Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, is a legendary American wrestler who became the face of WWE during the 1980s and 1990s. He is a twelve-time world champion, winning six WWE (formerly WWF) titles and six WCW World Heavyweight Championships. His larger-than-life presence made him the biggest star of his era, earning him massive paychecks, endorsements, and merchandise deals. Hogan's fame expanded beyond wrestling, with roles in TV, movies, and music, further boosting his wealth. He even led the infamous New World Order (nWo) faction, changing the wrestling landscape forever. Fans have always been curious about his impressive earnings, which continue to fascinate to this day. Let’s take a look at how much money he’s made over the years.

What Is Hulk Hogan’s Net Worth?

As of October 2024, Hulk Hogan’s net worth is around $25 million.

Hulk Hogan has primarily built his wealth through his successful wrestling career, where he became a household name. Beyond the ring, he expanded his earnings by owning restaurants, selling merchandise, and acting in various movies and TV shows. 

A significant portion of Hogan's income comes from his time in WWE. In his autobiography, he revealed that he made up to $10 million a year. During the 1980s and 90s, he was a leading star, earning $1 million for appearances at WrestleMania V and VI. Later, while in WCW, he reportedly earned $13.17 million between 1996 and 2000. Even after retiring, Hogan continued to earn around $2.5 million annually.

Hulk Hogan also found success by opening his own restaurants. Between 1995 and 1996, he ran Pastamania, a pasta restaurant in the Mall of America in Minnesota. In 2012, he opened Hogan’s Beach, and later, Hogan’s Hangout, a restaurant, and bar near Clearwater Beach. These businesses have contributed significantly to his income.

In addition to wrestling, Hogan has acted in various films over the years. His appearances in movies like Rocky III, Mr. Nanny, Suburban Commando, and Gnomeo & Juliet have added to his earnings. He played a supporting character in his first movie, Rocky III, and reportedly made $15,000.

Hogan has also ventured into merchandising throughout his career. He opened Pastamania in 1995, though it closed after just a year. Hogan was the original choice to endorse the George Foreman Grill but opted for a meatball maker instead, a decision that cost him around $200 million. He later launched Hogan Energy, an energy drink, and a line of frozen cheeseburgers called "Hulkster Burgers”. Over the years, Hogan has had 171 different action figures produced by various manufacturers and promotions.

Hulk Hogan's divorce from Linda Hogan was a tough financial situation that affected his net worth. He had to pay her 70% of their liquid assets, $3 million for property settlements, and a 40% ownership stake in his businesses. In a radio interview, Hogan revealed that the divorce nearly led him to bankruptcy. While Linda didn’t receive alimony, she received $7.44 million from their bank and investment accounts, along with several luxury cars.

The Gawker lawsuit was another major event in Hulk Hogan's life that impacted his finances. In 2012, he sued Gawker for publishing a private sex tape without his permission, seeking $100 million for humiliation. In March 2016, a Florida jury initially ordered Gawker to pay him $115 million, later increasing it to $140 million. Gawker's CEO and the responsible editor were held liable. Ultimately, Gawker settled with Hogan for $31 million in November 2016.

What Is Hulk Hogan’s Claim To Fame?

Often mentioned on the Mount Rushmore of professional wrestling, Hogan has had several different periods that have largely impacted his life and his journey towards fame. Let’s take a look at these key moments that shaped his career and life.

