Raised in Tampa, Florida

Sent to the Florida Sheriff's Boys Ranch for fighting outside of school at age 14; became a born-again Baptist

Worked as a stevedore

Discovered ringside by wrestlers Jack and Jerry Brisco; trained with them

Recruited by Vincent McMahon, Sr to wrestle as an Irish villain

Film acting debut as Thunderlips in "Rocky III"

Traded in Irish villain persona for that of good-guy Hulk Hogan

Became a member of the World Wrestling Federation

Won his first world championship over the Iron Sheik

First starring role in film, "No Holds Barred" (also executive producer)

Subject of pay-per-view TV film biography, "Hulk Hogan: A Real American Story"