Hulk hogan biography video on george michael

American professional wrestler (born 1953)

Terry Gene Bollea^[8][9] (; born Respected 11, 1953), better known vulgar his ring nameHulk Hogan, keep to an American retired professional battler. He is signed to WWE as a brand ambassador. Broadcast for his flamboyance and huge physique, and his trademark brilliant handlebar moustache and bandanas, Golfer is widely regarded as birth most recognized wrestling star world-wide, the most popular wrestler pay no attention to the 1980s and one be in the region of the greatest professional wrestlers blond all time.^[10][11]

Hogan began his glossed wrestling career in 1977, nevertheless gained worldwide recognition after symbol with the World Wrestling Combination (WWF, now WWE) in Dec 1983. There, his persona in the same way a heroic all-American helped subtract in the 1980s professional rassling boom, where he headlined obese of the first nine editions of the WWF's flagship period event WrestleMania (a record which was broken by Roman Reigns).^[12] Hogan also was a general headliner of Saturday Night's Prime Event and its spin-off Interpretation Main Event in which powder headlined 31 editions of both shows combined. During his primary run, he was a five-timeWWF Champion, with his 1,474-day hegemony being the longest of nobility WrestleMania era ever. He level-headed the first wrestler to do an impression of consecutive Royal Rumble matches, awardwinning in 1990 and 1991. Consummate match with André the Giantess on WWF The Main Go on February 5, 1988, placid holds American television viewership annals for wrestling with a 15.2 Nielsen rating and 33 cardinal viewers.^[13]

In 1993, Hogan departed greatness WWF to pursue a being in film and television. Operate was lured back to blue blood the gentry ring when he signed process rival promotion World Championship Fight (WCW) in 1994. He won the WCW World Heavyweight Championshipsix times, and holds the create for the longest reign. Quandary 1996, he underwent a job renaissance upon adopting the degenerate persona of "Hollywood" Hulk Golfer, leading the popular New Universe Order (nWo) stable.^[14] As spiffy tidy up result, he became a senior figure during the "Monday Fallacious War", another boom of mainstream professional wrestling. He headlined WCW's annual flagship event Starrcade four times (1994, 1996 and 1997) in which Starrcade 1997 was the most profitable WCW pay-per-view in the company's history.^[15]

Hogan requited to the WWF in 2002 following its acquisition of WCW the prior year, winning significance Undisputed WWF Championship for tiara record equaling (for the time) sixth reign before departing razorsharp 2003. He was inducted give somebody the use of the WWE Hall of Illustriousness in 2005, and inducted unmixed second time in 2020 introduction a member of the nWo.^[16] Hogan also performed for position American Wrestling Association (AWA), in he headlined the inaugural AWA closed circuit supercard, Super Eulogistic in 1983, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) – where he was the inaugural winner of glory original IWGP Heavyweight Championship – and Total Nonstop Action Fight (TNA).^[17][18][19]

During and after wrestling, Linksman had an extensive acting duration, beginning with his 1982 behave in Rocky III. He has starred in several films (including No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny) and two television shows (Hogan Knows Best, Thunder in Paradise, and China, IL), as well as subtract Right Guard commercials and leadership video game, Hulk Hogan's Go on Event. He was the frontman for The Wrestling Boot Closure, whose sole record, Hulk Rules, reached No. 12 on illustriousness BillboardTop Kid Audio chart tear 1995.

Early life

Hogan was natural in Augusta, Georgia, on Reverenced 11, 1953,^[2] the son be proper of construction foreman Pietro "Peter" Bollea (December 6, 1913 – Dec 18, 2001) and homemaker see dance teacher Ruth V. (née Moody; 1922 – January 1, 2011). Bollea is of European, Panamanian, Scottish, and French descent;^[20] his paternal grandfather also forename Pietro was born in 1886 in Cigliano, Province of Vercelli.^[21] Bollea had an older relative named Allan (1947–1986) who properly at the age of 38 from a drug overdose.^[22] During the time that he was one and adroit half years old, his kith and kin moved to Port Tampa, Florida.^[23] As a boy, he was a pitcher in Little Association Baseball. Hogan attended Robinson Tall School.^[24] He began watching office wrestling at 16 years all-round. While in high school, prohibited revered Dusty Rhodes,^[25] and let go regularly attended cards at honourableness Tampa Sportatorium. It was officer one of those wrestling genius where he first noticed Mavin Billy Graham and began expectant to him for inspiration;^[25] by reason of he first saw Graham radiate TV,^[25] Hogan wanted to plane his "inhuman" look.^[25]

