153144/http://www.theweek.com/article/index/96230/Hulk_Hogans_painful_decline |archive-date=May 16, 2009}}

In January 2013, Hogan filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the Laser Spine Institute for $50 million, citing that the medical firm persuaded him to undergo a half-dozen "unnecessary and ineffective" spinal operations that worsened his back problems. He claimed that the six procedures he underwent over a period of 19 months only gave him short-term relief. After the procedures failed to cure his back problems, Hogan underwent traditional spinal fusion surgery in December 2010, which enabled him to return to his professional activities. In addition, the Laser Spine Institute used his name on their advertisements without his permission.{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-14/hulk-hogan-wrestles-with-laser-spine-center-in-lawsuit.html |title=Hulk Hogan Wrestles with Laser Spine Center in Lawsuit |last=Armstrong |first=David |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=January 15, 2013 |access-date=November 23, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224334/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-14/hulk-hogan-wrestles-with-laser-spine-center-in-lawsuit.html |archive-date=December 2, 2013}}

Hogan was honored as the 2008 King of the Krewe of Bacchus, a New Orleans carnival organization.{{cite news |title=Hulk Hogan to reign as king of Bacchus |work=Mardi Gras blog |location=New Orleans |publisher=The Times-Picayune |date=December 18, 2007 |url=http://blog.nola.com/mardigras/2007/12/hulk_hogan_to_reign_as_king_of.html |access-date=February 23, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225064419/http://blog.nola.com/mardigras/2007/12/hulk_hogan_to_reign_as_king_of.html |archive-date=December 25, 2008}}{{cite news |title=Hulk Hogan to reign as King of Bacchus |agency=Associated Press |location=New Orleans |newspaper=The Times-Picayune |date=December 18, 2007 |url=http://www.nola.com/ap/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-36/1197999012220380.xml&storylist=topstories |access-date=February 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071225023032/http://www.nola.com/ap/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-36/1197999012220380.xml&storylist=topstories |archive-date=December 25, 2007 }} Hogan visited the Children's Hospital of New Orleans and rode in the parade where he threw doubloons with his likeness. Hogan received the honor in part because meeting Hogan is one of the most requested "wishes" of the terminally ill children benefited by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Hogan was inducted in the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Hall of Fame on May 3, 2018.{{Cite news |url=https://www.sescoops.com/hulk-hogan-boys-girls-clubs-alumni-hall-of-fame/ |title=Hulk Hogan Inducted Into Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Fame - SEScoops |date=May 3, 2018 |work=SEScoops |access-date=September 11, 2018}}

file:Hulk Hogan WWF Championship 1988.png.]]

File:HoF 2015-03-28 20-00-32 ILCE-6000 5003 DxO (17364523999).jpg inductee — 2005 for his individual career, and 2021 as a member of the nWo.]]

