Hulk Hogan, born Terry Eugene Bollea, is a name synonymous with professional wrestling. With his signature handlebar mustache, red-and-yellow ring gear, and booming “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” catchphrase, Hogan became a pop culture icon in the 1980s and 90s. However, behind the spotlight and slams are layers of the man that many of his fans never get to see. Here are some little-known facts about the wrestling legend:
1. He Almost Became a Musician Instead of a Wrestler
Long before entering the ring, Hogan was a talented bassist and even played in several bands in Florida. His band, Ruckus, was fairly popular in the Tampa Bay area. It was his love for music that first drew attention to him—he was spotted by wrestlers who frequented the bars he played in.
2. Sylvester Stallone Helped Make Him a Star
Although Hogan was gaining popularity in the wrestling world, his cameo in Rocky III as “Thunderlips” in 1982 brought him mainstream recognition. Sylvester Stallone personally chose Hogan for the role after being impressed by his size and charisma. The role introduced Hogan to millions outside the wrestling world.
3. He Was Fired by the WWF (Now WWE) Before He Became a Legend
In the early 1980s, Vince McMahon Sr. let Hogan go from the WWF after he took the Rocky III movie role without permission. It wasn’t until McMahon’s son, Vince McMahon Jr., took over the company that Hogan was brought back—and ultimately pushed to superstardom.
4. He Was Considered for a Role in ‘The Wrestler’ Movie
Before Mickey Rourke was cast in the critically acclaimed film The Wrestler (2008), rumors swirled that Hulk Hogan was being considered for the lead role. While Hogan has denied being formally offered the part, director Darren Aronofsky reportedly saw him as a potential fit due to his wrestling legacy and real-life experience.
5. He Suffered Over 20 Surgeries
Despite his image as an indestructible powerhouse, Hogan’s body has paid a steep price for years of punishment in the ring. He has undergone over 20 surgeries, including multiple back surgeries, knee replacements, and procedures on his hips and shoulders. He has openly discussed the chronic pain he lives with daily.
6. He Once Owned a Pasta Restaurant Called ‘Pastamania’
In 1995, during his WCW heyday, Hogan launched a pasta-themed restaurant named Pastamania in the Mall of America, Minnesota. It was heavily promoted during WCW’s Monday Nitro debut but closed less than a year later due to poor performance.
7. He Was Nearly Cast as the Voice of the Hulk in a Marvel Animated Series
Given his nickname and imposing presence, Hulk Hogan was once considered to voice the Hulk in an early 1990s animated series, but the idea was eventually scrapped. Still, Hogan’s name has long been linked with the comic book character—despite no official Marvel connection.
8. He Claims He Was Supposed to Be the Face of the George Foreman Grill
Hogan has often joked in interviews that he missed a phone call from his agent offering him the now-famous George Foreman Grill endorsement. When he called back, the gig had already been given to George Foreman. The grill went on to sell over 100 million units globally.
9. He’s a Devoted Animal Lover
Away from the ring, Hogan has a soft side for animals. He has rescued several dogs over the years and supported local animal shelters in Florida. He has also spoken against animal cruelty and illegal wildlife trade.
10. He Holds a Record for Most Covers of Sports Illustrated by a Wrestler
Hogan became the first—and remains one of the very few—professional wrestlers to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. His 1985 cover broke barriers by legitimizing professional wrestling as a form of entertainment and athleticism in mainstream sports media.
Despite his controversial moments and a career filled with highs and lows, Hulk Hogan remains one of the most recognized figures in sports entertainment history. Beyond the ring, these lesser-known stories help paint a fuller picture of the man behind the muscle.
