Longtime professional wrestler Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) is on the recently announced speaker roster for the final day of the convention, where he will speak before former President Donald Trump.
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A Florida man known for his tanned skin, lavish lifestyle and knack for blending entertainment and reality is scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention on Thursday night.
Longtime professional wrestler Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) was recently released List of speakers for the final day of the conferenceHe is scheduled to speak before former President Donald Trump speaks.
The official Republican National Convention programming describes Hulk Hogan as a “professional entertainer and wrestler.” He has also been involved in some notable media lawsuits. In 2015, a jury awarded him $140 million in damages in a lawsuit against Gawker Media after the company published a sex tape of Bollea. The subsequent settlement was It drove the company and its founders into bankruptcy..
Hulk Hogan receives shock shock after sex tape leaks: World Wrestling Entertainment I terminated my contract with him Following reports that he used racist language in the sex tape.
It may seem surprising, but Hulk Hogan’s prominent role at this year’s Republican National Convention is another sign of the influence of billionaire Peter Thiel, who has funded Hogan’s fight against Gawker and He has been an important patron in recent times. Senator J.D. Vance, President Trump’s new running mate.
Hogan is scheduled to speak between 7:30 and 8 pm CST. He will be flanked by two speakers described as “ordinary Americans” on the Republican National Convention programming.
Speakers will be Carrie Lewis, general manager of golf at Trump National Doral in Miami, and Annette Albright of North Carolina. He lost the race last fall. for an at-large seat on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education.
Albright rose to prominence in that nonpartisan race after she and other candidates were accused of being “Trojan Horse Republicans.” Reported by member station WFAE.
Trump is no stranger to the wrestling ring.
WWE is a professional wrestling promotion and media company known for scripted performances, ringside drama and hardcore showmanship.
Vince McMahon bought the company’s predecessor in 1982 and, along with his wife Linda McMahon, is credited with bringing a unique blend of wrestling and entertainment to the mainstream. One of WWE’s first and longest-running attractions was Hogan.
Trump too He helped WWE rise to prominenceThe fourth and fifth WrestleMania events were held by Trump. apprentice Wearing a suit with the catchphrase “You’re fired” McMahon will scream in the ringTrump Numerous WWE events She has been active for many years as a guest ring announcer and on-screen personality.
Trump”It has been part of some of the most compelling and highly acclaimed storylines. “This is the biggest event in the history of the company,” McMahon said onstage at the Republican National Convention, which also saw Trump become president in 2007. McMahon’s head was shaved.
Linda McMahon left the company to pursue a career in politics and served as President Trump’s small business administrator from 2017 to 2019 before leaving to join a pro-Trump super PAC.
Vince stepped down from his leadership position at the company in January after a former employee filed a lawsuit. accuse someone of sexual assault She was subjected to sex trafficking and forced into a threesome at her workplace. Suspended earlier this year At the request of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Meanwhile, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a mixed martial arts promotion company. It appeared in 1993, but it was not an immediate hit. In the early 2000s, Trump allowed the new president of UFC, Dana White, to use a casino in Atlantic City. With his support, the company is the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion company as of 2023.
UFC and WWE officially merged into one company, TKO, in September 2023. Forming a new organization It’s worth $21.4 billion.
This report originally appeared on NPR Networks Republican National Convention live coverage.
