Hulk Hogan, the American wrestling icon, endorsed former President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Hogan made his endorsement public by dramatically removing his jacket and tearing a T-shirt to reveal a tank top bearing Trump’s name alongside Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.
Hogan rallied the audience from the stage, proclaiming, “He’s going to win in November, and when he does, we’re all going to be champions again. He’s been the greatest patriot, and he still is. He’s always said exactly what he thinks, and regardless of the odds, he always finds a way to win,” referencing his 35-year acquaintance with Trump.
Addressing the nation’s state under Trump’s previous term (2017-2021), Hogan expressed nostalgia, criticizing the current administration for issues at the border and rising food and gasoline costs, declaring, “The only one who can fix it is Trump.” In response, Trump acknowledged Hogan’s endorsement with an air kiss.
The 70-year-old wrestler, known for his iconic moustache, was a highlight speaker on the convention’s final day. He appeared just before Trump’s first public address since an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Hogan invoked Trump’s campaign slogan in his speech, urging, “Let’s let Trumpamania run wild, brother. Let’s make America great again.”
Hogan’s political affiliations have varied over time. He supported Barack Obama in 2008, but by 2015, he publicly toyed with the idea of being Trump’s running mate. Although he recently hinted at a possible presidential run, he ultimately did not pursue it.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan, whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea, gained notoriety in the 80s and 90s with the Wrestling Federation (WWE) and later for his successful legal battle against the gossip site Gawker in 2013, which had published a sex tape featuring him.
Trump’s longstanding ties with professional wrestling include sponsoring several events and participating in scripted matches.