• International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
• Class of 2021{{cite web |title=Induction Class 2021 {{!}} Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame |url=https://www.prowrestlinghall.org/induction |website=IPWHF |access-date=December 14, 2020}}
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship (original version) (1 time){{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4654 |title=IWGP Heavyweight Championship (original version) |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |publisher=Cagematch |date=June 2, 1983 |access-date=February 12, 2021}}
• IWGP League Tournament (1983){{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=357 |title=IWGP League Tournament (1983) |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |publisher=Cagematch |date=June 2, 1983 |access-date=February 12, 2021}}{{cite web |title=The 1st International Wrestling Grand Prix Championship Tournament |work=Wrestling-Titles.com |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp1.html |access-date=October 21, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224225552/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp1.html |archive-date=December 24, 2007}}
• MSG Tag League Tournament (1982, 1983){{snd}} with Antonio Inoki{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/msgtag.html#3rd |title=MSG Tag Team League |date=December 10, 1982 |access-date=July 30, 2010 |publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com}}{{cite web |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/msgtag.html#4th |title=MSG Tag Team League |date=December 8, 1983 |access-date=July 30, 2010 |publisher=ProWrestlingHistory.com}}
• Greatest 18 Club inductee
• Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum
• Class of 2003{{Cite web |url=http://0362dc8.netsolhost.com/halloffamers/inductees.asp |title=Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, hall of famers |website=0362dc8.netsolhost.com |access-date=October 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026163526/http://0362dc8.netsolhost.com/halloffamers/inductees.asp |archive-date=October 26, 2016}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Comeback of the Year (1994, 2002){{Cite web |url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html |title=PWI Awards |work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated |publisher=Kappa Publishing Group |access-date=November 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121172943/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html |archive-date=January 21, 2016}}
• Feud of the Year (1986) {{small|vs. Paul Orndorff}}
• Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1983, 1999)
• Match of the Year (1985) {{small|with Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff at WrestleMania I}}
• Match of the Year (1988) {{small|vs. André the Giant at The Main Event I}}
• Match of the Year (1990) {{small|vs. The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI}}
• Match of the Year (2002) {{small|vs. The Rock at WrestleMania X8}}
• Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1996, 1998)
• Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1985, 1989, 1990)
• Wrestler of the Year (1987, 1991, 1994)
• Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1991{{cite web |url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/1991.html |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 1991 |publisher=Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=November 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106134017/http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/1991.html |archive-date=November 6, 2016}}
• Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003{{cite web |url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm |title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years |access-date=March 14, 2009 |publisher=Wrestling Information Archive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707054220/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi500yr.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2011}}
• Ranked No. 44 and No. 57 of the top 100 tag teams of the PWI Years with Antonio Inoki and Randy Savage in 2003{{cite web |url=http://www.willywrestlefest.fr/Ressources/PWI/PWI500_PWI_Years_2003.htm |title=PWI 500 of the PWI Years |access-date=January 16, 2019 |archive-date=April 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401195630/http://willywrestlefest.fr/Ressources/PWI/PWI500_PWI_Years_2003.htm |url-status=dead }}
• Southeastern Championship Wrestling
• NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division) (1 time){{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=132 |title=NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division) |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |publisher=Cagematch |date=December 1, 1979 |access-date=February 12, 2021}}
• NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Southern Division) (2 times){{cite web |url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/al/secw/se-s-h.html |title=NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship History at Wrestling-Titles.com |access-date=June 12, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=4542 |title=NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Southern Division) |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |publisher=Cagematch |date=June 6, 1979 |access-date=February 12, 2021}}
• Sports Illustrated
• Ranked No. 2 of the 20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time{{cite magazine |last1=Pullar III |first1=Sid |date=October 13, 2024 |title=20 Greatest WWE Wrestlers Of All Time |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/features/10-greatest-wwe-wrestlers-of-all-time |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=November 26, 2024}}
• Tokyo Sports
• Best Foreigner Award (1983)[http://www.puroresu.com/awards/1980s.html The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo: Puroresu Awards: 1980s] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022140950/http://www.puroresu.com/awards/1980s.html |date=October 22, 2013 }}. Puroresu.com. Retrieved on May 8, 2011.
• Match of the Year (1991) {{small|vs. Genichiro Tenryu on December 12, 1991}}[http://www.puroresu.com/awards/1990s.html The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo: Puroresu Awards: 1990s] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022140952/http://www.puroresu.com/awards/1990s.html |date=October 22, 2013 }}. Puroresu.com. Retrieved on May 8, 2011.
• World Championship Wrestling
• WCW World Heavyweight Championship (6 times){{Efn|During Hogan's runs as champion in 1996–1997 and again in 1998–1999 (ie from his second to his fifth reign as champion), as part of the New World Order (nWo) storyline, the title was spray painted each time with the "nWo" initials and renamed as the nWo/WCW World Heavyweight Championship, while referred to by nWo members only as the nWo World Heavyweight Championship.}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=755 |title=WCW World Heavyweight Championship |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |publisher=Cagematch |date=July 17, 1994 |access-date=February 12, 2021}}{{cite web |title=History of the WCW World Championship |work=WWE.com |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wcwchampionship/ |access-date=October 21, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314001932/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wcwchampionship |archive-date=March 14, 2012}}
• World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
• WWF/WWE Championship{{Efn|From Hogan's second to his fifth reign, the title was renamed and known simply as the WWF Championship. Hogan's last reign was as Undisputed WWF Champion, but the title was renamed once again as the Undisputed WWE Championship on May 6, 2002, after World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. settled a lawsuit with the World Wildlife Fund, and became simply World Wrestling Entertainment. On May 19, the day he lost the championship, it was called the WWE Undisputed Championship.}} (6 times){{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=20 |title=WWF/WWE Championship |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |publisher=Cagematch |date=January 23, 1984 |access-date=February 12, 2021}}{{cite web |title=History of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship |work=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/ |access-date=October 21, 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314001941/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship |archive-date=March 14, 2012}}{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK5O-tCFw8o |title=Full-Length Match – SmackDown – Hulk Hogan vs. Chris Jericho – WWE Undisputed Championship Match |date=September 21, 2013 |via=YouTube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127233630/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK5O-tCFw8o |archive-date=November 27, 2015}}
• WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time){{snd}} with Edge{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=60 |title=WWE Tag Team Championship |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database |date=July 2, 2002 |access-date=February 12, 2021}}
• Royal Rumble (1990, 1991){{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=703 |title=Royal Rumble 1990 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |publisher=Cagematch |date=January 21, 1990 |access-date=February 12, 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=702 |title=Royal Rumble 1991 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |publisher=Cagematch |date=January 19, 1991 |access-date=February 12, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Past Rumble Winners |work=WWE |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/3973952/ |access-date=October 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020142804/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/3973952/ |archive-date=October 20, 2007}}
• WWE Hall of Fame (2 times)
• Class of 2005 – individually{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/article/hulk-hogan-racist-rant-statement |title=Hulk Hogan Statement on Racist Rant: People.com |work=PEOPLE.com |access-date=July 25, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724215657/http://www.people.com/article/hulk-hogan-racist-rant-statement |archive-date=July 24, 2015}}
• Class of 2020 – as a member of the New World Order{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |title=2020 WWE HALL OF FAME CLASS HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED {{!}} PWInsider.com |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/132054/2020-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-headliners-announced.html?p=1 |access-date=December 10, 2019 |work=www.pwinsider.com |date=December 9, 2019}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Strongest Wrestler (1983)
• Best Babyface (1982–1991){{cite journal |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=January 26, 2011 |title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue |periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |location=Campbell, CA |pages=1–40 |issn=1083-9593}}
• Best Box Office Draw (1997)
• Best Gimmick (1996) {{small|as a member of New World Order}}
• Feud of the Year (1986) {{small|vs. Paul Orndorff}}
• Feud of the Year (1996) {{small|as a member of New World Order vs. World Championship Wrestling}}
• Most Charismatic (1985–1987, 1989–1991)
• Most Embarrassing Wrestler (1995, 1996, 1999, 2000)
• Most Obnoxious (1994, 1995)
• Most Overrated (1985, 1986, 1994–1998)
• Most Unimproved (1994, 1995)
• Readers' Least Favorite Wrestler (1985, 1986, 1991, 1994–1999)
• Worst Feud of the Year (1991) {{small|vs. Sgt. Slaughter}}
• Worst Feud of the Year (1995) {{small|vs. The Dungeon of Doom}}
• Worst Feud of the Year (1998) {{small|vs. The Warrior}}
• Worst Feud of the Year (2000) {{small|vs. Billy Kidman}}
• Worst on Interviews (1995)
• Worst Wrestler (1997)
• Worst Worked Match of the Year (1987) {{small|vs. André the Giant at WrestleMania III}}
• Worst Worked Match of the Year (1996) {{small|with Randy Savage vs. Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Ric Flair, Kevin Sullivan, Z-Gangsta, and The Ultimate Solution in a Towers of Doom match at Uncensored}}
• Worst Worked Match of the Year (1997) {{small|vs. Roddy Piper at SuperBrawl VII}}
• Worst Worked Match of the Year (1998) {{small|vs. The Warrior at Halloween Havoc}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996){{cite web |title=Hulk Hogan |publisher=SLAM! Wrestling |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/hogan.html |access-date=February 5, 2009 |first=John |last=Milner |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507083927/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/hogan.html |archive-date=May 7, 2015}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Portal|Biography|Florida}}

