A wave of sorrow has swept across the world of professional wrestling and its global fanbase. Hulk Hogan, the WWE legend who became a global icon and a central figure in wrestling history, passed away on the morning of Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest. His passing leaves a void not only in the WWE universe but also in the realm of wrestling video games, where he has long been a legendary and dominant figure.

This article will explore Hulk Hogan’s profile, tracing his journey as a world-class wrestler, the major transformations he underwent during his time in WWE and WCW, and his enduring legacy as a key character in WWE video games through the ages.

Early Career and Rise in the 1980s

Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, began turning heads in the early 1980s after joining WWE (then WWF). With his massive physique, heroic persona, and unmatched charisma, Hogan quickly became the face of WWE, helping bring professional wrestling into the mainstream spotlight. He led what became known as the Golden Era of Wrestling.

His breakout moment came when he headlined WrestleMania I in 1985, a historic event that laid the foundation for WWE's global rise. Hogan propelled WWE’s popularity with his signature promo style, especially the unforgettable catchphrase: "Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?"

Throughout the decade, Hogan held the WWE Championship for over 1,400 days, making him one of the longest-reigning champions in WWE history.

Shocking Transformation in WCW: The Birth of the nWo

After dominating WWE for years, Hogan shocked fans when he jumped to rival promotion WCW (World Championship Wrestling). The revolutionary turning point came at Bash at the Beach 1996, when Hogan turned heel for the first time in his career and formed the New World Order (nWo) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.

This move changed the wrestling industry forever. Hogan’s new villainous persona, dubbed Hollywood Hogan, made WCW a serious threat to WWE. With the nWo by his side, Hogan helped WCW dominate the TV ratings for 83 consecutive weeks during the famed “Monday Night Wars.” This forced WWE to undergo a creative overhaul and usher in the Attitude Era, led by stars like The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

Return to WWE and Everlasting Legacy

Following WWE’s acquisition of WCW in 2001, Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 as a babyface, donning his classic red and yellow outfit. He even recaptured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania X8 by defeating Triple H, proving that Hulkamania was still alive and well.

In the years that followed, Hogan made sporadic appearances in WWE and also joined TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling), further expanding his influence in the industry. Notably, he teamed up with Edge to win the WWE Tag Team Championship, adding another title to his already impressive résumé.

Championships and Accolades

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Hulk Hogan earned numerous prestigious titles, including:

• 6-time WWE (WWF) Champion
• 1-time WWE Tag Team Champion (with Edge)
• 6-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion
• 1-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion (in Japan)
• 2-time Royal Rumble winner (1990 and 1991)
• WWE Hall of Fame 2005 (as an individual)
• WWE Hall of Fame 2020 (as a member of the nWo)

These achievements solidify his place as one of the greatest icons in wrestling history.

Hulk Hogan in the World of Video Games: A Timeless WWE Character

Outside the ring, Hulk Hogan's profile remained prominent in the world of video games, making him one of the most featured and beloved characters among fans. From the 8-bit era to the latest gaming consoles, Hogan has consistently been a central figure in WWE video game franchises.

1. Classic Era: NES and Sega Genesis

Hogan made his video game debut in the early days of wrestling games, appearing in:

• WWF WrestleMania (NES, 1989)
• WWF WrestleFest (Arcade, 1991)
• WWF Super WrestleMania (SNES, 1992)

In these games, Hogan was always a powerhouse character, easily recognized by his iconic red and yellow attire and signature moves like the Atomic Leg Drop.

2. WCW Glory Days: The Reign of Hollywood Hogan

During his WCW run and nWo era, Hogan featured prominently in games such as:

• WCW/nWo Revenge (Nintendo 64, 1998)
• WCW Nitro and WCW Mayhem

These titles presented Hollywood Hogan as a central character, complete with his black beard, sunglasses, and nWo gear. He was portrayed as an intimidating figure with a strong moveset, often becoming a fan-favorite choice among players.

3. Modern WWE Era: The Return of Hulkamania

Upon his return to WWE, Hogan was featured in various SmackDown vs. Raw and WWE 2K titles, including:

• WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain
• WWE Legends of WrestleMania
• WWE 2K14, 2K15, 2K20, and even 2K24

What made these games special was the inclusion of two versions of Hogan—the classic red-and-yellow Hulk Hogan and the rebellious Hollywood Hogan of nWo fame. In WWE 2K’s Showcase mode, he often received dedicated segments recreating legendary moments, such as matches against Andre the Giant and The Rock.

Inspiring New Generations of Gamers and Wrestlers

Hogan’s presence in video games not only sparked nostalgia among long-time fans but also served as a bridge for new generations to discover him. Young players who may have never seen him wrestle live got to know his legacy through the WWE 2K series.

Signature moves like the Big Boot and Leg Drop often became favorite finishers among gamers. Many newcomers would choose Hogan as their main character due to his power stats, high stamina, and larger-than-life persona.

The Legacy of Hulk Hogan: In the Ring and On the Digital Screen

Hulk Hogan’s profile is more than just about titles and controversies. He represents wrestling’s golden age, the battle between good and evil, and the monumental transformation of sports entertainment. Through his presence in video games, Hogan has successfully immortalized his legacy in the digital world, making him unforgettable across generations.

Even after his passing, Hogan’s character will undoubtedly live on in future WWE game releases as a tribute. Much like Ric Flair and The Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan will be remembered as a true legend.

Hulk Hogan may have closed the chapter of his life, but his name will forever echo in the history of WWE and the world of gaming. He was more than a wrestler. He was a pop culture icon, a hero and a villain, and a digital champion who entertained millions.

Now, as the screen fades in with the words “Legend Never Dies,” the image of Hogan stands tall among the greats who came before him. Hulkamania may have rested, but his spirit will forever "run wild" in the hearts of fans and across gaming screens around the globe.

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