What a complicated mess this news leaves me in.
Hulk Hogan. Dead. At 71.
I was never a fan of Hogan (in the world of pro wrestling)…I was a Macho Man Randy Savage guy, and later on, a Bret Hart guy (and still am). But like every other wrestling fan from the ’80s through now, Hulk Hogan’s presence and legend are undeniable.
Terry Bolea transcended wrestling as Hulk Hogan and helped the art form take its first step into the mainstream of pop culture.
He later reinvented the business once again with the greatest heel turn ever at Bash at the Beach 1996. Many have changed the business once, but twice? Significantly?!
Hogan’s run as Hulkamania and as Hollywood makes a case for the best to ever do it - I can't think of anyone on such a high level on both sides of the pro wrestling coin as a babyface and heel.
Every pro wrestling Mount Rushmore (as dumb as these lists have become) includes Hulk Hogan, period.
But Hogan is also so instrumental in my ever-evolving ability to separate the person from the artist. And even more so, me trying to extend (and evolve) my grace for individuals. People are complex beings. So complex.
Hogan’s career (and life) toward the end unveiled much of the person he was, and the values he held. Unlikeable. Discriminatory. At the very least, polarizing.
In his last WWE appearance, Terry Bolea was booed out of the building.
His ego crushed a company I adore in TNA wrestling. What was once hearsay was now fact in his actions of blowing the whistle on a possible unionization for wrestlers in the 80s. We also learned that he was instrumental in many creative decisions that still loom as robbing fans of moments for his personal gain. And outright, he was not adored as much by his peers as he was by fans. He held so many wrestlers down via politics in fear of losing his spot.
And yeah, he made some VERY hateful remarks that revealed much of his principles as a human being. Even worse, is that he refused to apologize for it or make amends for it. Sometimes, sidestepping it further ignited the polarization.
His legacy is complex. Like people are. Like we all can be.
Hogan is part of my youth and memories. However, I'm also an adult with a conscious who understands humanity does outweigh pop culture and nostalgia. Even if it's mine.
My son, who now loves pro wrestling, has quickly come to appreciate Hogan's work as he dives into history. That’s the kind of impact Hogan has made. He’s that much of a cornerstone and juggernaut in this entertainment form.
I’ll forever appreciate Rock vs Hogan at Wrestlemania 18 and the utter pro wrestling magic that was.
And truth be told, I even enjoyed his final televised match, which was in TNA.
And of course…slamming Andre.
And Wrestlemania VI with Ultimate Warrior.
And on, and on...and on.
There are so many more...
So many.
Within pro wrestling, I enjoyed my hatred for Hogan. It's why I was such a fan of Bobby Heenan, and many of the heels looking to "destroy Hulkamania!". But that was part of the act. That's pro wrestling. Part of why he was so engaging, like all the greats are.
I’m not a pro wrestling fan if Hulk Hogan didn’t exist, and moreso, if Terry Bolea wasn't great at this craft so many of us love. For all of the good, bad, and terrible included. In whatever way each of us chooses to accept it. Because there is no one way to accept Hulk Hogan and Terry Bolea. It WILL fluctuate differently for everyone, no matter how you, me, and someone else feel about him.
No matter how we feel about Terry Bolea, it's hard to not appreciate the legend that was Hulk Hogan.
For many, like my son, it’s very clear that despite the passing of Terry Bolea the man…
Hulk Hogan, and especially Hulkamania, will live forever.
Thanks, Hulk. Thanks, brother!