Few wrestlers have ever broken out of the squared circle quite like Hulk Hogan. Before he became the most recognizable face in pro wrestling, before the red-and-yellow, and before “Hulkamania” ran wild, Hogan had one unforgettable moment that helped launch him into the mainstream: his role as Thunderlips in Rocky III.
The 6’7″ powerhouse stepped into the ring with Sylvester Stallone in a scene that blurred the lines between sports, entertainment, and all-out chaos. But how did Hogan land the role? What happened behind the scenes? And what impact did Rocky III have on his wrestling career? Let’s break it all down.
When Did Hulk Hogan Start Wrestling?
Born Terry Eugene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hulk Hogan wasn’t always destined for wrestling superstardom. As a kid, he was a baseball player, but after an injury sidelined his career, he turned his focus to music. That’s right—Hogan started out as a bassist in a rock band.
But by the late 1970s, his massive 6’7″, 300-pound frame caught the attention of wrestlers Jack and Gerald Brisco. They introduced him to legendary trainer Hiro Matsuda, who didn’t take it easy on him. In fact, during Hogan’s first-ever training session, Matsuda broke his leg—a brutal initiation into the world of professional wrestling.
Despite the injury, Hogan came back stronger. He made his pro wrestling debut on August 10, 1977, competing under the name Terry “The Hulk” Boulder. Over the next few years, he built a reputation in various wrestling territories before getting his first big break in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979.
Hulk Hogan as Thunderlips in Rocky III
By the early 1980s, Hulk Hogan was gaining traction in the wrestling world, but he wasn’t yet the global megastar he would become. That all changed when Sylvester Stallone came calling.
Stallone was looking for a wrestler to play the role of Thunderlips, a flamboyant, over-the-top wrestler who would face Rocky Balboa in a charity exhibition match. Hogan was the perfect choice—massive, charismatic, and already a rising name in wrestling.
But landing the part wasn’t easy.
How Hulk Hogan Got the Role
At the time, Hogan was still wrestling in the WWF under Vince McMahon Sr., who had strict rules about wrestlers working outside the company. When Stallone personally offered Hogan the role in Rocky III, McMahon forbade him from taking it. But Hogan saw the opportunity as too big to pass up—so he took the role anyway.
As a result, McMahon fired him from the WWF.
What Rocky III Meant for Hulk Hogan’s Career
Even though McMahon Sr. fired him, Hogan’s gamble paid off big time. Rocky III turned him into a mainstream star overnight.
Shortly after the film’s release, Vince McMahon Jr. took over the WWF and saw Hogan’s potential. He brought him back in 1983, and just one year later, Hulk Hogan won the WWF Championship from the Iron Sheik.
From that moment on, Hulkamania was born.
The WWF Championship and Hulkamania’s Explosion
The pivotal moment arrived on January 23, 1984, when Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik to clinch the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. This victory didn’t just earn him a title; it ignited Hulkamania, a movement that transcended wrestling. Hogan’s red and yellow costume, combined with his catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, became cultural staples. His appeal wasn’t confined to wrestling arenas; he appeared on talk shows, graced magazine covers, and even ventured into movies, embodying the crossover appeal of a true superstar.
“Train. Say your prayers. Eat your vitamins.”
Back in the ’80s when Hulkamania was running wild, every kid with a bandana and plastic championship belt knew the gospel: “Train. Say your prayers. Eat your vitamins.” It was part of being a Hulkamaniac and the Hulkster’s way of teaching discipline, faith, and taking care of your body without sounding preachy. Sure, when he said “vitamins,” it sounded like he meant those chalky Flintstones chewables, but it was really about putting good stuff into your body—real food, solid meals, the kind of fuel a wrestler or any hard-working guy needed. Hogan wasn’t telling us to live in the gym or eat like a bodybuilder; he was showing us how to stay strong in life, stay focused, and respect ourselves.
Hulk’s Fitness Regimen
Hulk Hogan’s enduring commitment to fitness not only defined his personal lifestyle but also aligns with national health initiatives. This dedication was notably recognized by President Donald Trump, who suggested that Hogan could potentially lead the President’s Council on Physical Fitness during his second term. Sadly, with Hulk’s death in July of 2025, this is not to be.
- Diet: Transitioning to a healthier lifestyle, he emphasized organic foods and has reduced alcohol consumption. His typical meals included yogurt, fruit, and lean proteins like chicken or sashimi.
- Exercise: Hogan maintained a consistent workout routine, training six days a week in his home gym. This regimen contributed to a significant weight loss, bringing him down to 265 pounds.
- Wellness Advocacy: Beyond physical fitness, Hogan advocated for overall wellness. He credited CBD products with aiding his recovery from multiple surgeries and helping him eliminate the need for prescription pain medications.
Hulk Hogan’s Personal Life
Behind the spotlight, Hogan’s personal life has been as eventful as his wrestling career, encompassing marriages, family dynamics, and recent developments.
Marriages and Family
- First Marriage to Linda Claridge: Hogan married Linda in 1983. The couple had two children: Brooke, born in 1988, and Nick, born in 1990. Their family life was showcased in the reality TV series Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007. The marriage ended in divorce in 2009.
- Second Marriage to Jennifer McDaniel: In 2010, Hogan wed Jennifer McDaniel. This union lasted until their divorce in 2021.
- Last Marriage to Sky Daily: Hogan married Sky Daily, a yoga instructor, on September 22, 2023. The couple resided together in Clearwater, Florida.
Children and 2025 Death
- Brooke Hogan: Hogan’s daughter, Brooke, has pursued careers in music, acting, and business. She welcomed twins, Oliver Andrew Oleksy and Molly Gene Oleksy, on January 15, 2025, with her husband, former NHL player Steven Oleksy.
- Nick Hogan: Hogan’s son, Nick, has been involved in motorsports and reality television. He has faced legal challenges, including a serious car accident in 2007 that led to legal consequences.
Hulk Hogan died on July 23, 2025, at age 71 following reported heart complications. Just weeks before, his wife Sky denied rumors he was in a coma, claiming his heart was “strong” as he recovered from a series of surgeries. Sadly, medics were called to his Clearwater, Florida home early that morning for what was described as a “cardiac arrest.” He was transported to the hospital by ambulance but did not survive.
Sylvester Stallone reacted to the news of Hogan’s passing, saying: “I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he’s gone…”
The Legacy of Hulkamania
His larger-than-life personality, combined with the exposure from Rocky III, made him the face of professional wrestling for the next decade. Hogan went on to headline WrestleMania, dominate the ’80s and ’90s, and cement himself as one of the biggest icons in sports entertainment history.
