Hulk Hogan—born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia—stepped into the spotlight of professional wrestling. Hogan did not just wrestle; instead, he revolutionized the business itself. Standing six-foot-eight and weighing around 300 pounds, with long blonde hair and a bronzed physique, Hulk was the first stepping stone in the WWF's long-term success. However, his first world championship win was nearly an afterthought to Bob Backlund.
Hulk Hogan 's first world championship win
In late 1983, the Iron Sheik , born Hossein Khosrow Vaziri in Tehran, Iran, had controversially ended Bob Backlund’s nearly six-year championship reign. A rematch was planned, but then Backlund was sidelined by injury. Hogan took that spot and electrified the crowd as he entered the ring to his theme song. The Iron Sheik initially dominated, but Hogan rallied, delivering a powerful kick to the Sheik’s face and sealing the victory with his signature leg drop—a high-flying move where he landed his leg across his downed opponent.
On January 23, 1984, Hulk Hogan made history by becoming the first wrestler to break free from the Iron Sheik’s signature “camel clutch” submission. He defeated the reigning World Wrestling Federation (WWF) champion at Madison Square Garden in New York City to claim his first WWF title. The match ended in just five minutes and 40 seconds, crowning Hogan the new WWF champion.
This triumph sparked “Hulkamania,” a phenomenon that ushered in a golden era for professional wrestling. Hogan, a charismatic Southern working-class hero, captivated fans with his larger-than-life persona, urging young “Hulkamaniacs” to stay resilient, pray, and take their vitamins. His four-year championship reign brought unprecedented mainstream attention to the sport.
However, after 41 years now, it is saddening to know that the founder of Hulkamania has passed away.
Hulkamania and its reach boomed overall WWF
The WWF and owner Vince McMahon launched the first wrestling pay-per-view event, WrestleMania , in 1985. The name was adopted from Beatlemania but also focused on the aspect of tributing Hulkamania. Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania fights. The yearly wrestling event was then known as Grandest Stage of Them All being made special due to Hulk's regular inclusion.
After taking a year off to concentrate on television and movie roles, Hogan signed with a rival league though. Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling (WCW), helping to foster what was known as a “New World Order.” He won the WCW championship title six times between 1994 and 1999, before returning to McMahon’s league–now known as WWE . This although might look like a betraying act, actually helped the business again by being the wrestling attraction.
Plagued by knee injuries, he left wrestling in 2003, but returned two years later amid hoopla over his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame .
Also read:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/wwe/top-stories/who-is-hulk-hogans-daughter-all-about-brooke-hogans-career-and-family/articleshow/121948045.cms
Hulk Hogan 's first world championship win
In late 1983, the Iron Sheik , born Hossein Khosrow Vaziri in Tehran, Iran, had controversially ended Bob Backlund’s nearly six-year championship reign. A rematch was planned, but then Backlund was sidelined by injury. Hogan took that spot and electrified the crowd as he entered the ring to his theme song. The Iron Sheik initially dominated, but Hogan rallied, delivering a powerful kick to the Sheik’s face and sealing the victory with his signature leg drop—a high-flying move where he landed his leg across his downed opponent.
On January 23, 1984, Hulk Hogan made history by becoming the first wrestler to break free from the Iron Sheik’s signature “camel clutch” submission. He defeated the reigning World Wrestling Federation (WWF) champion at Madison Square Garden in New York City to claim his first WWF title. The match ended in just five minutes and 40 seconds, crowning Hogan the new WWF champion.
This triumph sparked “Hulkamania,” a phenomenon that ushered in a golden era for professional wrestling. Hogan, a charismatic Southern working-class hero, captivated fans with his larger-than-life persona, urging young “Hulkamaniacs” to stay resilient, pray, and take their vitamins. His four-year championship reign brought unprecedented mainstream attention to the sport.
However, after 41 years now, it is saddening to know that the founder of Hulkamania has passed away.
Hulkamania and its reach boomed overall WWF
The WWF and owner Vince McMahon launched the first wrestling pay-per-view event, WrestleMania , in 1985. The name was adopted from Beatlemania but also focused on the aspect of tributing Hulkamania. Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania fights. The yearly wrestling event was then known as Grandest Stage of Them All being made special due to Hulk's regular inclusion.
After taking a year off to concentrate on television and movie roles, Hogan signed with a rival league though. Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling (WCW), helping to foster what was known as a “New World Order.” He won the WCW championship title six times between 1994 and 1999, before returning to McMahon’s league–now known as WWE . This although might look like a betraying act, actually helped the business again by being the wrestling attraction.
Plagued by knee injuries, he left wrestling in 2003, but returned two years later amid hoopla over his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame .
Also read:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/wwe/top-stories/who-is-hulk-hogans-daughter-all-about-brooke-hogans-career-and-family/articleshow/121948045.cms
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