Well if you either loved him or hated him it’s undeniable that Hulk Hogan was not only a major star in Pro Wrestling, but transcended the entity known as “Sports Entertainment:,
Born in 1953 in Georgia as Terry Bollea he saw things in life differently. Not knowing but seeing life through a prism that he didn’t want to continue he wanted to make money, but not the way it was generated in his house, a 9-5 job.
He wanted to be a success on his terms. That’s the American dream
He learned how to play the Guitar and joined a band, for quick money and the attention of girls.
Even though the band he was in was good and got attention, members of the band ended up leaving the band leaving Bollea to make a life changing decision.
“I’m going to become a professional wrestler” That’s the American dream.
He was always a fan as a kid and his Dad took him to the matches.
One of the Wrestlers who caught his attention was “Superstar Billy Graham”.
The “Superstar” would end up become a major influence on Hogan
But first he had to get trained, When he walked into the gym to get trained as a Pro Wrestler, he got his leg broken.
The boys (Pro Wrestlers thought that would discourage him) were surprised that he came back and seriously wanted to be trained.
Now with training under his belt, He started working for independent wrestling promoters to get experience, he wrestled under several names and gimmicks.
A gimmic is a persona wrestler takes on to establish his character as either a good guy, known as a Babyface or a bad guy, known as a Heel.
After working for several promotions opportunities came his way and he took them.
That’s the American dream.
Working for the then WWF and getting the role as Thunderlips in the Rocky movie.
He,along with Vince McMahon took the Wrestling world and the world at large by turning Pro Wrestling into,”Sports Entertainment”
That’s the American dream.
Like it or not that’s what this Country is about opportunities for anyone to succeed.
Hulk Hogan lived the American dream.
Terry Bollea wasn’t perfect and he had flaws, but Hulk Hogan lived the American dream.
Rest In Peace and Power Hulk Hogan.
Thanks for the memories.