• {{cite book |last=Bischoff |first=Eric |year=2006 |title=Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash |title-link=Controversy Creates Cash |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4165-2729-9}}
• {{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2002 |title=Hollywood Hulk Hogan |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-0-7434-7556-3}}
• {{cite book |last1=Hogan |first1=Hulk |last2=Dagostino |first2=Mark |year=2009 |title=My Life Outside the Ring |publisher=St. Martin's |isbn=978-0-312-58889-2}}
• {{cite book |last=Loverro |first=Thom |year=2006 |title=The Rise & Fall of ECW: Extreme Championship Wrestling |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4165-1058-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/risefallofecw00thom}}
• {{cite book |last=Shields |first=Brian |year=2006 |title=Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4165-3257-6 |url=https://archive.org/details/mainevent00bria}}
• {{cite book |last=Hogan |first=Hulk |year=2010 |title=My Life Outside the Ring: A Memoir |publisher= St. Martin's Publishing|isbn=978-0312588908 |url=}}

• {{Official website|http://www.hulkhogan.com}}
• {{WWE superstar|hulkhogan|Hulk Hogan}}
• {{IMDb name|1356|Hulk Hogan}}
• {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090303133633/http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/hogan.asp Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame profile]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130425055722/http://www.impactwrestling.com/roster/Wrestler-Roster/item/1600-hulk-hogan TNA Impact Wrestling profile (archived)]

{{Sister project links|wikt=no|commons=Hulk Hogan|b=no|n=no|q=Hulk Hogan|s=no|v=no|species=no|display=Hulk Hogan}}

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