Terry Gene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, was an American professional wrestler and media personality who became one of the most recognized figures in the world of sports entertainment. Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan's larger-than-life persona and showmanship made him a central figure in the rise of professional wrestling during the 1980s and 1990s. He is celebrated for his contributions to the industry, having won numerous championships and headlined major wrestling events, cementing his status as a cultural icon.

Hogan's journey in wrestling began in earnest when he started training in 1977 with Championship Wrestling from Florida. His breakthrough came in 1983 when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE. With his muscular physique, trademark blond moustache, and bandanas, Hogan quickly became a symbol of heroism and the quintessential all-American wrestler. During this time, he played a pivotal role in the wrestling boom of the 1980s, headlining eight of the first nine editions of the WWF's flagship annual event, WrestleMania. His first reign as WWF Champion lasted an impressive 1,474 days, which remains one of the longest in the history of the title. Hogan also made history by winning back-to-back Royal Rumbles in 1990 and 1991, further solidifying his legacy.

In 1994, Hogan made a significant move to World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times. His reinvention as the villainous Hollywood Hogan and his leadership of the New World Order (nWo) played a crucial role in revitalizing his career and contributing to the success of the "Monday Night War" wrestling boom of the late 1990s. This period saw Hogan headline major events, including three appearances at Starrcade, demonstrating his enduring appeal in the wrestling world. After the WWF acquired WCW in 2001, Hogan returned to the organization and won the Undisputed WWF Championship for a record-equalling sixth reign before departing in 2003. His contributions to wrestling were recognized when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, and again in 2020 as part of the nWo.

Outside of wrestling, Hogan ventured into acting, appearing in notable films such as Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and Suburban Commando. He also starred in television shows like Thunder in Paradise and Hogan Knows Best. In addition to his entertainment career, Hogan led the Wrestling Boot Band, which released the album Hulk Rules, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Top Kid Audio chart in 1995.

Throughout his career, Hogan faced multiple controversies that adversely affected his public image. In 1994, he admitted to using anabolic steroids dating back to 1976 and expressed opposition to unionizing efforts among professional wrestlers. In 2012, his reputation took another hit when a sex tape was leaked by the internet media company Gawker, which included racially insensitive remarks made by Hogan. This led to a high-profile lawsuit, resulting in Gawker being found liable and subsequently declaring bankruptcy.

Despite the ups and downs of his personal and professional life, Hogan's impact on wrestling and popular culture remains significant. As of now, he continues to be a prominent figure in the industry, maintaining a legacy that has influenced generations of wrestlers and fans alike.