Hulk Hogan and his successful and scandalous life
The legendary fighter faced controversies over steroid use, family conflicts, a multi-million dollar lawsuit , racist comments and health problems.
For decades, Hulk Hogan 's name was synonymous with wrestling , charisma , and inspiration for millions of fans around the world. However, the American idol's career was also marked by controversial episodes that seriously affected his public image and kept him from stardom for long periods.
Steroid use and the fall of his childish imageIn 1994, Hogan himself—whose real name was Terry Bollea—admitted in court that he had used anabolic steroids during the 1980s, at the height of his fame. The admission contrasted with the message he had promoted to children for years about "praying, exercising, and taking vitamins."
Although he was not formally charged, the scandal led to the withdrawal of his toys from several stores, damaged the image of the then WWF (now WWE ) and marked the end of the more innocent stage of the character who had been presented as a role model.
Reality show, divorce , and her son's accident
In 2005, Hogan starred in a reality show called Hogan Knows Best, broadcast on VH1. The project, which depicted his family life in Florida, was marred by his separation from his wife, Linda Claridge, to whom he had been married for over two decades.
- The breakup was accompanied by accusations of infidelity, excessive alcohol consumption, and a costly divorce . That same year, his 17-year-old son, Nick Bollea, was involved in a car accident that left his passenger with permanent brain damage. Nick was convicted of reckless driving, and Hogan was heavily criticized after leaked phone conversations in which he seemed more concerned about his son's reputation than the victim. The reality show was canceled shortly after.
In 2012, Hogan sued the website Gawker for publishing an unauthorized recording of him and the wife of a friend, radio host Bubba "The Love Sponge." The case generated significant coverage in the American media and ended in a 2016 verdict in Hogan 's favor.
The jury awarded him $140 million in damages (later reduced to $31 million following a settlement). The ruling was so sweeping that it led to the bankruptcy and permanent closure of Gawker. The lawsuit, partially funded by entrepreneur Peter Thiel, became a landmark case on privacy and press freedom.
During the lawsuit against Gawker, private recordings surfaced in which Hogan used racially offensive language. The statements, made around 2006, sparked strong public outrage when they were released in 2015.
WWE reacted immediately, terminating the wrestler 's contract, removing all references to him from its website, removing his official merchandise, and removing him from its Hall of Fame. Hogan offered a public apology, but the scandal left a lasting mark on his legacy.
After several years away, the company reinstated him into the Hall of Fame in 2018, a decision that generated mixed reactions among fans and colleagues.
Beyond the scandals, Hogan's physique also suffered the consequences of his career. The former wrestler underwent numerous surgeries on his back, knees, and hips. In recent interviews, he had confessed that he had implants and screws that allowed him to walk, and that he had lost several inches in height due to spinal compression. Despite these challenges, he maintained a positive attitude. "I wrestled 400 days in one year," he once jokingly said, alluding to the excesses of his life on the road and the toll his body paid.
Hulk Hogan remains an iconic figure in sports entertainment. However, his many controversies have caused some in the public to view him with suspicion. Over time, the gap between the childhood hero and the real man became clear.
His story remains a subject of debate: for some, he represents a legend with a right to redemption; for others, a figure who fell by his own decisions.
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