Understanding the nuances of American politics and society during the Age of Trump requires an unusual lens: professional wrestling.
The passing of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, also known as Terry Bollea, marks a significant moment in the intersection of politics and popular culture.
Dying from cardiac arrest at the age of 71, Hogan’s influence extends beyond the wrestling ring, particularly as President Donald Trump reflects on six months in office after a contentious campaign in 2024.
Historically, American professional wrestling transitioned from a sport-focused activity in the mid to late 19th century to a more theatrical spectacle characterized by regional territories.
As television emerged, the wrestling landscape changed, leading to the rise of Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s, making wrestling synonymous with the WWF for many audiences.
In 2002, a lawsuit prompted the WWF to rebrand as World Wrestling Entertainment, but its cultural presence only grew, encompassing weekly television shows, monthly premium live events, Hollywood films, and merchandise.
In 2024, WWE was sold to Endeavor Group Holding Company, owner of UFC, for $9.3 billion, signaling the immense financial and cultural clout of professional wrestling.
Hulk Hogan emerged as a colossal figure within this world. With his iconic red and yellow attire, larger-than-life persona, and notable catchphrases like “Eat your vitamins and say your prayers, brother!”, Hogan captivated fans and defined an era of professional wrestling.
“Hulkamania” became a cultural phenomenon during the mid-1980s, characterized by Hogan’s partnerships with Vince McMahon, allowing wrestling to achieve unprecedented popularity worldwide.
Though Hogan’s death is a personal loss to many, his wrestling persona remains immortal, permanently etched in the cultural consciousness of American society.
During a recent episode of WWE’s “SmackDown”, the wrestling community came together to honor Hogan’s legacy, showcasing their collective grief as they paid tribute to a beloved figure.
As a fan, witnessing this emotional moment felt hallowed, further underlining Hogan’s impact on the community.
Hogan’s career spanned decades, during which he played both the ultimate hero and an unforgettable heel, cementing his legacy as a megastar.
Growing up in the 1980s, I saw how professional wrestling served as a unifying force within my working-class community, bridging divides across racial lines.
The excitement was palpable when someone claimed to have spotted Hogan in town, weaving a tapestry of local folklore around his celebrity.
However, the wrestling world shifted dramatically when Hogan transitioned to a villainous role in 1996, joining World Championship Wrestling in a shocking turn.
Ditching his signature colors for black, Hogan became the face of the infamous New World Order, a faction that flipped the narrative, creating new antiheroes in wrestling history.
The latter part of Hogan’s career was marred by controversies, including legal disputes and public scandals, which diminished his widespread appeal.
Yet, Hogan’s performances, such as his iconic match against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania 18, delivered unforgettable moments in wrestling history.
Sports journalist Brian R. Solomon succinctly articulated Hogan’s complicated legacy, noting that while he did significant harm to his reputation in recent years, as a wrestler, he is the biggest star in the past 75 years.
Solomon’s reflections highlight a fundamental truth in wrestling history, suggesting that the timeline bifurcates between eras before and after Hulk Hogan.
Hogan’s unexpected collaboration with Trump during the 2024 election showcased the blending of wrestling and politics, as he adopted his wrestling persona for the MAGA movement.
From the Republican National Convention to a mammoth rally in Washington D.C., Hogan’s rousing speeches animated Trump’s campaign, once again uniting audiences within the theatrical atmosphere.
This unprecedented alliance culminated in moments where Trump and Hogan shared stage presence, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between their brands of performance and politics.
Posthumously, Trump paid tribute to Hogan, describing him as a dear friend and a quintessential MAGA figure, reflecting on their long-standing connection since the 1980s.
As both figures represent an era defined by spectacle and more character than personhood, their alliance exposes intriguing themes in American identity.
Trump frequently portrays himself in heroic, larger-than-life scenarios, akin to a professional wrestler, demonstrating the allure of such imagery in modern politics.
Reflecting on public responses to Hogan’s death, a diverse group of fans expressed feelings ranging from grief to forgiveness regarding Bollea’s complex legacy.
In interviews, those celebrating Hogan’s career appeared willing to overlook his past controversies for the excitement he brought to wrestling and the joy he provided.
Barry Blaustein, a filmmaker and wrestling documentarian, noted Hogan’s indelible impact on the industry, acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of his legacy.
This duality mirrors broader societal conflicts, especially as Hogan’s embrace of the controversial figure of Trump leads many fans to reevaluate their perceptions of him.
Ultimately, the journey of Hulk Hogan and his entanglements with emerging political narratives compel Americans to confront their memories of heroism and betrayal in varying forms.
As the words of Hogan’s theme song resonate, they remind us of the struggles and dualities within the fabric of American culture:
“When it comes crashing down and it hurts inside, you gotta take a stand, it don’t help to hide.”
Rest in peace to Hulk Hogan, a character who shaped the world we now inhabit, leaving behind a legacy complex and intertwined with America’s current political landscape.
image source from：salon
