Hulk Hogan dies: The rise and fall of a wrestling icon
Briefly

Hulk Hogan, who passed away at 71, was a significant figure in professional wrestling, especially during its popularity peaks in the 1980s and 1990s. His fame soared after his role in 'Rocky III' in 1982. Vince McMahon signed Hogan to the WWF in 1983, where he quickly became champion and the promotion's biggest star. Hogan's catchphrases and charismatic persona contributed to wrestling's mainstream appeal, with notable ratings from his appearances on prominent TV shows. Despite attempts at a film career, Hogan's movie ventures largely failed, contrasting his wrestling success.
Hulk Hogan, who died Thursday at 71, was a star in pro wrestling, through its two biggest popularity booms in the mid 1980s and the late 1990s.
Hogan burst onto the scene in the 1982 movie 'Rocky III,' where he played a pro wrestler called Thunderlips.
Vince McMahon, looking for a centerpiece for the WWF, quickly put the championship on Hogan, who became the face of the promotion.
Throughout his career, Hogan lifted pro wrestling to mainstream success with appearances on MTV and NBC, often drawing better ratings.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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