As my colleague Rusty Weiss beautifully penned, wrestler, entertainer, entrepreneur, and media personality Hulk Hogan, whose given name was Terry Bollea, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71. Hogan's presence was often larger-than-life, and his influence in wrestling, media, business, and the promotional world spanned to generations, with tributes, memories, and condolences pouring in all over social media from across the globe.
In his 40-plus years-long career, Hogan had more reinventions and comebacks than any one person could hope for. But Hogan's greatest comeback is one that will echo to eternity. At the age of 70, Hogan recommitted his life to Jesus Christ and was publicly baptized alongside his wife, Sky Daily Hogan.
Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love! pic.twitter.com/gB43hTcLU6
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) December 20, 2023
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In an interview with the Christian telecast on TBN, "The 700 Club," Hogan stated that the 2023 baptism was "the single greatest moment of my life."
The interviewer asked Hogan what the person of Jesus Christ brought to the man, Terry Bollea. Hogan gave this quick and weighty response:
That God presence in us. You know, that still, small voice. So what Terry is, is a meat suit filled with the Spirit of Christ, and it's a testing ground for me. I actually accepted Christ as my savior when I was 14, but I derailed. It wasn't my life. He has given me the opportunity to prove that I'm faithful, and I'll never make those same mistakes again.
Almost a decade before, when Hogan was still working his way toward faith, he had the opportunity to witness to a former archenemy: wrestler Roddy "Rowdy" Piper, who he famously squared off against in the 80s.
During the [TBN] interview, Hulk Hogan paused to talk about “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, a former wrestling foe who died in 2015. “He was really trying hard to…surrender and try to get his life straight,” said Hogan. Although the two men “couldn’t stand each other” for 25 years as wrestlers, they began texting each other “every single day” in retirement.
“We basically had some conversations and…he started asking me about my spirituality,” Hogan continued. “[Piper] really didn’t connect, but he was very curious. He wouldn’t surrender, and all of a sudden he passes away.”
Two days later, Hogan received a text-to-voice message from Piper, who told him, “I’m just loving you, my brother. I’m just walking with Jesus. Walking with Jesus and loving you, my brother.”
Hogan's own honest journey toward total faith and full surrender resulted in Piper embracing faith, and finding peace and love right before he left this plane. While it didn't seem as though Piper was connecting at the time, Christ the Hope of Glory was at work in him, and he used Hogan to help complete that work.
Hogan, becoming emotional, said Piper never would’ve said that while he was alive, adding, “It’s amazing how things work.”
Showing his arm tattoo that reads, “I am that I am,” Hogan explained how he had to surrender completely to God. “I get sick and tired of myself. The two people in my head, the ego and the real I AM. I just surrendered. I just said I can’t do it anymore, you know.”
Since Hogan's public commitment to faith in 2023, he has thrown up social media posts quoting scripture, or penned words of effusive praise and gratitude for God's goodness and God's power, which allowed him to live out the rest of his days honoring Him. And that is exactly what Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea did, to his last breath.
Every day I’m reminded that God is good. Always thankful. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) February 6, 2025
In 2023, Hulk Hogan publicly declared his faith in Jesus through baptism—proof that no matter our past mistakes, Christ’s grace is greater. Hulk’s life, like so many of ours, had ups and downs, but in the end, he found the only foundation that never fails.
— Focus on the Family (@FocusFamily) July 24, 2025
This time, the Leg Drop… pic.twitter.com/SMwEHYOM4D
In 2023, Hulk Hogan publicly declared his faith in Jesus through baptism—proof that no matter our past mistakes, Christ’s grace is greater. Hulk’s life, like so many of ours, had ups and downs, but in the end, he found the only foundation that never fails.
This time, the Leg Drop wasn’t the final move—Jesus was. Because with God, it’s never too late for a comeback.
I can only imagine that Terry is not only giving thanks and praise before the eternal throne of God, but perhaps "Rowdy" Roddy Piper is among the witnesses who greeted Terry at the heavenly gates -- and they are once again tearing it up in Hulk Hogan fashion, as only they can.
The full "700 Club" interview is below.
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