[In Memoriam] "The Superman" Hulk Hogan, Forever.
Tears for the passing of a superman
On July 24, 2025 (local time), world-renowned professional wrestler Hulk Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Florida, USA, and passed away after being transported to the hospital.
He passed away on August 11, just before his 72nd birthday.
The day Hogan died was Friday, July 25, in Japan time. About 40 years ago, when he frequently visited Japan, every Friday was a time when it felt like the whole country was obsessed with professional wrestling... that was the kind of era it was.
Friday at 8 PM, the hero I met in front of the TV
In the 1980s, Japan was in the midst of a professional wrestling craze.
TV Asahi's "World Pro Wrestling" regularly recorded viewership ratings of over 20%, and superstars shone like stars in the sky.
In addition to Japanese stars like Antonio Inoki, the first Tiger Mask, Tatsumi Fujinami, and Riki Choshu, there was the young Hogan, who had the momentum to stand alongside the foreign ace, "The Great Giant" Andre the Giant.
While many other foreign wrestlers were "athletes" with backgrounds in wrestling or American football, Hogan at this time was a wrestler with a unique background as a "bodybuilder who dreamed of being a professional in a rock band."
He had long blonde hair, a characteristic mustache, and a muscular, tanned physique. He wore silver wrestling boots and black trunks with the kanji for "Number One" written on them. Riding to the ring to his theme song at the time, "Galactica Theme," he would dash into the ring, thrust his right index finger into the air, and shout, "Ichiban!"
Hulk Hogan was charismatic and cool!
From a clumsy "superman" to becoming the world's best
Hogan had a unique background. At first, his wrestling moves were awkward, and even though he was huge, his strikes, which looked like mere taps, felt unconvincing.
However, he was selected as a tag team partner for "Stan Hansen" and "Antonio Inoki" in the Japanese ring, and he learned much from Andre, Rhodes, the first Tiger Mask, and other top wrestlers, growing in the process.
Eventually, he devised his finishing move, the "Axe Bomber," and made his name known throughout the world.
I believe Hogan became the "industry's greatest superstar" and an "icon" known by face and name worldwide not only because he loved professional wrestling since he was a boy, but also because he was a "hard worker" who never neglected to be creative and resourceful.
Rocky III and the realization of the American Dream
A major turning point in Hulk Hogan's life was his appearance in the 1982 film "Rocky III," starring Sylvester Stallone.
This was only possible because of Hogan's foresight and initiative in seizing the opportunity, defying the opposition of the then-WWWF (now WWE) owner, Vince McMahon Sr.
The road to success that Hogan walked since the first WrestleMania in 1985 was truly the 'American Dream' itself.
As the face of WWE, bringing hope and joy to the world
The reason the now world-renowned 'WWE' was able to grow this large is precisely because it charged forward with the dual wheels of Vince McMahon and Hulk Hogan, and the achievements of Hogan, who gave 'dreams' and 'joy' to people all over the world for so long, are immeasurable.
Those achievements are reflected not only in the tributes from many industry figures, including Ric Flair and The Undertaker, but also in messages from other sectors, such as President Trump and Vice President Vance.
Right now... I am in a state of 'Hogan Loss'.
The news of Hogan's passing was reported by NHK and various commercial television stations, and I watched it repeatedly. In particular, TV Asahi's 'Hodo Station' dedicated a special segment to him, and watching the nostalgic footage brought something 'welling up' inside me; I am currently in a bit of a 'Hogan Loss' state.
A hero who showed us 'dreams,' 'courage,' and 'strength'.
The sight of him entering the ring with that shout of 'Ichiban!' is still burned into the depths of my heart...
'Hulk Star✨', forever😭
Thank you. Hulk Hogan!