• Early Career and Breakthrough: Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977, but gained worldwide recognition after signing for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1983. His heroic all-American character helped make wrestling popular in the 1980s. He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events and won the WWF Championship five times. Hogan was the first wrestler to win two Royal Rumble matches in a row in 1990 and 1991. His match with Andre the Giant in 1988 set a record with 33 million viewers.
• Transition to WCW and the Rise of Hollywood Hogan: In 1993, Hulk Hogan left WWF to join World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times and holds the record for the longest reign. In 1996, he reinvented himself as the villain "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan and led the popular New World Order (nWo) group. This made him a key player in the "Monday Night Wars", a new boom in wrestling. He also headlined WCW's main event, Starrcade, three times, including the record-setting Starrcade 1997.
• Acting Career: Hulk Hogan had a successful acting career alongside wrestling, starting with a cameo in Rocky III in 1982. He starred in movies like No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. Hogan also appeared in three TV shows, Hogan Knows Best, Thunder in Paradise, and China, IL. Additionally, he was the frontman for The Wrestling Boot Band, whose album Hulk Rules reached No. 12 on the Billboard Top Kid Audio chart in 1995.
• Return to WWE: Hulk Hogan made a comeback to the WWF in 2002 after the WWF acquired WCW the year before. He won the Undisputed WWF Championship for his sixth time, tying the record at that time, before leaving in 2003. In 2005, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and was inducted again in 2020 as part of the nWo. His return to WWE after WCW’s demise only added to his wrestling fortune.
• Divorce Settlement: In 2007, after rumors of infidelity, Hulk Hogan’s wife, Linda, filed for divorce. The divorce settlement required Hulk to pay her 70% of their liquid assets, $3 million for real estate, and a 40% stake in his businesses. While Linda didn’t receive alimony, she got $7.44 million out of their $10.41 million in bank and investment accounts, along with a Mercedes-Benz, Corvette, and Cadillac Escalade. In a 2011 interview, Hulk revealed the divorce nearly pushed him into bankruptcy.
• Gawker Lawsuit: In 2012, Hulk Hogan filed a lawsuit against Gawker after the site posted a portion of a sex tape featuring Hogan, which was filmed without his knowledge. Hogan claimed the video caused long-lasting humiliation and invaded his privacy. Initially, he sought $100 million in damages. In 2016, a Florida jury sided with Hogan, awarding him $140 million. Gawker unsuccessfully appealed and was forced into bankruptcy. In November 2016, they settled with Hogan for $31 million. The lawsuit led to Gawker's eventual shutdown.

What Business Ventures Has Hulk Hogan Been Involved With?

Beyond wrestling, Hulk Hogan has built several businesses that contribute to his earnings and a future after his professional wrestling career. Here’s a look at some of them:

• Pastamania: In 1995, Hulk Hogan created and financed a restaurant called Pastamania, his own signature pasta restaurant, in the Mall of America. It was promoted on WCW's Monday Nitro and featured dishes like "Hulk-U's" and "Hulk-A-Roos." However, the restaurant closed within a year. 
• Hulkster Burgers and Hogan Nutrition: In 2006, Hulk Hogan introduced Hogan Energy, a drink distributed by Socko Energy. Expanding his brand further, he launched "Hulkster Burgers," a line of microwavable hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and chicken sandwiches sold at Walmart. In 2011, he launched a new website Hogan Nutrition which offered health and nutrition products.
• Hogan’s Beach and Hogan’s Hangout: On New Year's Eve 2012, Hulk Hogan opened a beachfront restaurant called "Hogan's Beach" in Tampa. The restaurant removed his name in 2015. Later, he opened another restaurant, "Hogan's Hangout," in Clearwater Beach.
• Real American Beer: In June 2024, Hulk Hogan launched a new premium brand "Real American Beer”. The brand gained attention after Trump publicly endorsed it, but soon faced controversy. Hogan was accused of dropping Black brand ambassadors and replacing them with white women at future events. This controversy added to Hogan's troubled history, including past racist remarks, casting a shadow over his beer venture.
• Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill: Hulk Hogan introduced the Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill in an attempt to replicate the success of the George Foreman Grill. Similar in design, it cooked food on both sides and aimed to reduce fat. Unfortunately, like his previous ventures, the grill struggled in sales and was eventually recalled due to a design flaw that posed fire hazards.

What Brands Does Hulk Hogan Endorse?

Like many celebrities, Hogan is also involved with big brands and products. Here’s a list of his endorsements:

