Pro wrestling has always had a flair for the dramatic, and the recent Republican National Convention in Milwaukee was no exception. Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life wrestling icon, brought his brand of spectacle to politics, delivering a rousing endorsement of former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.
Hogan, a six-time WWE champion also known as Terry Bollea, took the stage amid roaring applause and adulation from an audience eager to hear not just from Trump, but also from the wrestling legend himself. Known for his bombastic personality and his signature "24-inch pythons," Hogan did not disappoint as he channeled his wrestling persona to stir up the crowd.
As Hogan ripped off his vest to reveal a "Trump-Vance 2024" shirt underneath, he declared, “Enough was enough and I said, let Trump-a-mania run wild, brother. Let Trump-a-mania rule again. Let Trump-a-mania make America great again." Hogan's theatrics included flexing his muscles and posing as he spoke fervently about Trump's potential to "straighten out this country for all the real Americans."
Hogan's endorsement of Trump added a unique twist to the convention's proceedings. He equated Trump and Vance to the greatest tag-team partners, likening their partnership to his own iconic pairing with the late Randy "Macho Man" Savage. "I've seen some great tag teams in my time," Hogan said. "But you know something? I see the greatest tag team of my life standing upon us and getting ready to straighten this country out for all the real Americans."
Hogan praised Trump, calling him a "real American hero" and predicted a bright future with him back in the White House. “America is going to get back on track,” he proclaimed, referencing the so-called "Trump-ites" or fervent followers of Trump who he believes will lead the nation to prosperity.
This is not the first time Hogan has expressed support for Trump. Back in 2015, Hogan mentioned his desire to be Trump's running mate. Although that role went to Mike Pence, Hogan’s passion for Trump has only grown stronger over the years. Now, with Vance as Trump's chosen running mate, Hogan is lending his celebrity clout to rally support.
Despite the fanfare, Hogan is no stranger to controversy. His career has been punctuated with both highs and lows, including a high-profile sex tape lawsuit against Gawker and a temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame due to racist remarks. Hogan has apologized for past missteps and has seen his reputation partially restored among fans and peers within the African American community of professional wrestling.
Aside from wrestling, Hogan has dabbled in acting and even reality TV. His appearances in films like "Rocky III" and the reality show "Hogan Knows Best" have kept him in the public eye long after his wrestling heyday. These varied career experiences all converge in Hogan's larger-than-life persona, a blend of entertainment and personal dramas that have kept fans engaged for decades.
The convention's spotlight on Hogan underscores Trump's strategy of leveraging celebrity endorsements to energize his base. The pairing with Hogan, known for his passionate and often theatrical public persona, aligns well with Trump’s own flair for showmanship. It’s a calculated move designed to draw attention and galvanize supporters who thrive on larger-than-life figures.
As the event wound down, the enthusiasm from the crowd did not. Hogan punctuated the evening’s political theatrics with one final flourish, asking the audience and, metaphorically, the country: “Whatcha gonna do when Donald Trump and all the Trump-a-maniacs run wild on you, brother?” It was a rhetorical flourish typical of Hogan's wrestling days but charged with new political fervor.
Hogan's presence at the convention and his full-throated support for Trump and Vance serve as a reminder of the blurred lines between entertainment and politics. It remains to be seen how much weight a celebrity endorsement holds in swaying voters, but in today’s media-driven culture, it certainly adds an intriguing layer to the political narrative.
Could Hogan’s iconic status and dramatic endorsements help propel Trump to another presidential term? The coming months will tell. One thing is for sure, though: the spectacle at the RNC was quintessentially American, blending sports, entertainment, and politics into a single, roaring event.
