Hogan’s heroes: A wrestling icon and the political divide

Published



When I was 5 years old, the corner of our family room in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, was my own Madison Square Garden. Armed with a squadron of World Wrestling Federation action figures — “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, “The Undertaker,” and, of course, “The Ultimate Warrior,” my undisputed favorite — I’d stage epic wrestling matches on a makeshift ring of couch cushions and carpet. The Ultimate Warrior’s face paint and frenetic energy spoke to my kid-brain, but even then, I couldn’t resist the gravitational pull of Hulk Hogan. What wrestling fan didn’t love the Hulkster? With his bleach-blond mustache, red bandana, and 24-inch pythons, he was the Babe Ruth of professional wrestling — a quasimythical figure who wasn’t just a character but a living legend in our day and age.

Full midterm coverage.Deeper analysis.

Get unlimited access to Washington Examiner's reporting, expert analysis, and coverage of the midterm elections.

Get Unlimited Access

Cancel anytime.