Hulk Hogan’s Today Show appearance was just short of forthcoming. Yet, he definately was living his “Life Outside the Ring”. Find out revealing details and video here.
The very bulk and champion Hulk Hogan, otherwise known as Terry Bollea, was on the Today Show this morning to speak of his marriage and divorce, family, drug use, and suicidal thoughts.
Hulk Hogan is most-known for his blond-locks, bandana and muscle-chipped bod. The pro-wrestler first entered the ring, so to speak, in the 1970s and became a household name around the world providing “Hulkamania”. Later in life, he landed a slot on VH1’s “Hogan Knows Best” which showcased his life in reality, with his wife, Linda, and his two children Brooke and Nick. In reference to the show, the family appeared to be very supportive of one another’s passions for life, but seasons later, tension emerged. The pro-wrestler’s life took a turn. The Hulk experienced bouts of steroid use, an altercation with Vince McMahon, his wife Linda filed for divorce, and his son’s car accident which left his best friend near death.
Well, why not write a book about it? That’s exactly what the wrestler did. In his book, “My Life Outside The Ring” he writes, “There were times when I thought that a whole bottle of pills would go down easy… Then I noticed the gun in my hand. I was careless with it… I kept my finger pressed right to that trigger and if I moved that finger an inch in the right direction I would have blown my brains out.”
According to the interview, it was his good friend and “Gladiators” co-star, Laila Ali who served as his angel that very day. Hogan said, “She called with no agenda, just to say hi and check on me,” adding, “It snapped me out of it. At that moment I switched gears. I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Her voice saved my life, it really did.”
So that phone call literally saved the wrestler’s life. In August of 2007, is when everything tragic came above the surface. His son Nick was involved in an awful car accident with his best friend, John Graziano. His friend suffered brain damage amongst other serious injuries and Nick was treated for minor harm. Hogan’s son was charged with reckless driving involving serious bodily injury, use of a motor vehicle in commission of a felony, a person under the age of 21 operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or higher and illegal window tint. His son served jail time.
Months later, in November of 2007, Hulk’s wife Linda filed for divorce. Apparently, the marriage had been rocky for awhile when it was rumored that the couple actually separated earlier in April.
Then to top it off, his little Brookie was not on speaking terms with the wrestler and she reportedly wanted to get her own place and get situated. She clearly just wanted to be on her own and be involved in her work. His daughter then moved out and landed her own reality tv show series, “Brooke Knows Best”.
Throughout the Hulk’s tough times and years ahead, he claims to be the happiest he has ever been. The hulkster is currently dating and in love with girlfriend of two years, Jennifer McDaniel. If you would like to learn more about the world’s most famous wrestler, you may want to buy his book! He says, “For me to change my thinking and be happier than I’ve ever been — I just wanted people to know my story.”
You can see Hulk Hogan’s Today Show appearance on video here. For all of you Hulkamania die-hard fans, please leave us your thoughts and memories in the comment box.
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