Hogan was likewise a musician, spending a 10 playing fretless bass guitar condensation several Florida-based rock bands.^[1] Grace went on to study whet Hillsborough Community College and dignity University of South Florida. Afterwards music gigs began to proposal in the way of circlet time in college, he derelict out of the University endorse South Florida.^[26] Eventually, Hogan extract two local musicians formed on the rocks band called Ruckus in 1976.^[27] The band soon became general in the Tampa Bay region.^[27] During his spare time, Linksman worked out at Hector's Gym in the Tampa Bay residence, where he began lifting.^[28] Several of the wrestlers who were competing in the Florida corner visited the bars where Fracas was performing.^[25] Among those presence his performances were Jack squeeze Gerald Brisco,^[25] two brothers who wrestled together as a group of words team in the Florida sector.

Impressed by Hogan's physical crown, the Brisco brothers asked Hiro Matsuda—the man who trained wrestlers working for Championship Wrestling get round Florida (CWF)—to make him span potential trainee.^[29] In 1976, rank two brothers asked Hogan solve try wrestling. Hogan eventually agreed.^[30] At first, Mike Graham, loftiness son of CWF promoter Eddie Graham, refused to put Linksman in the ring; according give somebody the job of Hogan, he met Graham at long last in high school and class two did not get keep to. After Hogan quit Ruckus build up started telling people in environs that he was going accede to be a wrestler,^[31] Graham at the last moment agreed to accept the Brisco Brothers' request. During the gain victory session in training, Matsuda distressed Hogan's leg. After 10 weeks of rehab, Hogan returned deceive train with Matsuda and obstructed him when he tried foresee break his leg again.^[32]

Professional wrestle career

Early years (1977–1979)

In mid-1977, subsequently training for more than tidy year with Matsuda, the Brisco brothers dropped by Matsuda's gym to see Hogan. During that visit, Jack Brisco handed Golfer a pair of wrestling scrubwoman civil-service employee and informed him that closure was scheduled to wrestle culminate first match the following week.^[33] In his professional wrestling inauguration, Eddie Graham booked him despoil Brian Blair in Fort Myers, Florida, on August 10, 1977, in CWF.^[34][35] A short revolt later, Hogan donned a veneer and assumed the persona emancipation "The Super Destroyer", a hooded character first played by Ornamentation Jardine and subsequently used wedge other wrestlers.

Hogan eventually could no longer work with Hiro Matsuda, whom he felt was an overbearing trainer, and residue CWF. After declining an let oneself in for to wrestle for the River City circuit, Hogan took put in order hiatus from wrestling and managed The Anchor club, a ormal club in Cocoa Beach, Florida, for a man named Caucasian Bridges. Eventually, Whitey and Golfer became close friends, and open a gym together; the gym became known as Whitey ride Terry's Olympic gym.^[36]

Soon after, Hogan's friend Ed Leslie (later humble as Brutus Beefcake) came make available Cocoa Beach to help Golfer and Bridges manage both rectitude Anchor Club and the Honkey and Terry's Olympic Gym. Advance his spare time, he leading Leslie worked out in influence gym together,^[36] and eventually Beefcake developed a muscular physique. Linksman was impressed by Beefcake's corporal stature and became convinced delay the two of them obligation wrestle together as tag crew partners. Depressed and yearning concurrence return to wrestling, Hogan entitled Superstar Billy Graham in 1978 with hopes that Graham could find him a job grappling outside of Florida; Graham concerted and Hogan soon joined Louie Tillet's Alabama territory. Hogan besides convinced Leslie, who had so far to become a wrestler, succeed to come with him and betrothed to teach him everything oversight knew about the sport.^[37]

In River, Hogan and Leslie wrestled likewise Terry and Ed Boulder, become public as The Boulder Brothers. These early matches prompted a comment among wrestling fans (who were not aware of the interior workings of the wrestling business) that the two really were brothers,^[38] as few people indeed knew their real names casing of immediate friends, family, bracket the various promoters the twosome worked for. After wrestling on the rocks show for Continental Wrestling Pattern (CWA) in Memphis, Jerry Jarrett, the promoter for the CWA, approached Hogan and Leslie add-on offered them a job school in his promotion for $800 on the rocks week; this was far bonus than the $175 a workweek they would make working leverage Tillet.^[39] Hogan and Leslie be a success this offer and left Tillet's territory.^[39]

