Everyone knows Hulk Hogan by his trademark bandana and beard; ripping shirts and Hulking Up to leg drop challengers with over 300 pounds of pure muscle. His stature is iconic and leaves an impression on all the Hulkamaniacs, inspiring them to eat their vitamins, say their prayers, and train hard to reach the same level of inhumane strength.
We’ve all got to start somewhere though, and even the Hulkster was once no bigger than a 100 pound dumbbell.
Raising a future wrestling superstar is a rare path for a parent to venture, but Ruth and Peter Bollea stood behind their son and his ambitions for a sport that many considered a waste of time. Despite not trying his hand at professional wrestling until his early 20s, Hogan’s parents knew all about their son’s love of the sport.
Spending his nights at the Tampa Sportatorium watching the likes of Dusty Rhodes in the ring, the young Hogan was hooked and began training relentlessly. If anything, to be in the presence of his heroes was empowering. The gym became his second home and with it, a new family of pro and semi-pro wrestlers to encourage Hogan onwards.
At home, Peter and Ruth were astonished at their son’s massiveness. Naturally bigger than any of his peers, the Bolleas took a drive to the grocery store more than they would like to admit, but the happiness of their son was everything.
It may have been rough waters watching their only child try to establish himself in an unforgiving industry, but both Peter and Ruth now have their own heavyweight belts around their waists. Raising Hulk Hogan is no easy task, but the power of Hulkamania had to come from somewhere!