10 Iconic Moments That Defined Hulk Hogan's Legendary Career and Made Him a Wrestling Icon!
2025-07-25
- The Birth of Hulkamania - In 1984, Hulk Hogan captured the WWF World Heavyweight Championship from The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden. This victory not only marked Hogan's first world title win but also sparked the phenomenon known as Hulkamania, which would take the wrestling world by storm and redefine the industry.
- Body Slamming André the Giant - WrestleMania III in 1987 saw Hogan achieve the impossible by body-slamming the 520-pound André the Giant. This iconic moment in front of over 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome is still celebrated as one of the greatest feats in wrestling history.
- Launching the Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection - Hogan's crossover appeal was instrumental in the WWF's partnership with MTV, which brought wrestling to mainstream pop culture. The Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection helped catapult the sport into a new era of popularity during the 1980s.
- Starring in "No Holds Barred" - In 1989, Hogan starred in his first feature film, "No Holds Barred," which capitalized on his wrestling fame. While the movie received mixed reviews, it solidified Hogan's status as a pop culture icon beyond the wrestling ring.
- Forming the New World Order (nWo) - In a shocking turn at Bash at the Beach 1996, Hogan turned heel and joined Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to form the nWo. This moment revitalized his career, transformed WCW, and sparked one of the most successful storylines in wrestling history.
- Headlining the First WrestleMania - Hogan was at the forefront of the very first WrestleMania in 1985, teaming with Mr. T to face Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. This event laid the foundation for what would become the biggest annual spectacle in sports entertainment.
- Winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship - Hogan's move to WCW in 1994 was marked by his victory over Ric Flair to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. This win helped WCW compete with the WWF during the Monday Night Wars and solidified Hogan's legacy in both major wrestling promotions.
- Returning to WWE at WrestleMania X8 - In 2002, Hogan returned to WWE and faced The Rock at WrestleMania X8 in a match dubbed "Icon vs. Icon." The electric atmosphere and Hogan's reception from the crowd proved his enduring legacy and ability to captivate audiences.
- Induction into the WWE Hall of Fame - Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, cementing his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. His induction celebrated his contributions to the industry and his role in popularizing professional wrestling worldwide.
- Hosting WrestleMania 30 - As the host of WrestleMania 30 in 2014, Hogan once again took center stage, interacting with legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. This appearance reminded fans of his lasting impact on the industry and his place in wrestling history.
Category: Deaths | Topic: Hulk Hogan | @Wikipedia
