President Donald Trump’s decades-long friendship with Hulk Hoganwas created through a passion for professional wrestling but evolved into a political partnership that ultimately led toHogan securing a position within the president’s inner circle.
Starting in the 1980s, the two individuals pursued separate paths leading to great recognition in their own fields, all the while sustaining a connection that proved advantageous to both.
Hogan, whose actual name is Terry Bollea,passed away on July 24 at the age of 71.
The leader recalled his “great friend” ina message on Truth Social, describing him as “strong, tough, intelligent, yet with the largest heart.”
He captivated audiences from around the globe, and his cultural influence was immense,” Trump stated. “To his wife, Sky, and family, we extend our heartfelt condolences and love. Hulk Hogan will be deeply missed!
A beginning in the wrestling industry
Trump and Hogan initially connected in the 1980s, as both were rising stars recognized for their flamboyant styles.
Hogan, who is 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs around 300 pounds, was a prominent wrestler who served as the main attraction for several events.WrestleManiaincidents, including WrestleMania IV and V taking place at Trump Plaza in 1989.
Trump, a prominent figure in New York’s real estate sector during that period, backed the events and was seated nearby.
“My first encounter with Trump was at WrestleMania four and five, and I must say, I didn’t expect him to show up. However, he arrived early, entered the dressing room, and met all the wrestlers,” Hoganmentioned the PBD Podcast last yearwhile remembering his initial encounter with Trump.
At WrestleMania V, Trump was once more positioned by the ring, this time observing Hogan’s victory over André the Giant.
He’s the same person now as he was back then,” Hogan said on the PBD Podcast. “He hasn’t changed at all. I mean, he’s just a great individual.
The shift towards the MAGA era The move towards the MAGA universe The journey into the MAGA realm The move towards the MAGA landscape The passage into the MAGA world The move towards the MAGA environment The transition into the MAGA scene The shift towards the MAGA setting
Hogan wasn’t always a MAGA Republican; in reality, he supported former president Barack Obama.until his return to office in 2012.Following that, Hogan altered his stance, and when Trump entered the political arena as a candidate in 2016, Hogan aligned himself with him.
Although he didn’t publicly back Trump until 2024, Hogan mentioned that he backed Trump in 2016.
The sole indication he provided publicly was in 2015 when herecommended he might be Trump’s vice presidential candidate.
“I don’t wish to be in the ring with any contenders, I want to be Trump’s vice-presidential candidate,” Hogan stated to TMZ at that time when questioned about which 2016 candidate he would enter the ring with.
Did you catch that?” he asked. “Vice President Hogan?
In the end, Trump chose Mike Pence as his vice-presidential candidate. However, Hogan later appeared on stage with Trump during his speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention and at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally.
However, between Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election and his win in 2024, Hogan went through several life changes that brought him closest to the MAGA movement.
In 2016, Hogan initiated a $100 million legal action against a former pop culture blogGawkerfor releasing a portion of his intimate video. The legal action was supported by wealthy individual Peter Thiel, who had also been the target of rumors circulated byGawkerfollowing the online blog revealed his identity.
Hogan ultimately prevailed in the legal case, which initially awarded $140 million, but reached a settlement withGawkerfor 31 million dollars. That eventually resulted inGawker’s closing.
The legal case took place while Trump was expressing his frustration towards the press, labeling numerous outlets as “fake news.”
Some, including Brian Knappenberger, who directed a film about Hogan’s legal case, thoughtthere were “direct parallels” between the Gawkersuit and Trump’s ascent to prominence.
‘MAGA all the way’
Hogan chose to leverage his stage-like character to promote andsupport Trump at the Republican National Conventionfollowing the president’s survival of an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Being an entertainer, I aim to avoid politics,” Hogan stated during his speech at the convention, sporting a red bandana. “However, following all that has transpired in our country over the last four years, and what occurred last weekend, I can no longer remain quiet.
Leveraging his entertainment experience, Hogan chose to support the president by shouting into the microphone while tearing off his shirt with his bare hands, revealing a “Trump Vance 2024” t-shirt underneath, and showing off his muscles throughout.
Let TrumpMania go wild, brother!” he yelled. “Let TrumpMania take over once more! Let TrumpMania restore America’s greatness!
While thinking about his friend, Trump mentioned Hogan’s “completely energetic speech” at the RNC.
“One of the standout moments of the whole week,” Trump remarked following Hogan’s passing.
Hogan drew upon that same force once moreat a Trump event at Madison Square Garden in New YorkIn October 2024 – this time with a red and yellow feathery boa.
We have lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster,'” Trump stated following his passing. “Hulk Hogan was fully behind MAGA.
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