Top 5 Iconic Hulk Hogan Moments That Defined Wrestling History

The world is mourning a legend: Hulk Hogan.

Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, died on Thursday at the age of 71. TMZ states that medical officials responded to reports of a "cardiac arrest" at the WWE's Clearwater, Florida home. Police told the media outlet that they responded to the call at 9:51 a.m.

The Hulkster was a polarizing force in pop culture. His larger-than-life persona broke new ground, he was patriotic in its purest form, and his unmatched charisma helped define an entire era of professional wrestling. To celebrate the legacy of The Hulkantor, let's remember his most iconic and jaw-dropping moments.

In one of wrestling’s most iconic moments, Hogan lifted and slammed the 520-pound André the Giant in front of 93,000 roaring fans. André was seen as "undefeatable," and the match drew over 93,000 fans, which was the largest attendance for an indoor festival. That moment catapulted Hulk Hogan from wrestling star to global icon, leading to merchandise, movie deals, and a wrestling boom that turned the WWF (now WWE) into a billion-dollar brand.

Hulk Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage shared one of the most legendary rivalries and alliances in wrestling history. As the "Mega Powers," they captivated fans with unmatched charisma, explosive energy, and the unforgettable presence of Miss Elizabeth. But their bond crumbled just as dramatically as it formed, with jealousy and ego turning teammates into bitter enemies. Their feud came to a head at WrestleMania V, where Hogan defeated Savage for the WWF Championship in one of the most emotional matches of the era.

Hulk Hogan’s 1984 victory over The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden was a defining moment that launched the era of Hulkamania and changed professional wrestling forever. Hulk's patriotism was another important factor in this match, especially since "The Iron Sheik" was seen as "un-American," considering the political climate at the time. This moment catapulted Hogan into superstardom, helping the WWF break out of its regional roots and into the mainstream spotlight. It wasn’t just a title change, it was the beginning of wrestling as a global entertainment powerhouse.

What made the Hogan vs. Flair match so remarkable was that it happened well after the Golden Era and their prime years in WCW, right in the heart of the early 2000s, amid the peak of The Rock, Triple H, and The Undertaker. Despite being sandwiched between such monumental stars and eras, this match showcased that the early 2000s were an incredibly underrated period in wrestling history.

Hulkamania wasn’t just a wrestling craze, it was a cultural phenomenon that took the world by storm in the 1980s. Fueled by Hulk Hogan’s larger-than-life personality, patriotic spirit, and catchy motto to “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins,” Hulkamania inspired millions of fans to believe in the power of positivity and to keep going.

The clash between Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker was a monumental battle of two iconic forces in WWE history. Hogan, the embodiment of classic heroism and Hulkamania, faced off against The Undertaker, the dark, mysterious legend known for his supernatural aura and undefeated WrestleMania streak.

This was a joy to see Hulk talk about the inner workings of the match. He talked with Joe Rogan on his podcast and comedian Tony Hinchcliffe about the match and even said, "It was much different than I expected." Hulk also talked about collaborating with Ted Turner and even revealed their bold attempt to outdo Vince McMahon in the ratings. This match between the Rock and Hogan was the epitome of amazing wrestling.