Hulk Hogan's wrestling days may be behind him, but the American personality he brought to the ring is still alive.
The six-time World Wrestling Entertainment champion took the stage Thursday at the Republican National Convention to endorse former President Trump, whom he called a friend of more than 35 years. During his speech, Hogan also declared that the Republican presidential candidate, and WWE Hall of Famer — a “hero” and a “gladiator”.
“When I got here tonight, there was so much energy in this room that I felt like maybe I was in Madison Square Garden getting ready to win another world title,” Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, said as he began his speech. “But what I found out is that I was in a room full of real Americans, bro.” (Thus came the first of many references to Hogan’s entrance theme, “Real American.”)
WWE in 2015 terminated his contract with Hogan after it was reported that he had been caught on video using a racial slur. That year, the wrestling star told TMZ that he had “no hard feelings” toward the organization and expressed a desire to be Trump’s running mate. Still, Hogan on Thursday gave his blessing to vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance, calling the Republican ticket “the best tag team” he had ever seen.
Then, when he addressed the attempted assassination of Trump on Saturday, Hogan went full throttle with his theatrics.
He ripped off his shirt to reveal a red tank top with the slogan “Make America Great Again” and shouted, “Let Trumpmania run wild, bro. Let Trumpmania rule again. Let Trumpmania make America great again.” Trump I blew him a kiss.
“As an artist, I try to stay out of politics, but after everything that has happened to our country over the last four years and everything that happened this past weekend, I can no longer stay silent,” Hogan said. “I’m here tonight because I want the world to know that Donald Trump is a true American hero and I’m proud to support my hero as the next president of the United States.”
Hogan praised Trump for his commitment to running for office despite his two impeachments and criminal and civil cases: “I know tough guys, but let me tell you something, bro. Donald Trump is the toughest of them all.”
He capped off his support with a play on words from his motto: “What are you gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”
“What are you going to do when Donald Trump and all the Trump-maniacs go crazy on you, bro?” he roared, to the delight of the crowd.
But Hogan was just the first of two representatives from the worlds of sports and entertainment to take the stage at the Republican National Convention on Thursday night.
Later that night, at Trump's personal request, Dana White, president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, introduced the presidential candidate, calling him a “fighter” and a “true American badass.”
“I'm in the tough guy business, and this man is the toughest, most resilient human being I've ever met in my life,” White said.
Trump then managed The 50,000 attendees at the Republican National Convention, many of whom had… He put bandages on his ears to match yours.
“Together we will save this country, restore the republic and usher in the rich and wonderful future that our people truly deserve,” he said.
