Hulk Hogan Brought Wrestling Theater to the Republican
Hulk Hogan endorsed Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 18, 2024. Appearing on the final night, the retired wrestler delivered a political speech built around the theatrical style familiar from his wrestling career.
A familiar persona on a different stage
Hogan addressed the crowd with his customary wrestling language and tore open his shirt during the appearance. He compared the atmosphere to a major wrestling event and adapted his familiar audience appeals to support Trump’s presidential campaign.
He described Trump as his hero and said he had known him for more than thirty-five years. Those descriptions were Hogan’s personal endorsement, delivered to delegates and supporters gathered for the Republican nominee’s acceptance speech later that evening.
The reasons he gave
Hogan referred to the recent assassination attempt against Trump in Pennsylvania and said the events had influenced his decision to speak publicly. He briefly introduced himself by his real name, Terry Bollea, while explaining why he no longer wanted to remain silent about politics.
He also drew on wrestling imagery, comparing political partnership to tag-team competition and recalling Trump’s attendance at earlier wrestling events. The performance blended celebrity recognition with a direct appeal for electoral support.
A convention appearance
PBS NewsHour documented the speech as part of its final-night coverage. Hogan appeared as a celebrity supporter, alongside a broader program of elected officials, party figures and other speakers, rather than as a candidate or an elected officeholder.
Sources
- PBS NewsHour: July 18 speech and convention setting
- Rev: transcript of Hogan’s endorsement
- Los Angeles Times: Hogan’s onstage shirt-tearing gesture
