The "Superman" Hulk Hogan

This time, I would like to write about Hulk Hogan, who was popular and known as the "Superman" in New Japan Pro-Wrestling at the time.
Hogan's career can be broadly divided into his New Japan Pro-Wrestling era and his subsequent era of great success around the world.
The New Japan Pro-Wrestling era can be considered a period of "awakening as a wrestler," which was an indispensable time for Hogan, while the WWF (now WWE) era can be positioned as his "leap to becoming a global superstar."

1. New Japan Pro-Wrestling Era

(1980–1985)
Along with the Japanese catchphrase "Ichiban" (Number One), he established his position as the top foreign wrestler in Japan.
"Superman" Awakening:
He first visited Japan in 1980. Although he was initially evaluated as a large but clumsy "oaf," he learned Antonio Inoki's match pacing up close and absorbed his technique and charisma.
Axe Bomber and the Inoki Fainting Incident:
In the first IWGP final in 1983, he delivered his finishing move, the "Axe Bomber," to Inoki, knocking him out to win the tournament. This incident became a social phenomenon that transcended the boundaries of professional wrestling, and Hogan's name echoed throughout Japan.
Adaptation to the Japanese Style:
He gained tremendous support from fans by adopting a fighting style suited to "Japan of Technique," such as performing side armlocks and advanced wrestling techniques not seen in America.
I also believe that the New Japan style and techniques from this time became a major foundation for Hogan's subsequent great success.

2. WWF (now WWE) Era

(1984–1993)
He teamed up with Vince McMahon Jr. and transformed professional wrestling into "sports entertainment."
First WWF Title Win and "Hulkamania":
On January 23, 1984, he defeated The Iron Sheik at MSG in New York to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship for the first time. This triggered "Hulkamania," a heroic image that captivated everyone from children to adults across the United States.
Success of WrestleMania:
He served as the main event for the first "WrestleMania" held in 1985, and through tie-ups with celebrities, he pushed professional wrestling into mainstream culture.
Legendary Rivals:
He engaged in historic feuds with Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, the Ultimate Warrior, and others. The scene where he body-slammed Andre at "WrestleMania III" in 1987 became an iconic moment in wrestling history.

Career Supplement
From 1994 onwards, he moved to WCW and formed the villainous unit "nWo," revolutionizing the wrestling world once again. He later returned to WWE, was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and remained an icon of the industry until he passed away at the age of 71 on July 24, 2025.

I will describe Hulk Hogan's WCW era and his iconic rivals in each era below.

3. WCW Era

(1994–2000)
He left the WWF and moved to the rival organization WCW in 1994. This period marked the biggest turning point that overturned the common sense of the wrestling world.
Shocking Heel Turn:
In 1996, he abandoned his previous image as a hero and formed the villainous unit nWo with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall.
Hollywood Hogan:
He revamped his costume from red and yellow to black and white and called himself "Hollywood Hogan." This production gained explosive support and became the driving force behind WCW temporarily surpassing the WWF in ratings.
Power Struggle:
It was an era where he dominated the industry both publicly and privately, including the expansion of the unit, internal strife, and political influence within the organization.
Hogan's career has always been colored by intense feuds with the top wrestlers of the era.

4. Major Rivals and Opponents

・New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Antonio Inoki:
Famous for the legendary IWGP match in 1983 where he knocked Inoki out with an Axe Bomber. They were also tag team partners for a time.
Riki Choshu:
In 1984, Choshu's interference in the match against Inoki during the second IWGP tournament led to a riot. While this is not called a feud, it is said to have been a desperate measure because Inoki could not afford a complete victory over Hogan, who was becoming a superstar.
・WWF (now WWE)
Andre the Giant:
The historic body slam at WrestleMania III. Considered his most important rival.
Randy Savage:
From the formation of the "Mega Powers" tag team to the breakup due to jealousy and their title match.
Ultimate Warrior:
The "Ultimate Challenge" at WrestleMania VI. A great match symbolizing a generational change.
・WCW
Sting:
Became Hogan's greatest nemesis as the "Guardian of WCW" who stood up to the nWo alone.
Lex Luger:
During the peak of the nWo, he captured the WCW title from Hogan, sending the venue into a frenzy.
Ric Flair:
A battle between the new and old champions right after his transfer. They were close friends in private life but fought for many years in the ring. From the 2000s onwards, The Rock: The "New vs. Old Icon" showdown at WrestleMania X8 in 2002. A legendary match.
Brock Lesnar:
Overwhelmed by a young Lesnar, leaving an impression of the changing times.
When he passed away at the age of 71 in July 2025, former rivals like Ric Flair expressed their deep condolences on social media.

5. Later Years and Passing

Hall of Fame: He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, as an individual (2005) and as part of the nWo (2020).
Passing (2025): On July 24, 2025, his condition suddenly worsened at his home in Florida, and he passed away at the age of 71. The cause of death is reported to be a natural death due to acute myocardial infarction.

6. Inoki's Evaluation of Hogan

Inoki did not talk much about Hogan in public, but he highly valued the fact that Hogan learned the Japanese style during his New Japan Pro-Wrestling days and the process by which Hogan grew into a global star through the "incident" at the IWGP final.
Expectations for the "Superman":
Inoki recognized Hogan's physique and potential early on, and by raising him as his own rival, he intended to make him the foreign ace of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
The Tongue-Out Knockout Incident:
The knockout drama at the 1983 IWGP final was eventually passed down as the "depth" and "mystery" of professional wrestling, and this controversy itself made their relationship special. Inoki acknowledged this incident as an important event in wrestling history.

7. Hogan's Evaluation of Inoki

On the other hand, Hogan deeply respected Inoki and felt a bond like that of a master and disciple.
The word "Ichiban":
When Inoki passed away in 2022, Hogan released a memorial comment on his Twitter (now X), saying, "Inoki was truly Ichiban (Number One). Rest in peace, my brother. I love you," incorporating Japanese.
Emphasis on Experience in Japan:
Hogan felt that he spent nearly half of his career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and he reflected that the experience of "riding the bus, traveling, living, and sometimes fighting American wrestlers" became the foundation for his success in America.
Recognition as a Mentor:
He says that learning the techniques and mindset as a wrestler through the rigorous training in Japan and matches against Inoki was essential for later taking the world by storm as "Hulkamania."