Retired professional wrestler Hulk Hogan sang former president Donald Trump’s praises at the Republican National Convention Thursday night in a speech laden with references to professional wrestling, the failures of the Biden administration, and the policies Trump may pursue in a second term.
“When Donald J. Trump becomes the president of the United States, all the real Americans are going to be nicknamed ‘Trumpites,’ because all the Trumpites are gonna be running wild for four years,” Hogan said, referencing his wrestling walkout music. “So, with a power of Donald J. Trump and all the Trumpets running wild, America is gonna get back on track, and like Donald J. Trump said, America is gonna be great again.”
Hogan, who ripped off his shirt in classic Hulkster fashion midway through his speech, broke kayfabe and referred to himself by his real name.
“My name is Terry Bollea,” he said in what might have been the first public instance of his using his birth name. “And as an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics.”
That changed, the Real American told the crowd, after President Joe Biden’s term in office.
“I’ve known that man for over 35 years, and he’s always been the biggest patriot,” Hogan said of Trump. “And he still is. He’s always told you exactly what he thought, and he still does, brother. And no matter the odds, he always finds a way to win. And when he’s back in our White House, America is gonna start winning again.”
Referencing his former foes like the Ultimate Warrior, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and Andre the Giant, the Hulkster said Trump is tougher than all the men he has pinned for a three-count.
“You guys, over my career I’ve been in the ring with some of the biggest, some of the baddest dudes on the planet,” Hogan said. “I’ve squared off against warriors. Ooh yeah, savages. And, like I said, body-slammed giants in the middle of the ring. And I know tough guys. But let me tell you something, brother: Donald Trump is the toughest of ’em all.”
Hogan’s presence at the convention, while unusual, should not come as a surprise. Before entering politics, Trump made frequent appearances on Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown, even shaving WWE chairman Vince McMahon’s head after winning the “Battle of the Billionaires” at Wrestlemania XXIII.