Hulk Hogan Dies: Wrestling Icon’s “Prayers and Vitamins” Mantra Tainted by Racist Legacy

On July 24, 2025, Terry Gene Bollea, widely known as Hulk Hogan, passed away at 71, prompting profound reflection for many, especially those raised in the 1980s. Hogan surpassed mere wrestling fame; he became a cultural touchstone. Memories of WrestleMania III in 1987, where over 93,000 fans witnessed him slam the 500-pound Andre the Giant, remain vivid. During this iconic era, Hogan embodied strength and American values, famously urging fans to "say your prayers and eat their vitamins." Yet, a decade ago, that ideal crumbled when racist remarks he made surfaced, gravely unsettling fans who idolized him. His swift reinstatement in WWE post-apology felt insincere, compounded by his support for Donald Trump—a figure antagonistic to many marginalized communities. For fans, reconciling their childhood admiration with his divisive actions became an indescribable struggle. Hogan's legacy is bittersweet; his faults remind us that even heroes have profound flaws, ultimately shaping our understanding of worth and representation.

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