Blood, sweat and tears: Look back at Hulk Hogan's highs and lows

Hulk Hogan, whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea, is one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling. He began his career in Florida during the 1970s, where he earned the nickname 'Hulk' after being compared to the actor who played The Incredible Hulk. When he joined the World Wrestling Federation, or WWF, the owner Vince McMahon gave him the last name 'Hogan' to make him sound more Irish. Hogan's rise to fame happened at the same time wrestling was becoming a huge TV event, mixing sports with entertainment, drama, and colorful characters.

Hogan was known for his bright yellow bandana and trunks, his muscular build, and his energetic personality. He was always cast as the hero, fighting against the villains in the ring, and fans loved to cheer for him. His popularity helped wrestling become a major part of pop culture in the 1980s. Hogan also used his fame to branch out into acting, appearing in movies like 'Rocky III' with Sylvester Stallone and in TV shows with stars such as Dolly Parton. He even met and worked with celebrities like Donald Trump, especially when Wrestlemania was held at Trump Plaza.

Outside the ring, Hogan starred in several movies, including 'No Holds Barred,' 'Suburban Commando,' 'Mr Nanny,' and 'Santa with Muscles. ' In the 2000s, he faced a new generation of wrestlers, including Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, in a famous match called 'Icon vs Icon. ' Hogan continued to wrestle and stay in the spotlight, winning six WWF/WWE championships and being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice. He also had a reality TV show, 'Hogan Knows Best,' which featured his family.

However, Hogan's career was not without controversy. In 2015, he was suspended from WWE after a video surfaced of him using a racial slur. He apologized on national television, asking for forgiveness, and was reinstated three years later, though some fans never forgave him. Hogan was also involved in a major lawsuit against the website Gawker, which posted a private video of him. He won a large settlement, which led to the website shutting down. In recent years, Hogan has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, appearing at campaign events and rallies, which has divided his fan base. Despite the ups and downs, Hulk Hogan remains a legendary figure in wrestling and entertainment.