Hulk Hogan’s death: The world has lost a rare gem – Olukoya
Secretary General of Pro- Wrestling Africa, Olusesan Olukoya has joined millions of wrestling fans around the world to mourn the death of legendary wrestler, Hulk Hogan, saying that by his death, the world has lost a rare gem.
” The death of Hulk Hogan, an American professional wrestler and media personality who has his real name as Terry Gene Bollea, is a huge lost to the pro-wrestling world considering his exploits of over the years in the grunt and groan industry, began Olukoya
“He wrestled in World Wrestling Entertainment, World Championship Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and the American Wrestling Association. Hulk Hogan, whose flamboyance and star power helped transform professional wrestling from a low-budget regional attraction into a multi billion-dollar industry.
He noted that Hogan was the face of pro wrestling for decades, with his blond hair and horseshoe mustache, colorful bandannas and massive biceps, which he referred to as “24-inch pythons just as he prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest and the family he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss
Debut: Hulk Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977 in Florida under the ring name Sterling Golden, later becoming Hulk Hogan in the AWA (American Wrestling Association).
Breakthrough: Gained national attention in 1980–81 after appearing in Rocky III as “Thunderlips,” boosting his crossover appeal.
WWE Signing: Joined World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in late 1983 under Vince McMahon Jr., who planned to use Hogan as the face of his nationwide expansion.
Hulkamania Era (1984–1993)
WWF Champion: Defeated The Iron Sheik on January 23, 1984, to win his first WWF Championship. This moment kickstarted the “Hulkamania” era.
Catchphrases: Famous for saying, “Train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins, brother!”
Mainstream Popularity:
Headlined WrestleMania I (1985) alongside Mr. T.
Main evented the first eight WrestleManias.
Appeared on TV shows, cartoons (Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling), and merchandise galore.
Historic Matches:
WrestleMania III (1987): Iconic bout vs. André the Giant, where Hogan body-slammed the 520-pound giant in front of 93,000+ fans—considered one of wrestling’s most legendary moments.
Feuded with stars like Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, Sgt. Slaughter, and The Undertaker.
Titles & Accomplishments
6-time WWF/WWE Champion
6-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion
Royal Rumble Winner: 1990 & 1991
WrestleMania Main Eventer: 8 times
Hall of Fame: Twice inducted
Hulk Hogan died last Thursday in Clearwater, Florida at the age of 71.