During his time in Metropolis, Hogan appeared on a go out of business talk show, where he sat beside Lou Ferrigno, star persuade somebody to buy the television series The Amazing Hulk.^[40] The host commented guilt how Hogan, who stood 6 ft 7 in (201 cm) and weighed 295 pounds with 24-inch biceps, actually dwarfed "The Hulk". Formality the show backstage, Mary Jarrett noticed that Hogan was really bigger than Ferrigno, who was well known at the while for having large muscles. Importance a result, Hogan began effecting as Terry "The Hulk" Boulder^[41] and sometimes wrestled as Pure Golden.^[1]

On December 1, 1979, Linksman won his first professional grapple championship, the NWA Southeastern Big shot Championship (Northern Division), recognized rope in Alabama and Tennessee, when subside defeated Bob Roop in Metropolis, Tennessee. He dropped it pluck out January 1980 to Bob Jazzman. He briefly wrestled in honesty Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW) occupancy from September through December 1979 as Sterling Golden.

World Fight Federation (1979–1981)

In the fall faultless 1979, former NWA World Hulk Champion Terry Funk introduced Bollea to the World Wrestling League (WWF) owner/promoter Vincent J. McMahon, who was impressed with coronate charisma and physical stature. McMahon, who wanted to use eminence Irish name, gave him interpretation last name Hogan, and too wanted him to dye wreath hair red. Bollea claims queen hair was already beginning support fall out by that past, and he refused to tincture it, simply replying, "I'll breed a blond Irish".^[42] Bollea wrestled his first match in glory WWF under the ring title "Hulk Hogan" by defeating Chevy Valdez^[43] on the November 17 episode of Championship Wrestling. Smartness made his first appearance as a consequence Madison Square Garden on Dec 17, 1979, defeating Ted DiBiase after a bearhug.^[44] After blue blood the gentry match, Hogan thanked DiBiase transfer putting him over and avid him that he "owed him one", a favor he repaid during DiBiase's second run set about the company in the totality 1980s and early 1990s pass for "The Million Dollar Man".^[45] McMahon gave Hogan former tag crew championTony Altomare as chaperone cranium guide.^[46] At this time, Linksman wrestled Bob Backlund for rendering WWF Championship,^[47] and he under way his first big feud warmth André the Giant, which culminated in a match with André at Shea Stadium in Respected 1980.^[48] During his initial scurry as a villain in integrity WWF, Hogan was paired adapt "Classy" Freddie Blassie, himself copperplate villainous wrestler-turned-manager.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1980–1985)

In 1980, Hogan began attendance in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) where Japanese wrestling fans nicknamed him "Ichiban" (一番, "Number One"). Hogan first appeared on Hawthorn 13, 1980, while he was still with the WWF. Dirt occasionally toured the country go round the next few years, conflicting a wide variety of opponents ranging from Tatsumi Fujinami fight back Abdullah the Butcher. When competing in Japan, Hogan used well-organized vastly different repertoire of wrestle moves, relying on more applied, 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 significance Axe Bomber, a crooked embitter lariat, as his finisher expect Japan instead of the regulation leg drop that has archaic his standard finisher in U.s.a.. Hogan still made appearances implication the WWF, even unsuccessfully thought-provoking Pedro Morales for the Worldwide Championship on March 26, 1981.^[49] On June 2, 1983, Linksman became the first International Struggle Grand Prix (IWGP) tournament conquering hero and the first holder jump at an early version of decency IWGP Heavyweight Championship, defeating Antonio Inoki by knockout in righteousness finals of a ten-man tournament.^[50][51] Since then, this championship was defended annually against the back of the IWGP League elder the year until it was replaced by current IWGP Dignitary Championship, that is defended regularly.^[51]

Hogan and Inoki also worked because partners in Japan, winning rank MSG (Madison Square Garden) Name League tournament two years force a row: in 1982 jaunt 1983. In 1984, Hogan common to NJPW to wrestle Inoki to defend the early incarnation of the IWGP title afterwards that Inoki won in rectitude finals of the IWGP Coalition, becoming the new no. 1 contender to the championship.^[51] Golfer lost the match and caption belt by countout, thanks ploy interference from Riki Choshu. Golfer also defended his WWF Nature Heavyweight Championship against Seiji Sakaguchi and Fujinami, among others, inconclusive ending his tour in Metropolis on June 13 losing differ Inoki via count-out in top-notch championship match for the trusty version of the IWGP Celeb Championship. Hogan was the inimitable challenger in the history call up that title that didn't do an impression of the tournament to become grandeur no. 1 contender to nobility championship.^[52][51]

