Unknown Facts About Late WWE Wrestler Hulk Hogan: The Man Behind the Mustache

Long before Hulk Hogan became a household name in professional wrestling, he had dreams of rock stardom. During the 1970s, the future WWE legend was a talented bass guitarist, performing with his Florida-based band, Ruckus. The group gained local popularity around the Tampa Bay music scene, playing at clubs and events with a growing fan base. Hogan's musical skills were impressive enough that his future in entertainment seemed destined—but not in the squared circle. Everything changed one night when wrestling legends Jack and Gerald Brisco saw him perform live. Impressed by his larger-than-life presence and physique, they encouraged him to pursue a career in professional wrestling. That chance encounter set the stage for Hulk Hogan to become one of the most iconic wrestlers in WWE history.

While most fans associate Hulk Hogan’s wrestling debut with his explosive entrance into the WWF (now WWE) during the early 1980s, his true in-ring debut happened years earlier—and under a completely different identity. In 1977, long before the red-and-yellow gear or the Hulkamania chants, Hogan stepped into the ring as “The Super Destroyer”, a masked wrestler in the Championship Wrestling from Florida promotion.

He had been trained by the legendary Hiro Matsuda, a trainer with a brutal reputation. Matsuda believed in testing a wrestler’s physical and mental limits, and on Hogan’s very first day of training, he broke his leg intentionally—a harsh initiation meant to weed out the weak. But Hogan didn’t quit. Instead, he returned after healing, more determined than ever to make it in the wrestling world. That early test of toughness became a defining moment in Hulk Hogan’s wrestling journey.

During the peak of Hulk Hogan’s popularity in the 1980s, his massive fame as a wrestling superstar made him a hot prospect in Hollywood. While many fans remember him from films like Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny, few realize that Hogan was actually considered for the lead role of the T-800 cyborg in James Cameron’s iconic 1984 film, The Terminator. Yes, the part that ultimately launched Arnold Schwarzenegger’s film career could have gone to Hulk Hogan.

His towering frame, commanding voice, and global popularity made him a serious contender. Hogan was also approached for major roles in other blockbusters, including Predator and Highlander. However, he turned down these movie roles to focus on what he loved most—professional wrestling. Even though he passed on some of Hollywood’s biggest hits, Hogan’s decision helped solidify his legacy as the face of WWE in the 1980s and 1990s.

Most people assume that the term “Hulkamania” was a clever marketing move dreamed up by Vince McMahon or even Hulk Hogan himself. But the real story is much more personal—and surprising. During one of Hogan’s early wrestling matches, a fired-up fan in the crowd kept shouting, “Hulkamania’s runnin’ wild!” at the top of his lungs. The chant caught on instantly with other fans, creating an electric atmosphere around Hogan’s performances.

Vince McMahon, always with an eye for branding gold, saw the potential and quickly trademarked the phrase. That spontaneous moment from a devoted fan soon evolved into one of the most iconic wrestling slogans in history. It became the driving force behind Hogan’s brand, merchandise, and legendary rise during the Golden Era of WWE.

In the world of wrestling, few catchphrases have had the cultural impact of Hulkamania—and it all started with one passionate voice in the crowd.

Behind the muscles and unstoppable energy, Hulk Hogan was silently fighting a serious health battle that fans never saw coming. In the early 1990s, at the height of his fame, Hogan was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder that caused extreme chronic fatigue, joint pain, and muscle weakness—symptoms that could have easily ended his wrestling career.

Despite the physical toll, Hogan chose to keep his condition private, pushing through excruciating pain to deliver unforgettable performances at major events like WrestleMania. For years, he wore a brave face while battling the illness behind the scenes, proving that being a hero in the ring required more than just strength—it took resilience.

His battle with the disorder highlights the often-hidden physical and mental challenges wrestlers face, reminding fans that even the strongest icons are human too.

In what might be one of the strangest legal battles in wrestling history, Hulk Hogan once faced a lawsuit—not over money, injury, or defamation—but for growing too much hair. During the late 1970s, a small-time wrestling promoter claimed that Hogan’s partially bald look was a key part of the wrestling persona they had crafted together. According to the lawsuit, Hogan violated a supposed “character agreement” by growing out his hair, which allegedly disrupted the image they had built.

The case didn’t hold up in court and was quickly dismissed, but it remains one of the most bizarre footnotes in Hulk Hogan’s legal history. While fans often remember Hogan’s iconic handlebar mustache and bandana-covered head, few know that his hairline once sparked a legal feud.

It’s just another example of how strange—and surprisingly petty—things can get in the world of professional wrestling branding.

