Last week, professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan unexpectedly passed away. One of the central figures who helped to bring professional wrestling mainstream, Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, is remembered for several historical wrestling moments throughout his 35-year career. However, one of the less widely known facts about Hogan is that he wrestled his last televised match here on Temple University’s campus.  

In 2011, Hogan was competing for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), an upstart, alternative promotion to the more well-known World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). For the better part of two years, Hogan had been involved in a bitter storyline feud with fellow wrestling legend Sting. 

Everything finally came to a head during the night of Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, when Hogan and Sting faced off with Temple’s Liacouras Center as the backdrop. That night, 3,585 fans were in attendance to watch what would ultimately become Hogan’s final televised match. Nearly 14 years later, following Hogan’s passing, the moment and match are especially consequential. 

Michael Cavacini, KLN ’08, ’15, is an adjunct faculty member in Temple’s Department of English and is presently pursuing his PhD in sociology. A professional wrestling historian, Cavacini is conducting doctoral research that specifically focuses on TNA Wrestling and how the company helped revolutionize women’s wrestling. He is currently working on publishing a book on the topic, as well. 

Temple Now caught up with Cavacini to discuss Hogan, his final televised match and the complicated nature of his legacy. 

Temple Now: In 2011, at the time that match was held, no one knew for sure that it would be Hulk Hogan’s final televised match, and it is crazy to think that it happened here at Temple. What are your memories of that match? 

Cavacini: Interestingly enough, I was there in the crowd that night for that match. This was Hogan’s first and only one-on-one match in TNA. At the time, he had numerous back surgeries, so Hogan wasn’t in the greatest condition. Many fans were not sure how he would make this work.  

But as it turned out, this match was a huge deal, and something major happened during it. Hogan entered the match as a heel (bad guy), but by the end, he had become a face (good guy). In the storyline, he was part of a group called Immortal, and he was facing off with Sting for control of TNA. After Sting made Hogan tap out while in his Scorpion Deathlock submission finishing move, the other members of Immortal came out and beat up Sting. With his face covered in blood, Sting pleaded with Hogan while on his knees, yelling, “Help me!” Hogan, also wearing a crimson mask, turned left and right, looking to the crowd, as if to ask them, “Should I help Sting?” Then, Hogan ripped his shirt off in his signature style, and the crowd blew the roof off the Liacouras Center with their thunderous applause. With Sting’s help, Hogan hulked up and took out members of his Immortal faction to the delight of the fans. He saved the last punch for Eric Bischoff, with the fans chanting “Hogan! Hogan! Hogan!” to express their appreciation. As Hogan’s music hit and Sting and Hulk held each other’s hands high in solidarity, I knew I was witnessing something special. It reminded me of when he had the match with The Rock at WrestleMania. He went into that match as a heel, and before you know it, people were chanting for Hogan, and he is a face again. It was incredible to be there for that, and I love that Hulk Hogan had such a fitting final match, especially since it took place at the Temple. 

TN: In hindsight, how significant is it that it was held here at Temple? 

Cavacini: This was essentially the culmination of his tenure in TNA. He would continue in the company for a couple of years after, but this was the last big match of his career, and for it to take place in Philadelphia and at Temple is remarkable. We are a city of firsts, but this was an instance where we were the city where the biggest name in professional wrestling history had his final match. It was a significant event, and it was exciting to be a part of it. Temple is a passionate place, and you could feel that we were bringing the energy that night at Bound for Glory, which is also TNA's biggest pay-per-view of the year. Not only was it Hogan's last televised match, but it was also at the biggest event of the year for TNA, and he wrestled Sting, with whom he had a rich history.   

If you look at the video of this match on YouTube, it has millions of views because these two legends created magic in the Liacouras Center that night. It is undeniable that this was an incredible moment for TNA Wrestling, Hulk Hogan, Sting, professional wrestling and Temple University. 

TN: In recent years, Hogan has become somewhat of a polarizing figure. Now, in his passing, how should he be remembered? 

Cavacini: I met Hogan twice, first at WrestleMania 30 and then last year when WrestleMania 40 was in Philadelphia. Indeed, he has said and done some reprehensible things in recent years, which have tarnished his legacy. As an entertainer and as a performer, though, Hogan is unparalleled. He is the biggest star in the history of wrestling, and wrestling wouldn't be what it is without him. His contributions to the industry are immense, in WWE, World Championship Wrestling and TNA. Hogan's wrestling legacy is remarkable, and he should be remembered for that. However, I think Terry Bollea, as a person, is not necessarily someone you should aspire to be like. I think you need to separate Terry Bollea from Hulk Hogan. You can mourn the death of Hulk Hogan, even if your feelings for Terry Bollea are more complicated. 

Also read 

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA): At CLA, students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of disciplines within the humanities and social sciences, including psychology and neuroscience, criminal justice, political science, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, English and foreign languages. This diversity of study not only exposes students to new ideas and perspectives, it also offers them the freedom to find and develop new passions and professional pathways. Learn more. 

The sociology PhD program: Students can build on their foundation in sociological theory and research with a Doctor of Philosophy in sociology at CLA. This 52-credit PhD program provides advanced training in sociological theory, statistics and research methods in a variety of sociology subfields. Students are prepared for research and teaching in academia and for advanced work in a variety of professional settings. Read more. 

Become an Owl: Learn more about applying for one of our undergraduate, graduate or professional programs.