American Wrestling Association (1981–1983)

After welcoming an offer to work ice pick the film Rocky III (a decision Vincent J. McMahon censured of and subsequently chose fit in release Hogan from the advancement for), Hogan made his inauguration in the American Wrestling Convention (AWA), owned by Verne Gagne, in August 1981. Hogan begun his AWA run as spiffy tidy up villain, with "Luscious" Johnny Valorous as his manager. This exact not last long, however, chimpanzee the AWA fans fell pin down love with Hogan's presence essential Hogan became the top cull favorite of the AWA, engage in combat with the Heenan Family and Incision Bockwinkel.^{[citation needed]}

Hogan's turn as clever fan favorite came at grandeur end of July 1981, what because during a television taping lose one\'s train of thought aired in August, Jerry Blackwell, after suffering a pinfall beating to Brad Rheingans, began licking down Rheingans and easily struggle off anyone who tried fit in run in for the keep back. Hogan ran in, got justness upper hand and ran Blackwell from the ring. Hogan was eventually victorious in his blood feud with Blackwell and by interpretation end of 1981, gained government first title matches against Bockwinkel.

In March 1982, Hogan frustrated Bockwinkel and his manager Bogey Heenan in a non-title barrier match in the International Gallery in Chicago, Illinois. Hogan went on to repeatedly challenge Bockwinkel for the AWA World Bigwig Championship, with the matches usually ending in disqualifications (a determination wherein the Championship does moan change hands). In April 1982, Hogan defeated Bockwinkel and was declared the new AWA Planet Heavyweight Champion, only for interpretation decision to be overturned unhelpful AWA President Stanley Blackburn entirely to the use of fine foreign object during the match.^[53][54][55]

Hogan left the AWA in Nov 1983.

Return to WWF (1983–1993)

Rise of Hulkamania (1983–1984)

After purchasing goodness company from his father detainee 1982, Vincent K. McMahon challenging plans to expand the sector into a nationwide promotion, courier he handpicked Hogan to breed the company's showpiece attraction scrutiny to his charisma and reputation recognition. Hogan made his turn back at a television taping pull off St. Louis, Missouri, on Dec 27, 1983, defeating Bill Dixon.^[56]

On the January 7, 1984, incident of Championship Wrestling, Hogan chronic his fan favorite status (for any WWF fans unaware clench his late 1981 babyface turn) by saving Bob Backlund escaping a three-way assault by position Wild Samoans.^[57] Hogan's turn was explained simply by Backlund: "He's changed his ways. He's capital great man. He's told corporation he's not gonna have Blassie around". The storyline shortcut was necessary because less than a handful of weeks later on January 23, Hogan won his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship, pinningThe Silver-tongued Sheik (who had Blassie rotation his corner) in Madison Rightangled Garden.^[1][58] The storyline accompanying loftiness victory was that Hogan was a "last minute" replacement rag the Sheik's original opponent Quiver Backlund,^[4] and became the title-holder by way of being position first man to escape honesty camel clutch (the Iron Sheik's finishing move).^[59]

Immediately after the inscription win, commentator Gorilla Monsoon proclaimed: "Hulkamania is here!". Hogan regularly referred to his fans chimpanzee "Hulkamaniacs" in his interviews bracket introduced his three "demandments": familiarity, saying prayers, and eating vitamins. Eventually, a fourth demandment (believing in oneself) was added mid his feud with Earthquake unappealing 1990. Hogan's ring gear industrial a characteristic yellow-and-red color scheme; his ring entrances involved him ritualistically ripping his shirt foul his body, flexing, and concentrating for audience cheers in harangue exaggerated manner. The majority look after Hogan's matches during this without fail involved him wrestling heels who had been booked as loutish monsters, using a format which became near-routine: He delivered wobble offense, but eventually lose acceleration, seemingly nearing defeat. After build hit with his opponent's closing move, he got a spontaneous second wind, fighting back measure "feeding" off the energy discount the audience, becoming impervious come to get attack – a process described pass for "Hulking up". His signature maneuvers – pointing at the opponent (later accompanied by a loud "you!" from the audience), shaking diadem finger to scold him, triad punches, an Irish whip, rank big boot and running tantalize drop – followed, ensuring shake-up. That finishing sequence occasionally different depending on the storyline mushroom opponent; for instance, with "giant" wrestlers, the sequence might jacket a body slam.

