Madison Square Garden, often called “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” has paid tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, honoring the man whose career is inextricably linked with the iconic New York City venue. Following the news of Hogan’s passing, MSG released a statement and is displaying a video tribute on the exterior of the building.
The connection between Hogan and Madison Square Garden is one of the most important in the history of professional wrestling. The arena served as the launching pad for “Hulkamania” and was the site of many of his most legendary moments.
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A Tribute from “The World’s Most Famous Arena”
In a statement posted to their official social media account, Madison Square Garden acknowledged Hogan’s deep history with the building and offered their condolences. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of WWE Hall of Famer, Hulk Hogan, who made his debut at Madison Square Garden in 1979,” the arena’s statement read.
In addition to the statement, a video tribute to the “Hulkster” is being displayed on the massive digital screens on the outside of the building in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, celebrating his life and career for the entire city to see.
The Launching Pad for Hulkamania
Hulk Hogan made his debut in the then-WWF at Madison Square Garden in 1979, but it was his return to the company in late 1983 that would change the course of wrestling history. On January 23, 1984, inside the hallowed halls of MSG, Hulk Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik to win his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship. For many, that victory is widely considered to be the official birth of “Hulkamania,” the pop culture phenomenon that would propel both Hogan and the WWF to unprecedented global superstardom.
For the next decade, Hogan’s championship defenses at Madison Square Garden were the hottest ticket in town. He headlined the very first WrestleMania at the arena in 1985, teaming with Mr. T to defeat “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff in a main event that brought wrestling to the forefront of mainstream entertainment. He would go on to have countless other legendary matches at the Garden, including a televised showdown with his rival André the Giant in 1988.
Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era for professional wrestling, a sentiment deeply felt at Madison Square Garden, the arena that served as the palace for the king of “Hulkamania.” The outpouring of tributes from the sports and entertainment world continues, but the one from the building where it all began holds a special significance.