Behind the fame, charisma, and powerful performances, Hulk Hogan paid a heavy physical price for his legendary wrestling career. Known for his high-impact style and crowd-pleasing moves, Hogan pushed his body to the limit for decades. As a result, he underwent over 25 surgeries throughout his lifetime—many of them serious and life-altering.

His long list of procedures included multiple back fusions, hip replacements, knee surgeries, and various other operations to repair years of wear and tear. By the late 2010s, Hogan’s mobility had significantly declined. He was often seen walking with assistance, using a cane during public appearances and fan events.

These health challenges highlight the long-term effects of professional wrestling, even on the biggest stars. Despite the pain, Hogan continued to show up for his fans, proving that the true cost of being a wrestling icon goes far beyond the ring.

It might come as a surprise, but when WWE first offered Hulk Hogan a spot in the Hall of Fame back in 2004, the wrestling icon actually turned it down. At the time, Hogan still believed he had a few more big matches left in him and wasn’t ready to be seen as a legend of the past just yet. For him, stepping into the WWE Hall of Fame felt like closing a chapter he wasn't finished writing.

It wasn’t until close friends, fellow wrestlers, and loyal fans reminded him of the massive impact he had already made on the industry that he reconsidered. They convinced him that his legacy was already written in history books—whether or not he ever wrestled again.

Eventually, Hogan accepted the honor, and his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame became a celebrated moment for fans worldwide. It was a well-deserved recognition for a man who had redefined professional wrestling for generations.

While Hulk Hogan projected the image of a heroic and unstoppable force in the ring, his personal life told a much more complicated story. Off camera, the wrestling legend faced a series of family challenges that deeply affected his public image and emotional well-being.

In 2007, Hogan’s decades-long marriage to Linda Hogan ended in a highly public and messy divorce, filled with allegations of infidelity, financial disputes, and emotional strain. The headlines didn’t stop there. That same year, his son, Nick Hogan, was involved in a near-fatal car crash that left his friend severely injured—an incident that brought legal troubles and intense media scrutiny.

Meanwhile, his daughter Brooke Hogan pursued a short-lived reality TV career through shows like Hogan Knows Best, but it often clashed with her father’s protective and controlling nature, further adding tension to the family dynamic.

Despite the chaos, Hogan remained determined to keep his family close, but the struggles behind the scenes revealed a stark contrast to the strong, unified image fans saw in the spotlight.

Despite his larger-than-life career, Hulk Hogan’s image took a massive hit in 2015 when he became embroiled in a highly publicized racism scandal. A leaked sex tape surfaced online, containing racially insensitive remarks made by Hogan—comments that shocked fans and shook the wrestling world.

In response, WWE swiftly severed ties, removing him from the WWE Hall of Fame, erasing his profile from their official website, and distancing the brand from one of its most iconic figures. The backlash was immediate and widespread, with Hogan’s once-pristine legacy suddenly overshadowed by controversy.

Over the following years, Hogan issued multiple public apologies, took part in charity outreach, and made efforts toward reconciliation and education. In 2018, WWE officially reinstated him into the Hall of Fame, but for many fans, the damage to his reputation was already done.

This chapter in Hogan’s life serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated icons can fall from grace—and that rebuilding trust takes more than just time; it takes action and humility.

In a surprising twist to his post-wrestling life, Hulk Hogan once seriously considered stepping into the world of politics. During the early 2000s, the wrestling icon expressed interest in running for U.S. Senate in his home state of Florida. He even held private meetings with Republican strategists and potential donors, exploring what a campaign might look like.

Given his name recognition, larger-than-life persona, and passionate fan base, many believed Hogan could have made a legitimate run as a celebrity politician—much like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Jesse Ventura. However, after some consideration, Hogan chose not to move forward with a campaign.

In classic Hulkster fashion, he later joked that he backed out because "politics is even faker than wrestling," poking fun at the often theatrical nature of both professions. Still, his brief flirtation with public office remains one of the more unexpected chapters in the life of a wrestling legend.

While Hulk Hogan’s journey had its fair share of highs and lows, his overall impact on professional wrestling, pop culture, and the entertainment industry is undeniable. From the roaring arenas of the 1980s to TV screens across the world, Hogan didn’t just become a wrestling superstar—he became a global cultural icon.

His unforgettable feud with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, where he body-slammed the 500-pound legend in front of over 93,000 fans, is still one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history. Later, he reinvented himself as Hollywood Hogan, leading the rebellious New World Order (NWO) in WCW, which helped usher in a new era of wrestling known as the Monday Night Wars.

Hogan’s charisma, catchphrases, and crossover appeal brought mainstream attention to wrestling like never before. Love him or criticize him, there’s no denying that Hulk Hogan’s legacy helped shape WWE, WCW, and the entire wrestling landscape into the billion-dollar industry it is today.