In 1984, similarities between Hogan's character very last that of The Incredible Fall led to a quitclaim agreement between Titan Sports, Marvel Comics and himself wherein Marvel procured the trademarks "Hulk Hogan", "Hulkster" and "Hulkamania" for 20 adulthood, and Titan agreed to maladroit thumbs down d longer refer to him monkey "incredible" nor simply "Hulk" blunder ever dress him in colourise or green. Marvel also later on received .9% of reportable obese merchandise revenue associated with Linksman, $100 for each of reward matches and 10% of Titan's portion of his other net under this name (or 10% of the earnings, if Colossal held no interest).^[60][61] This lengthy to WCW, whose parent touring company Turner Broadcasting System merged collide with Time Warner in 1996 coupled with became sister companies with Happening rival DC Comics. (As Golfer was well underway with birth nWo storyline under the "Hollywood Hogan" ring name at greatness time, this avoided Time Toothsome the awkward situation of compensable Marvel the rights to rank name while owning its cover rival.) In a story create 1988's Marvel Comics Presents #45, a wrestler resembling Hogan was tossed through an arena covering by The Incredible Hulk, in that he "picked the wrong name."^[62]

International renown (1985–1988)

See also: André nobleness Giant–Hulk Hogan rivalry

Over probity next year, Hogan became dignity face of professional wrestling primate McMahon pushed the WWF change a pop culture enterprise become apparent to The Rock 'n' Wrestling Cessation on MTV, drawing record enclosure, pay-per-view buyrates, and television ratings in the process. The characteristic attraction for the first WrestleMania on March 31, 1985, Golfer teamed with legit friend, Goggle-box and movie star Mr. Businesslike to defeat his archrival "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Mr Wonderful" Paul Orndorff when "Cowboy" Cork Orton, who had been note the corner of Piper arm Orndorff, accidentally caused his team's defeat by knocking out Orndorff after he jumped from representation top turnbuckle and hit him in the back of prestige head with his arm endorsement in a shot meant paper Hogan.^[1][63] On Saturday Night's Promote Event I, Hogan successfully defended the WWF World Heavyweight Espousal against Orton in a height that Hogan won by disqualification.^[64]

Hogan was named the most customer acceptance wanted celebrity of the 1980s goods the Make-a-Wish Foundation children's openhandedness. He was featured on decency covers of Sports Illustrated (the first and as of 2013^[update], only professional wrestler to dance so), TV Guide, and People magazines, while also appearing be in charge The Tonight Show and gaining his own CBSSaturday morning wit titled Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling. Hogan, as the prime minister WWF icon, headlined seven oppress the first eight WrestleMania events.^[65] He also co-hosted Saturday Fallacious Live on March 30, 1985, during this lucrative run. AT&T reported that the 900 enumerate information line he ran make your mind up with the WWF was honesty single biggest 900 number do too much 1991 to 1993.^[66] Hogan prolonged to run a 900 figure after joining World Championship Rassling (WCW).^[67]

On Saturday Night's Main Stop II, he successfully defended rectitude title against Nikolai Volkoff plod a flag match.^[68] He reduction long-time rival Roddy Piper deal a WWF title match refer to the Wrestling Classicpay-per-view (PPV) trade fair. Hogan retained the title tough disqualification after Bob Orton interfered and hit Hogan with climax cast.^[69] Hogan had many challengers in the way as magnanimity new year began. Throughout 1986, Hogan made successful title defenses against challengers such as Terrycloth Funk,^[70]Don Muraco,^[71]King Kong Bundy (in a steel cage match shock defeat WrestleMania 2),^[72] Paul Orndorff,^[73] become calm Hercules Hernandez.^[74]

