As the world mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan, tributes are pouring in from across the entertainment and sports worlds. But for Tyrus, Fox News contributor and former professional wrestler, the loss feels deeply personal.
Appearing live on Fox News, Tyrus shared heartfelt memories of the man who helped shape the wrestling world and inspired generations of fans and athletes alike.
“Hulk Hogan was up there with Michael Jackson and Muhammad Ali,” Tyrus said. “If you got into wrestling, it had a lot to do with the immortal Hulk Hogan.”
The Ring, the Ropes, and the Red & Yellow
Growing up, Tyrus recalled rooting for Hogan’s rivals—Andre the Giant and Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff. But even then, he couldn’t ignore Hogan’s star power.
“He broke my heart as a kid so many times,” he laughed.
But admiration always won out.
“The 26-inch pythons, the charisma, the energy—you couldn’t match it. Hulkamania will run wild forever,” he added.
And while Hogan’s career had highs and lows, Tyrus emphasized that “he was about as American as it gets.” From his unforgettable entrance theme “Real American” to his thunderous voice echoing in arenas, Hogan’s presence helped define a generation of pop culture.
“You can’t talk about the Rocky movies without talking about Thunderlips,” Tyrus noted, referencing Hogan’s role in Rocky III.
“The ultimate man versus the ultimate meatball,” he laughed. “I remember them all.”
Beyond the Ring: An Enduring Icon
Hogan’s legacy extended far beyond wrestling. As Tyrus reminded viewers, he became a household name through both his in-ring career and his appearances on screen.
“He really showed us what it was like to maintain that larger-than-life image even behind closed doors,” Tyrus said.
And even in recent years, Hogan remained a commanding presence. Nearly a year before his passing, he delivered a passionate political speech in support of Donald Trump, declaring:
“Let Trumpamania run wild, brother… Make America great again!”
Tyrus connected the two icons:
“Ironically, Trump was also at WrestleMania. You’ll always be thankful for those bigger-than-life personalities.”
A Final Message: Focus on the Legacy
Tyrus offered a candid reminder for fans not to get lost in the controversies.
“Don’t worry about the personal stuff,” he said. “Think about his contributions in the ring and just be thankful that we got a little piece of that for decades.”
But he also used the moment to reflect on a tougher truth:
“71 is young. It’s too soon,” Tyrus said.
“When you’re a bigger-than-life household name, sometimes the hardest thing is knowing when to move on and to take care of yourself.”
He urged today’s athletes and fans to prioritize health and longevity:
“A lot of guys from his generation only knew how to lift heavy, run wild. We’ve got to put the 350-pound bars down and pick up the 20s. We’ve got to go to the doctor, take care of ourselves.”
Tyrus closed with a heartfelt farewell:
“Remember him in the ring. You’ll always have fun memories.”
