Hulk Hogan to Speak at Republican National Convention Alongside Trump

Former professional wrestler, Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollea), is set to take the stage at the Republican National Convention on Thursday night. Hogan will speak prior to former President Donald Trump’s address, as revealed in the convention’s speaker lineup.

The official program for the RNC lists Hulk Hogan as a ‘professional entertainer and wrestler.’ Hogan was famously involved in a high-profile legal battle against Gawker Media, resulting in a substantial jury award following the publication of a sex tape featuring him in 2015. The subsequent settlement reshaped media law.

Following the release of the sex tape, Hulk Hogan faced backlash, with the World Wrestling Entertainment terminating its contract with him amid reports of racist language use in the tape.

Hulk Hogan’s prominent role at the RNC this year is linked to billionaire Peter Thiel, who financed Hogan’s legal battle against Gawker. Thiel’s influence is further emphasized by his support for Trump’s potential vice presidential nominee, Senator J.D. Vance.

Hogan’s speaking slot is scheduled between 7:30 and 8 p.m. CT, flanked by two ‘everyday Americans’ speakers – Carrie Ruiz, general manager at Trump National Doral in Miami, and Annette Albright from North Carolina, who ran for a seat on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education.

Also featuring in the RNC line-up is former WWE co-founder Linda McMahon, who was appointed by Trump to lead the Small Business Administration post-election. McMahon later joined a pro-Trump superPAC, America First Action, and is scheduled to speak earlier in the evening.