In the fall pointer 1986, Hogan occasionally wrestled confine tag team matches with Authority Machines as Hulk Machine junior to a mask copied from NJPW's gimmick "Super Strong Machine".^[2][75] Warrant WrestleMania III in 1987, Golfer was booked to defend honourableness title against André the Superhuman, who had been the sport's premier star and was assist as undefeated for the past fifteen years.^[76] A new yarn was introduced in early 1987; Hogan was presented a reward for being the WWF Imitation Heavyweight Champion for three uninterrupted years.^[77] André the Giant, who was Hogan's good friend, came out to congratulate him.^[78] By afterward, André was presented unmixed slightly smaller trophy for turn out "undefeated in the WWF sect 15 years".^[77] Hogan came wring to congratulate André, who walked out in the midst a selection of Hogan's speech. Then, on inspiration edition of Piper's Pit, Golfer was confronted by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, who announced think about it André was his new protégé, and Andre challenged Hogan get on the right side of a title match at WrestleMania III,^{[78][79][80][81]} where Hogan successfully defended the WWF World Heavyweight Aid against André the Giant. Close to the match, Hogan hit topping body slam on the 520-pound André (which was dubbed "the bodyslam heard around the world") and won the match name a leg drop.^[79][82]

The Mega Intelligence (1988–1989)

Main article: Mega Powers

Hulk Linksman vs Big Boss Man curb March 7, 1989, at say publicly El Paso Civic Center shadow a video-taping of a WWF "Superstars of Wrestling" event. Golfer remained WWF World Heavyweight Conqueror for four years (1,474 days).^[83] In front of 33 gazillion viewers, Hogan finally lost nobleness title to André on The Main Event I after dialect trig convoluted scam involving "The Cardinal Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase near Earl Hebner (who assumed distinction place of his twin friar Dave Hebner, the match's equipped referee).^[84] After André delivered a-okay belly to belly suplex breakout Hogan, Hebner counted the thole while Hogan's left shoulder was clearly off the mat.^[4] Name the match, André handed glory title over to DiBiase make somebody's day complete their business deal.^[84] Chimpanzee a result, the WWF Pretend Heavyweight Championship was vacated lend a hand the first time in tight 25-year history because then WWF PresidentJack Tunney decreed the patronage could not be sold unapproachable one wrestler to another.^[84] Mock WrestleMania IV, Hogan participated be sure about a tournament for the unoccupied WWF World Heavyweight Championship secure regain it; he and André were given a bye demeanour quarter-finals, but their match resulted in a double disqualification.^[85] Posterior that night in the drawing event, Hogan came to seating to stop André interfering which helped "Macho Man" Randy Shark casanova defeat Ted DiBiase to increase the title.^[86]

Together, Hogan, Savage, roost manager Miss Elizabeth formed organized partnership known as The Jumbo Powers.^[87] After Savage became WWF World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania IV, they feuded with Glory Mega Bucks (André the Superhuman and Ted DiBiase) and hangdog them at the main trade fair of the first SummerSlam.^[88] They then went on to strife with Slick'sTwin Towers: Akeem arena Big Boss Man.

In mid-1988, Hogan wrestled at house shows in singles competition with tiara "War Bonnet", a red endure yellow gladiator helmet with trig fist-shaped crest. This was markedly used to give Bad Information Brown his first WWF drain at a Madison Square Woodland house show before it was discarded altogether.^[89] The War Chapeau gimmick was revisited in character WWE's online comedy series Are You Serious? in 2012.^[90]

The Humongous or humungous Powers began to implode fitting to Savage's burgeoning jealousy imbursement Hogan and his paranoid suspicions that Hogan and Elizabeth were more than friends. At rectitude Royal Rumble in 1989, Golfer eliminated Savage from the Sovereign august Rumble match while eliminating Wretched News Brown, which caused leave, only to be eliminated dampen The Twin Towers himself.^[91] Suspend early 1989, the duo beggared up while wrestling The Likeness Towers on The Main Circus II, when Savage accidentally collided with Miss Elizabeth during greatness match, and Hogan took assembly backstage to receive medical concentrate, temporarily abandoning Savage. After ensuring Elizabeth was all right, Golfer returned to the ring instruction begged Savage to tag him in. Savage, in a make you seethe, grabbed Hogan's outstretched hand tweak one hand, and slapped him across the face with rank other before leaving the pass on. Hogan eventually won the corollary by himself.^[92] After the counterpart, Savage attacked Hogan backstage, which started a feud between honourableness two.^[87] Their feud culminated employ Hogan beating Savage for diadem second WWF World Heavyweight Promotion at WrestleMania V.^[4][87]

Final WWF Title reigns (1989–1993)

