When I heard today that Hulk Hogan passed away, it brought back a flood of memories. For anyone who grew up in the ’90s, Hulk wasn’t just a wrestler, he was the wrestling superstar. The WWE was full of larger-than-life characters, but Hulk stood out with his ripped muscles, his signature yellow and red, and that unforgettable moment when he’d tear his shirt in half and roar “Whatcha gonna do, brother?!”
But Hulk Hogan’s life wasn’t just the flashy matches and the cheers. Behind the scenes, he faced a lot of struggles — financial troubles, personal setbacks, and some very public controversies. His story wasn’t perfect, far from it. Like a lot of us, he wrestled with some heavy stuff in life.
That’s what made a particular podcast episode stick with me so much. I was listening to Joe Rogan’s podcast when Hulk was a guest, and he shared something that surprised me: he talked openly about giving his life to Jesus and getting baptized. What made it even more real was that he named his church and his pastor — no hiding, no vague references.
Joe's reaction was priceless. He said something like, “Uh… I wouldn’t do that if I were you. You’re gonna have a ton of people showing up there now.”
And Hulk’s reply? “Awesome! Let them come.”
That boldness hit me hard. Here was a guy who had been through it all — the highs, the lows, the fame, the failures — and he was owning his faith openly, inviting people to be part of it, no matter what.
It’s a powerful reminder that faith isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, being honest about where you’ve been, and boldly stepping into who God wants you to be. Hulk’s story shows that no matter what your past looks like, God’s grace can transform you, and that transformation can be something you don’t have to hide.
So as I remember Hulk Hogan today — the wrestler who tore his shirt and commanded the crowd — I also remember the man who wasn’t afraid to let people see the real him. And that’s a legacy worth celebrating.
