The world of wrestling and entertainment is in mourning. With deep sadness, the death of Terry Gene Bollea, better known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, at the age of 71, has been confirmed.
The news has shaken millions of fans around the planet, who grew up admiring one of the biggest and most recognizable icons in the history of sports.
Hogan was not just a wrestler; he was a cultural phenomenon that transcended the wrestling ring, and much of his impact was due to the incredible range of personalities and nicknames he adopted throughout his legendary career.
From his early days, Terry Bollea understood the power of a good name. Before becoming the “Hulkster” we all know, his beginnings saw him compete as Terry Boulder and Sterling Golden, aliases that already hinted at his impressive physique and star potential.
However, it was Vince McMahon Sr. who renamed him as “Hulk Hogan” in the WWF (now WWE), capitalizing on his gigantic figure and the popular fervor for the comic character Hulk. Thus was born “The Incredible Hulk Hogan,” a name that resonated with “Hulkamania,” the fan movement that propelled him to the top.
But time and the evolution of his career brought new facets and, therefore, new nicknames. When Hogan made the jump to WCW and joined the New World Order (nWo), his character underwent a radical transformation.
He left behind the red and yellow to dress in black and white, and the heroic “Hulkster” became “Hollywood Hogan”. This nickname encapsulated his transformation into a villain, an arrogant and manipulative figure that dominated wrestling in the 90s.
He was the antithesis of the beloved Hulk Hogan, and precisely for that reason, he was a resounding success, showing his versatility and ability to reinvent himself.
Later, in a controversial moment of his career in the WWE, the enigmatic “Mr. America” emerged. With a mask and a supposedly secret identity, although it was no mystery to anyone who was behind it, this alias allowed him to continue fighting while “Hollywood Hogan” faced certain restrictions.
It was a nod to his patriotism and a clever way to keep his presence alive on screen, adding another layer to his already complex mythology.
Throughout the years, he was also known simply as “The Hulkster,” an affectionate nickname that evoked nostalgia for his golden era.
For many, he was, and always will be, “The Immortal”, a nickname that underscores his everlasting legacy in sports. This designation not only referred to his longevity in the industry, but also to the belief that his impact and spirit would never die.
Hulk Hogan, Terry Bollea, the “Hulkster”, “Hollywood Hogan”, “Mr. America”, “The Immortal”. All these names bear witness to a career like no other, of a man who was not afraid to change and evolve, and who, with each new alias, solidified his status as a true legend.