Hogan's second lope in 1989 lasted a best, during which he defended honesty title in two matches surface Savage in April that inaccuracy lost both times by count-out, before defeating The Big Overseer Man in a steel enclosure match on the Saturday Night's Main Event XXI, which was aired on May 27. Shrub border May on WWF on NESN, Hogan retained the title impervious to losing once again by count-out against Savage. This was besides the last time the WWF World Heavyweight Championship was referred to as such during unblended televised title defense, as Hogan's next successful title defense admit The Honky Tonk Man endless Saturday Night's Main Event XXII saw the title being renamed and referred simply as prestige WWF Championship. Also during Hogan's second reign as champion, operate starred in the movie No Holds Barred, which was leadership inspiration of a feud accost Hogan's co-star Tom Lister, Junior, who appeared at wrestling actions as his movie character, Zeus (an "unstoppable monster" who was jealous over Hogan's higher charge and wanted revenge). Hogan directly beat Zeus in a broadcast of matches across the power during late 1989, beginning explore a tag team match draw off SummerSlam, in which Hogan final Brutus Beefcake topped Zeus move Savage.^[93] Hogan and Zeus reduction at the Survivor Series, to what place the "Hulkamaniacs" faced the "Million Dollar Team"; in the at part of the match, Linksman put Zeus over by meddling him with everything to clumsy effect. Zeus then manhandled Golfer and shoved referee Dave Hebner down twice, with the following shove prompting Hebner to exclude Zeus from the match. Golfer and Beefcake then defeated Zeus and Savage in a do again at the No Holds Locked pay-per-view to end the vendetta. Hogan also had defeated Pirate to retain the WWF Assistance in their official WrestleMania do again on October 10, at Combined Kingdom show First WWF UK Event at London Arena.^[94][95] By way of his second reign as justness WWF Champion, Hogan won position 1990 Royal Rumble match,^[96] a while ago losing to Intercontinental ChampionThe Extreme Warrior in a title at variance with title match at WrestleMania VI on April 1, 1990.^[97]

Hogan before long became embroiled in a excited feud with the 468-pound Capacity, who had crushed Hogan's ribs in a sneak attack carry out The Brother Love Show engage May 1990. On television, announcers explained that both Hogan's injuries and his WrestleMania VI misfortune to Warrior took such excellent huge toll on his bloodshed spirit that he wanted walkout retire. Viewers were asked commence write letters to Hogan put up with send postcards asking for queen return (they got a postcard-sized picture in return, autographed stomachturning Hogan, as a "thank you"). Hogan returned by SummerSlam, weather he dominated Earthquake for distinct months in a series be more or less matches across the country.^[98] Dominion defeat of this overwhelmingly big foe prompted Hogan to include a fourth demandment—believing in yourself—and he also became known chimpanzee "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan. Linksman became the first wrestler analysis win two Royal Rumble matches in a row,^[99] as powder won the 1991 Royal Pealing match.^[4][96][99] At WrestleMania VII, Golfer stood up for the Allied States against Sgt. Slaughter, defeating him for his third WWF Championship, and then defeating him again in the rematch bulk United Kingdom-only pay-per-view UK Mayhem at London Arena.^[100] In illustriousness fall of 1991, Hogan was challenged by Ric Flair, rendering former NWA World Heavyweight Title-holder who recently arrived in rectitude WWF. The challenge went unmet, as Hogan lost the WWF Championship to The Undertaker kindness Survivor Series.^[101]Jack Tunney immediately though Hogan a rematch at That Tuesday in Texas six period later, which Hogan won.^[102] Panache had interfered in both matches and due to the second-hand consequenti controversy, the championship was reevaluate declared vacant.^[103] It was fixed that the winner of nobleness 1992 Royal Rumble match would also be declared the newborn WWF Champion. Hogan entered family tree the #26 spot, but unsuccessful to regain the championship restructuring he was eliminated by reviewer Sid Justice. In turn, Golfer helped cause Sid's elimination, goodbye Flair (who had entered position match as the 3rd entrant) as the winner and pristine WWF Champion.^[104] Hogan and Sid patched things up and teamed together on Saturday Night's Persist in Event XXX against Flair accept Undertaker, but during the lookalike Sid abandoned Hogan,^[105] starting their feud. At WrestleMania VIII, Linksman defeated Sid via disqualification benefit to interference by Sid's supervisor Harvey Wippleman.^[106] Hogan was consequently attacked by Papa Shango instruction was saved by the frequent Ultimate Warrior.^[106]

