After being discovered by former wrestler Jack Brisco and his brother Gerald, Hogan trained for close to two years under legendary trainer Hiro Matsuda. Matsuda broke Hulk’s leg during their first practice session.
During the late 70s, Hulk began wrestling professionally under the names "The Super Destroyer," "Terry ‘The Hulk’ Boulder," and "Sterling Golden." By 1979, he had joined the WWF (World Wrestling Federation) under the name "The Incredible Hulk Hogan" as a "heel" – a villainous character in wrestling. He enjoyed a successful debut, defeating his first three opponents in record-time.
New Japan Pro Wrestling proved to have a major impact on Hulk’s early career. Japanese wrestling fans referred to him as "Ichiban," which means "Number One." He toured Japan during the early 80s in various competitions, and capitalized on his popularity with Japanese audiences by recording an album there.
The Incredible Hulk’s major acting debut proved to damage his ties with the WWF. In 1981, he was offered a role in Rocky III, against the wishes of his boss. After being fired from the WWF, Hulk joined the Minnesota-based AWA (American Wrestling Association) and went on to become their next top-draw.
In addition to Rocky III, Hulk has also starred in such films as No Holds Barred in 1989, Suburban Commando in 1991, Mr. Nanny in 1993, Santa with Muscles in 1996, and 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain in 1998. His small-screen work includes appearances on The A-Team in 1985 and 1986, and in his own TV series Thunder in Paradise in 1994. The Hulk also had his own CBS Saturday morning cartoon, Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n Wrestling in 1985.
The beginning of "Hulkmania" was marked by Hogan’s return to the WWF in 1984 and his defeat of The Iron Sheik. During his next four-year reign as WWF Champion, he secured five heavyweight titles, defeating such wrestlers as André the Giant, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and King Kong Bundy. At the height of Hulkmania, Hulk’s arms were often referred to as "24-inch pythons," as he was reported to have the largest arms in professional sports. In 1985 Hulk appeared in Wrestlemania 1 with Mr T as his tag team partner.
In 1994, Hulk joined WCW (World Championship Wrestling), where he earned six more heavyweight titles from 1994 throuhj 1999. In 2002, he returned to the WWF/WWE to win his sixth title and revive "Hulkmania." Despite having an artificial hip, Hulk has forgone an official retirement and continued to re-appear in various matches throughout the years – a tendency that has been met with criticism from wrestling fans who feel that he should know when to call it quits. However, he remains one of the most legendary and popular professional wrestlers of all-time.
Hulk was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Sylvester Stallone on April 2, 2005. That same year, he began production on reality-TV show, Hogan Knows Best, starring his wife of twenty-two years, Linda; son, Nick; and daughter, Brooke Hogan. The show chronicles the family’s day-to-day life, with an emphasis on daughter, Brooke’s burgeoning music career.
YUDDY