• Hulkamania Wrestling: In April 2008, Hulk Hogan partnered with video game developer Gameloft to create "Hulkamania Wrestling" for mobile phones. Hogan said the game would reflect his wrestling experiences and include his signature moves, like the Doublehand Choke Lift and Strong Clothesline.
• Hostamania: In October 2013, Hulk Hogan partnered with Tech Assets, Inc. to launch a web hosting service called "Hostamania." To promote it, Hogan starred in a humorous commercial parodying Jean-Claude Van Damme’s GoDaddy ads and Miley Cyrus’ "Wrecking Ball" music video.
• Meatball Maker: Hulk Hogan once had the chance to endorse what became the George Foreman Grill, but he chose to endorse a meatball maker instead. This decision is considered one of his biggest business mistakes, as the grill went on to earn hundreds of millions, costing Hogan an estimated $200 million in potential earnings.
• Thunder Mixer: Hulk Hogan lost out on a chance to endorse the George Foreman Grill and instead marketed the Thunder Mixer. However, this battery-operated mixer was not very effective, and it didn't sell well. But it’s still available for under $10 on eBay today.
• Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill: Hulk Hogan returned to the kitchen scene with the Hulk Hogan Ultimate Grill and promoted through an infomercial starring him where he compared it to other products. Sadly, it didn’t sell well and was recalled due to a design flaw that caused fire hazards.
• Honey Nut Cheerios: In 1984, Hulk Hogan starred in a memorable commercial for Honey Nut Cheerios, a product from General Mills that quickly became a favorite among breakfast cereals. The commercial features Hogan enthusiastically enjoying a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, emphasizing the cereal's great taste.
• Right Guard Deodorant: In 1991, Hulk Hogan appeared in a commercial promoting Right Guard's Sports Sticks antiperspirant and deodorant. This advertisement cleverly combined humor with a strong message about personal hygiene and was widely loved by fans.
• Hogan Energy: In 2006, Hulk Hogan introduced Hogan Energy, a drink distributed by Socko Energy. His brand also extended to "Hulkster Burgers," a line of microwavable burgers and sandwiches sold at Wal-Mart. Later, in 2011, Hogan launched Hogan Nutrition, a website offering various nutritional and dietary products.
• Rent-A-Center: In 2010, former WWE star Hulk Hogan became a spokesperson for Rent-A-Center, joining football announcer Troy Aikman in their commercials. In one ad, Hogan promoted a 52-inch TV for about $40 a week.
• LoanMart: In 2016, 1-800-LoanMart announced a new collaboration with wrestling legend Hulk Hogan as their spokesperson. Starting February 8, Hogan appeared in television and radio ads promoting the non-traditional lender, alongside fellow wrestling personality Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart. The duo shot two commercials at Loyal Studios in Santa Monica, including scenes where they built a wrestling ring.
• WWE Action Figures: Hulk Hogan's popularity helped launch numerous action figures over the years, including iconic ones like the 1984 LJN figure, the Jakks Classic Superstars series from the late '90s and early 2000s, and the highly detailed Mattel Ultimate Edition Series 13.
• Political Endorsement: On July 19, 2024, Hulk Hogan endorsed Donald Trump for president at the Republican National Convention. He called Trump "a real American hero" and wore a Trump-Vance shirt with a MAGA slogan. Hogan ripped off his jacket during his speech, saying Trump and his supporters would help America. He exclaimed, "Let Trump-a-mania run wild, brother!" and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

How Does Hulk Hogan Spend His Millions?

Hogan has been a major figure in wrestling for many years, known not only for his high earnings but also for spending wealth on various assets. Here’s a list of some of his most notable holdings:

Hulk Hogan’s Real Estate Portfolio 

The legendary wrestling star owns several luxury properties. Let’s explore them one by one.

• Clearwater Home: Hulk Hogan currently resides at 1040 Eldorado Ave in Clearwater, Florida. He purchased this home for $3.3 million. The house is approximately 5,400 square feet and features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a lift, a chimney, a pool, and two spas.
• Belleair Mansion: In 1992, Hulk Hogan bought a waterfront property in Belleair, Florida, for $2 million. He tore down the old house and spent several years building a huge mansion that was over 17,000 square feet. Finished in 1996, this beautiful home was featured in his reality show, "Hogan Knows Best," from 2005 to 2007. The mansion included five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a tanning salon, a gym, a hot tub, a wet bar, and a pool with waterfalls, all situated on 1.5 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway. In 2006, as he and his ex-wife Linda were going through a separation, they put the mansion up for sale for $26 million. However, after their split and the real estate market crash, the price kept dropping. By August 2009, it was down to $13.9 million, and eventually, Hogan sold it for $6.2 million in April 2012, which was $19 million less than the original price.

