Hulk Hogan is arguably the biggest name in professional wrestling history. Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, is an actor, wrestler, entrepreneur, and worldwide celebrity. He started his career in 1977 and signed with the World Wrestling Federation, now known as the WWE, in 1983. Hogan is largely responsible for the explosion in popularity of professional wrestling in the 1980s.
Hogan’s all-American persona and his Cold War battles with the hated Iron Sheik helped cement his status as an American hero during the height of tensions with the Soviet Union and the Middle East. Hogan also espoused American values such as family, patriotism, and loyalty as he battled his way to eight headlining Wrestlemania appearances. It would not be hyperbole to say that Hogan is the most popular wrestler in the history of the sport.
Hogan also had a hugely successful reality show called Hogan Knows Best and appeared on numerous shows such as Baywatch and The A-Team. He also appeared as Thunderlips Hogan in Rocky III. It is fair to say that Hulk Hogan was everywhere in the 80s and 90s. In addition, the wrestler also owns Hogan’s hangout in Clearwater Beach, Florida, and makes regular appearances at the shop, interacting with fans and admirers.
Hogan’s most important accomplishment, however, came recently at the Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Indian Rocks, Florida. Even though the 70-year-old wrestler accepted Jesus Christ as his savior when he was 14 years old, he recently took the plunge and was baptized at the Indian Rocks Church. Hogan was accompanied by his wife Sky Daily Hogan, who also participated in the ritual event.
The Hulkster credits his faith for guiding him through life and his career and had this to say on social media: “I accepted Christ as my savior at 14 years old. The training, prayers, and vitamins kept me in the game, but now that I am one with God, the main event theme of surrender, service, and love makes me the Real Main Event that can slam any giant of any size through the power of my Lord and Savior. And so it is, even now, brother, AMEN!”
It was perhaps the most Hulk Hogan-esque confession of faith, but wrestling fans would expect nothing less from the iconic grappler. Fans have followed his career arc, including the turns Hogan had as a heel and his alliance with Macho Man Randy Savage, and subsequent battles for Miss Elizabeth, Savage’s real-life wife. Despite the theatrics and real-life struggles Hogan has endured, his faith has kept him on the right track, and his baptism is the culmination of that journey.
Hogan expressed the significance of the moment again on social media. He wrote: “Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love!” It is an inspiring story and journey for one of the generation’s most popular and beloved entertainers. Hulk Hogan was larger than life on the screen and in the ring, but even he knew God was bigger, and surrendering his life to Jesus was bigger than any victory in the squared circle.
