Hulk Hogan: Larger-than-life star was synonymous with wrestling

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Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, who died today at age 71, is widely credited as the most significant figure in wrestling history, transforming the industry from a regional staple into a global, multibillion-dollar entertainment phenomenon [1][2]. His charisma, iconic look (blonde mustache, red and yellow attire), and mainstream presence helped drive professional wrestling into its “golden age” during the 1980s [1][3].

From his legendary “Hulkamania” era to his shocking heel turn with the New World Order, Hogan’s career spanned over four decades and included countless memorable moments that defined generations of wrestling fans. Here are his 10 most memorable matches that shaped wrestling history.

10 most memorable wrestling matches

Hulk Hogan vs. The Iron Sheik — Jan. 23, 1984

Hogan’s victory at Madison Square Garden launched “Hulkamania” and his first WWF Championship, helping turn him into America’s wrestling hero and kickstarting the 1980s wrestling boom [3][4].

Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant — “WrestleMania III,” March 29, 1987

Considered the most iconic match in wrestling history, with Hogan body-slamming André before a reported audience of 93,173 at the Pontiac Silverdome. This moment is seen as wrestling’s most legendary and set WrestleMania as the premier event [5][3].

Hulk Hogan vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage — “WrestleMania V,” April 2, 1989

“The Mega Powers Explode” capped a year-long storyline. The breakup between the two biggest stars, involving Miss Elizabeth, exemplified wrestling’s soap opera storytelling [6][3].

Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior — “WrestleMania VI,” April 1, 1990

It was a rare clean loss for Hogan, billed as “The Ultimate Challenge,” featuring two undefeated champions. Hogan passed the torch to a new face of the company [3].

Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair —
Multiple encounters, 1991–1994

Dream matches between the era’s two biggest stars, with cross-promotional importance in both WWF and WCW [3].

Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash vs. Randy Savage, Sting and Lex Luger — “Bash at the Beach,” July 7, 1996

Hogan’s heel turn as the surprise “third man” to form the New World Order fundamentally changed wrestling’s landscape and led to WCW’s rise during the Monday Night Wars [3].

Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock — “WrestleMania X8,” March 17, 2002

“Icon vs. Icon” as the Attitude Era’s top star battled the hero of the previous generation. The Toronto crowd turned Hogan face, creating an electric, unforgettable moment [3].

Hulk Hogan vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper — “War to Settle the Score,” Feb. 18, 1985

MTV-televised, this mainstreamed wrestling, launching the “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection” and paving the way for the first WrestleMania [3].

Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy — “WrestleMania 2,” April 7, 1986

Steel cage main event highlighted Hogan’s drawing power as WrestleMania II tried the ambitious three-venue format [3].

Hulk Hogan vs. Goldberg —
“Monday Nitro,” July 6, 1998

The match set a record TV rating for WCW, as Goldberg’s first major title win provided WCW its most iconic homegrown moment [3].

How Hulk Hogan transformed wrestling

• The birth of sports entertainment:Before Hogan, wrestling was regional with limited mainstream appeal. Hogan’s persona helped Vince McMahon Jr. rebrand WWF as a national entertainment phenomenon [3][1]. His influence shifted wrestling from a bloodier, niche attraction to family-friendly, cartoonish “sports entertainment,” increasing mass market appeal [3].
• Mainstream media and the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling era: Hogan’s “Rocky III” role and frequent TV and movie appearances brought him — and wrestling — into mainstream pop culture [3]. His involvement with MTV and celebrities like Cyndi Lauper fueled the “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection,” putting wrestling on the map for non-fans and younger audiences [3].
• WrestleMania and pay-per-view revolution: As headline act for the first several WrestleManias, Hogan proved wrestling could headline major stadium events and draw huge pay-per-view audiences [3][5]. “WrestleMania III’s” attendance and commercial success solidified wrestling’s PPV model, now a central revenue stream [5][3].
• Global expansion and merchandising: Hogan’s popularity made WWE a global brand, with successful international tours in Japan, Europe and Australia [3]. “Hulkamania” merchandise (shirts, toys, vitamins) created wrestling’s first mega-merchandising boom, a blueprint followed ever since [3][4].
• The Monday Night Wars: Hogan’s switch to WCW and turn as “Hollywood” Hogan formed the New World Order, sparking a ratings and business war that drove up the industry’s profile and profits [3].
• Long-term business impact: Hogan’s focus on character and entertainment over pure athletics established the “sports entertainment” template and is foundational to WWE’s current value (over $7 billion) [3][1].