Vehicles Owned By Hulk Hogan Over The Years

Hulk Hogan is known for his love of classic Mopar muscle cars. Here’s a glimpse into his impressive collection:

• 1968 Dodge Charger R/T: Hulk Hogan owns a powerful 1968 Dodge Charger R/T, known for its iconic status in American muscle car history. Hogan upgraded the engine to a 528 cu-in Hemi V8, boosting its power from 375 horsepower to an impressive 900 horsepower as per HotCars.
• 1969 Plymouth Road Runner: Hogan also has a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner, which he fondly calls his "Date Car”. While it doesn’t have major upgrades like the Charger, it includes air conditioning and has a pristine interior with original dials and high-quality leather bucket seats.
• 1971 Plymouth Barracuda: Another classic car in Hogan's collection is the 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. What makes it special is its Shaker hood, a feature that was only available for a short time. In a video, Hogan jokingly mentions that his son Nick should hold on to this car, as it might be worth a million dollars in the near future.
• 1966 Chevrolet Caprice: Hogan’s collection also includes a 1966 Chevrolet Caprice 2-door coupe, which he purchased at auction for $29,000 as per HotCars. This classic car stands out with its striking black paint job. On the inside, this Caprice is completely stock. It has factory dials and gauges. 
• 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: One of Hulk Hogan's latest Mopar rides is the sleek black 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. In a Facebook video, Hogan shared his goal of hitting 203 mph in the Demon after swapping out the tires. He later succeeded, as seen in aYouTube clip showing the 203 mph run at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds in Florida.
• 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Red Eye Widebody: Hulk Hogan also owns a black 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Red Eye Widebody. He proudly shared this new ride in a Facebook post on December 24, 2020. In the post, he captioned, “Santa just brought me the new #Dodge Red Eye Wide Body brother MERRY CHRISTMAS BROTHER HH #mopar.”

What Are Hulk Hogan’s Charitable Contributions?

Alongside his successful wrestling career, Hogan has been actively involved in charity work, supporting various organizations both financially and motivationally. Let’s take a closer look at some of his contributions:

• Unity in the Community: Hulk Hogan has actively supported "Unity in the Community," a charity in Plant City, Florida. In 2010, he helped raise $67,915 by raffling a custom Hulk Hogan Edition 2010 Camaro at the Florida Strawberry Festival. The funds supported Meals on Wheels and the United Food Bank. In 2011, another fundraiser featuring a 2011 Hulk Hogan Edition Camaro SS raised $100,000 for Unity, benefiting local charities and service groups.
• 50 Legs: Hulk Hogan supports "50 Legs," a charity providing prosthetics to amputees. He donates a portion of earnings from Hogan's Beach Shop and has helped raise funds, including $3,500 from auctioning a signed WWE belt. Hogan has also appeared at events to support both 50 Legs and Wheelchairs 4 Kids.
• Make-A-Wish: Hulk Hogan has granted over 200 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, making him the most requested celebrity in the 1980s. He created lasting memories for many children, including donating $5,000 to the foundation in Australia in 2009. 
• Dreamseekers Foundation: The Dreamseekers Foundation, co-founded by Hulk Hogan and Ernie Stevens Jr., supports Native American youth through scholarships and resources. It aims to improve healthcare and education for those facing poverty and violence. In 2007, Hogan helped donate thousands of dollars to families during the Spirit of Sovereignty Christmas drive, with each tribe receiving about $5,000. Funds generated from Hogan's "Hulkamania Experience" video slot will support health and education programs in Indian Country.
• American Diabetes Association: The American Diabetes Association fights against the serious effects of diabetes and helps those living with it. When Hulk Hogan was diagnosed with type II diabetes in 2008, it opened his eyes to how anyone can get diabetes. Since then, he has supported the American Diabetes Association along with other charities. However, not much is known about the specific amounts he has donated.

What’s Next For Hulk Hogan?

Hulk Hogan recently announced on the Impulsive podcast that he has signed a five-year contract with WWE. He stated, "I signed a five-year deal," which will keep him involved with the promotion as he turns 71. The deal includes responsibilities related to licensing, merchandising, and acting as an ambassador for WWE events like WrestleMania.