This week a true American hero has died when Terry Bollea passed away.
Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, died Thursday night at 71 years old from what the Clearwater Fire and Police Departments are calling a cardiac arrest. First responders came to Hogan's Clearwater Beach home where he was treated by fire and rescue crews before being transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hogan is a legend among legends in the wrestling and WWE world. Speaking to a wrestling aficionado a Rocky Point fan said "without Hogan we wouldn't be here. He is on every Mount Rushmore for wrestling no matter how you break it down."
Hulk Hogan was a comic book hero come to life and anyone who grew up in the 80's watched this character captivate their childhood. From his massive 24 inch biceps, that he called pythons, to his signature golden mustache Hogan was unique in every way.
He symbolized everything that was good for young fans as his catch phrase was promoting good ethics and morals. He urged kids to "train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins" and his popularity exploded into his followers being called Hulkamaniacs. Hogan showed us all how to rip off a shirt, to 'Hulk up' and how to be true to America. There isn't an 80's kid left who doesn't get a little extra juice in their veins when they hear his music hit "I am a real American."
Hogans' battles where he defended America against Russians like Nikolai Volkoff were legendary but it was when he defeated the Iron Sheik and won the belt that Hogan was able to put himself, and the WWF, on the map. The pinnacle of wrestling came when Hulk Hogan body slammed Andre The Giant at Wrestlemania 3 in front of more than 90,000 fans.
Hogan then went on to the competing wrestling promotion WCW and took them to heights never seen before when he turned heel and joined the NWO. As much as Hogan was woven into the lexicon of 80's kids with his all Americana look and character, every 90's kid will remember his black on white attire and spray painted championship belt. Hogan showed true range in flipping persona's and both were among the most successful of all time.
Hogan continued to wrestle on and off and received what many call the loudest ovation in wrestling history when he faced off against the Rock at Wrestlemania in 2002, his first appearance since 1993. Hogan also took to the big screen where he played iconic Thunder Lips in Rocky III as well as many TV appearances and even had a cartoon.
Just last year the Hulkster was still wowing crowds when got the loudest ovation when he gave an impassioned speech in support of Donald Trump on the final night of the Republican National Convention. Recently Hogan and his wife were baptized as he "was at peace and found God".
Terry Bollea has passed on but his legend will live forever, or better said Hulkamania will never die ... brother.