Kurt Bardella Reflects on Hulk Hogan’s Wrestling Legacy and Cultural Impact
NewsNation Contributor and Wrestling Expert Kurt Bardella joined The Ryan Gorman Show this morning to discuss the legacy of Hulk Hogan, following the wrestling icon’s death at age 71. Bardella, a lifelong fan of professional wrestling, reflected on Hogan’s role in transforming the industry and becoming one of the most recognizable pop culture figures of the 1980s and 90s. “There’s no WWE as we know it without Hulk Hogan,” Bardella said. “He was the face of an entire era.”
Bardella talked about how Hogan helped bring wrestling into the mainstream, bridging the gap between sports entertainment and Hollywood. “He made wrestling larger than life,” Bardella noted. “His charisma, the red-and-yellow, the entrance music, the catchphrases—he turned it into a spectacle.” While acknowledging some of the controversies that surrounded Hogan in later years, Bardella emphasized that his impact on the business and its global reach is undeniable.
To hear our full conversation with Kurt Bardella on Hulk Hogan’s career, cultural significance, and enduring legacy, listen to the full episode now on The Ryan Gorman Show podcast.