Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan made headlines this week, not for body slams or nostalgic glory, but for a bizarre and disconcerting appearance on Fox & Friends that left viewers doing a double take—and then some.
The 71-year-old legend was on set to promote his new venture, Real American Freestyle Wrestling, a partnership with longtime associate Eric Bischoff.
The league will feature single-match formats across eight men’s and four women’s weight classes, with its first event scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland. But Hogan’s pitch was quickly overshadowed by his unusual look and rambling demeanor.
Viewers immediately took to social media, noting that Hogan’s signature deep tan looked more weathered than ever, and that his new grooming choices were, to put it gently, perplexing.
His beard appeared dyed black, contrasting sharply with his white mustache and hair, creating an almost cartoonish visual reminiscent of the Wooly Willy magnetic toy—a comparison one viewer directly made.
Clad in a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “America First, Beer Second”, his trademark red bandana, and a pair of sunglasses resting on top of his head, Hogan’s look had fans speculating if the Hall of Famer was preparing for a wrestling match or an audition for a parody sketch.
Beyond his appearance, Hogan’s interview raised eyebrows for its meandering tone, with segments that drifted and lacked clarity. While promoting his wrestling league, Hogan—known for high-octane bravado in his prime—appeared unfocused at times, prompting viewers to wonder if something more serious might be going on behind the scenes.
Compounding the concern is the ongoing public family rift that has played out in recent days. Ex-wife Linda Hogan made headlines with harsh accusations, calling the wrestling legend a “complete liar” and “sex addict”, and revealing that daughter Brooke Hogan has cut ties with both parents, going so far as to exclude them from her wedding and the birth of her twins.
Linda, who divorced Hogan in 2009 after 26 years of marriage, expressed confusion over her daughter’s estrangement, while emphasizing that son Nick remains close to her. Despite branding Hogan a “s****y husband,” Linda still acknowledged he was “always a good father” who spent millions supporting Brooke’s career.