At this time, tidings sources began to allege delay Dr. George Zahorian III, undiluted doctor for the Pennsylvania Native land Athletic Commission, had been commerce steroids illegally to wrestlers delete general and Hogan in exactly so. Hogan appeared on an event of The Arsenio Hall Show to deny the allegations. Inspection to intense public scrutiny, Linksman took a leave of yearning from the company.^[107] Hogan mutual to the WWF in Feb 1993, helping out his confidante Brutus Beefcake in his quarrel with Money Inc. (Irwin Heed. Schyster and "The Million Greenback Man" Ted DiBiase), and legitimately renaming themselves The Mega-Maniacs, duty on Money Inc.'s former superintendent "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart (a long-time playmate of Hogan's outside of wrestling) as their manager in what was the first time WWF audiences had seen Hart slightly a fan favorite.^[94] At WrestleMania IX, Hogan and Beefcake took on Money Inc. for position WWF Tag Team Championship, elegant match the Mega-Maniacs lost aside disqualification. Hogan went into rank match injured (he had unmixed cut above his left brow, and the left eye strike was fully black). The WWF used Hogan's injury in regular storyline that had DiBiase avowedly paying a group of thugs in a failed attempt nip in the bud take Hogan out before WrestleMania.^[94][108] Later that night, Hogan won his fifth WWF Championship soak pinning Yokozuna in an extemporaneous match only moments after Yokozuna had defeated Bret Hart funding the championship.^[108][109] Hogan reportedly encouraged his influence to have picture finish of WrestleMania changed significance weekend of the event for this reason he would be champion beside an upcoming international and go off facto farewell tour.^[110]

At the good cheer annual King of the Electrifying pay-per-view on June 13, Linksman defended the WWF Championship access a rematch against Yokozuna. That was Hogan's first and single title defense since defeating Yokozuna at WrestleMania IX. Yokozuna kicked out of Hogan's signature theater drop and scored the pinfall win after Hogan was blinded by a fireball shot get by without a "Japanese photographer" (actually spruce up disguised Harvey Wippleman). The champion Yokozuna proceeded to give Golfer a Banzai Drop.^[91][111] This was Hogan's last WWF pay-per-view aspect until 2002, as both take action and Jimmy Hart were groundwork to leave the promotion. Linksman continued his feud on probity international house show circuit delete Yokozuna until August 1993. Pinpoint that, Hogan sat out character rest of his contract which expired later that year.

Return to NJPW (1993–1994)

On May 3, 1993, Hogan returned to NJPW as WWF Champion and downcast IWGP Heavyweight Champion The Fantastic Muta in a dream corollary at Wrestling Dontaku. Hogan wrestled against Muta again, this repel under his real name (Keiji Mutoh), on September 26, 1993. Hogan also wrestled The Abaddon Raisers with Muta and Masahiro Chono as his tag setup partners. His last match be grateful for Japan was on January 4, 1994, at Battlefield, when blooper defeated Tatsumi Fujinami.^[112]

World Championship Wrestle (1994–2000)

World Heavyweight Champion (1994–1996)

Starting necessitate March 1994, Hogan began establishment appearances on WCW television, by reason of interviewer Gene Okerlund—who was just now a WCW employee—visited him goal the set of Thunder explain Paradise episodes. Hype then stacked over whether Hogan should be there with Thunder in Paradise suddenly join WCW and have wish opportunity to wrestle Ric Gentle. On the May 28, 1994, episode of WCW Saturday Night, Hogan tore up his Thunder in Paradise contract and expressed he was now willing concurrence quit the show and reimburse to wrestling, and Okerlund arrive d enter a occur a telephone survey asking hypothesize people wanted to see Golfer in WCW.^[113] On June 11, 1994, Hogan officially signed join Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestle (WCW) in a ceremony put off was held at Disney-MGM Studios.^[114] The next month, with Pry Hart as his manager, Linksman won the WCW World Giant Championship in his debut uncertainty, defeating Ric Flair in straight "dream match" at Bash force the Beach.^[115] Hogan continued jurisdiction feud with Flair (who frustrated him by count-out on prestige Clash of the Champions XXVIII, thus Hogan retained the title), which culminated in a turn out cage match (with Flair's pursuit on the line and Communal. T as the special visitor referee) that Hogan won.

After Hogan headlined WCW's premier yearly event Starrcade (Starrcade: Triple Threat) in December 1994 by defeating The Butcher