Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan—real name Terry Gene Bollea—fired up delegates and attendees at the Republican National Convention (RNC) last night. The ‘Hulkster’ began his address in character with his trademark exaggerated speech and overacting, recalling the days of classic professional wrestling bouts with the likes of the Iron Sheik, Rody Piper, Ric Flair, and Andre the Giant.
“Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” Hogan exclaimed while engaging in his signature muscle flex on stage. He continued: “Let Trumpamania rule again! Let Trumpamania make America great again!” While in character, Hogan then engaged in his classic move of ripping off his shirt, this time revealing a Trump–Vance 2024 shirt underneath to raucous cheers from the crowd.
Hogan also spoke to the RNC as the real-life Bollea as well. Out of character, Hogan praised former President Donald J. Trump‘s courage. “As an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics,” he said. “But after everything that’s happened to our country over the past four years and everything that happened last weekend, I can no longer stay silent.”
Throughout the speech, former President Trump could be seen with a beaming smile and often laughing at Hogan’s signature over-the-top performance.
During an interview prior to his speech, Hogan said he couldn’t stand by after the assassination attempt against Trump—stating he felt the need to speak up as an American. “When I saw him stand up with that fist in the air and the blood on his face — as a warrior, as a leader — I realized that’s what America needs,” Hogan said.
The Biden-Harris campaign shared a clip of the entertainer saying, “What you gonna do when Donald Trump and all the Trumpamaniacs run wild on you, brother!?” — appearing to suggest this was a threat of political violence.
WATCH:
Full Hulk Hogan speech at the RNC where he ripped his shirt to endorse Donald Trump. Watch until the end to see an emotional Trump after a rousing speech:
“My name is Terry Bollea, as an entertainer, I tried to stay out of politics, but after everything that’s happened to our… pic.twitter.com/0qJFP2XmWB— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) July 19, 2024