The late Hulk Hogan was a real American, but it’s a whole lot more complicated than that. (Especially, if you’re Black.)

It’s been a week of tremendous loss for kids of the 1980s. The last few days on social media has felt like one long requiem for our pop culture.

Hulk Hogan became inextricably tied to "Real American" when he adopted the track as his theme song at the peak of his WWE career.

From hit songs "Hang On, Sloopy" to Hulk Hogan’s theme, guitar hero Rick Derringer left his mark on pop culture. Rick Derringer, music legend and 'Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo' hitmaker, dies at ...

Rick Derringer, the fiery guitarist, producer, and the man behind one of pro wrestling’s most unforgettable anthems, has died at the age of 77. He passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, in ...

The appearance proved successful both for "Rocky III" — which grossed more than $270 million worldwide — and Hogan, whose debut set him up for a variety of film roles. Hogan appeared in "No Holds Barred" before earning starring roles in "Suburban Commando" and "Mr. Nanny," among other movies.

Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, was one of the earliest stars of World Wrestling Entertainment and was the face of pro wrestling's boom in popularity during the 1980s.

Hulk Hogan, the superstar who took professional wrestling to stratospheric heights, passed away this past week at the age of 71. While Hogan leaves a complicated legacy outside of the squared circle, there is no doubt that his impact on sports entertainment may never be matched.

The opening chords of Rick Derringer’s hard-rock guitar would play over the arena sound system. Instantly, 20,000 Hulkamaniacs — and many more as wrestling’s popularity and stadium size exploded — rose to their feet in a frenzy to catch a glimpse of Hulk Hogan storming toward the ring.