The world of professional wrestling has lost a true giant. Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Gene Bollea, has passed away at the age of 71. For anyone who grew up watching wrestling in the ’80s, ’90s, or even the early 2000s, this one hits hard. Hogan wasn’t just a superstar, he was wrestling.
With his yellow bandana, red tights, ripped shirt, and that unmistakable charisma, Hogan didn’t just step into the ring, he owned it. “Hulkamania” wasn’t just a catchphrase; it was a movement. And no matter how many times people counted him out, he always came roaring back. That’s what made him special — the way he kept showing up, kept fighting, kept connecting.
So, as fans around the world remember him, let’s take a moment to revisit five of Hulk Hogan’s most unforgettable comeback moments, the ones that made us cheer, scream, and sometimes even tear up.
1. WrestleMania III (1987): Slamming André the Giant
This was the moment — the one burned into the memory of every old-school wrestling fan. Hogan vs. André the Giant. WrestleMania III. 93,000 people in the Silverdome. André looked unbeatable. He was undefeated for nearly a decade, and Hogan was taking a serious beating.
Then, somehow, Hogan did the impossible. He hulked up, picked up all 520 pounds of André, and body-slammed him. The crowd lost its mind. That leg drop? Iconic. That win? Legendary. It wasn’t just a comeback — it was wrestling history being made.
2. WrestleMania V (1989): Breaking Up with Macho Man
This one wasn’t just about titles — it was personal. Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage had been a team, the famous “Mega Powers.” But jealousy over Miss Elizabeth tore them apart. At WrestleMania V, they finally clashed — and Savage brought the heat.
For most of the match, Hogan looked like he might not make it. But then came that classic “hulking up” moment. One leg drop later, and the championship was his again. It wasn’t just a win; it was proof that even the most emotional battles couldn’t keep Hogan down.
3. SummerSlam 1990: Bouncing Back from the Ultimate Loss
After losing to The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI, Hogan was in unfamiliar territory — on the losing side. But that wasn’t the end. That summer, he returned to face Earthquake, a monstrous villain who had put him out of action.
It was a classic underdog story. The crowd was electric, the stakes were high, and Hogan — feeding off the energy like only he could — made a huge comeback. He didn’t just win a match; he reminded everyone why he was still the heart and soul of wrestling.
4. Bash at the Beach (1996): The Heel Turn That Changed Everything
This was the most shocking Hogan moment ever. At WCW’s Bash at the Beach, fans thought Hogan was showing up to save the day. Instead, he turned heel — joining forces with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to form the nWo.
For fans who had known him as the ultimate good guy for over a decade, it was surreal. But somehow, it worked. “Hollywood Hogan” became a phenomenon. That dark, swaggering version of Hogan brought a whole new generation into wrestling. It was the comeback no one expected — and it changed the industry forever.
5. WrestleMania X8 (2002): One Last Ride with The Rock
Hogan returned to WWE in 2002, older but still electric. At WrestleMania X8, he faced The Rock in what felt like a true passing-of-the-torch moment. But something magical happened.
Even though Hogan came in as a villain, the crowd in Toronto cheered him like a hero. Every punch, every boot, every hulk-up — the fans ate it up. He didn’t win that night, but it didn’t matter. The match ended with a handshake, and later that year, Hogan would capture one last WWE title. It was pure wrestling magic.
