Jimmy Hart Reflects on Hulk Hogan's Legacy in Upcoming Netflix Docuseries

WWE Hall of Famer discusses Hogan's rise to stardom, nWo heel turn, and lasting impact on the wrestling industry.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:06am

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An extreme close-up of a cracked, glittering disco ball reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conceptually representing the glitz and spectacle of Hulk Hogan's wrestling career.The Hulk Hogan docuseries will offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the larger-than-life persona and personal struggles of one of wrestling's most iconic figures.Memphis Today

In an interview with Bleacher Report, WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart provided insight into the upcoming Hulk Hogan: Real American docuseries that will premiere on Netflix. Hart, a close friend of Hogan's, recounted their first meeting in Memphis before Hart entered the wrestling business, and how he recognized Hogan's star potential even when others did not. Hart also discussed Hogan's iconic WrestleMania 3 match against Andre the Giant, the decision to turn him heel and form the nWo in WCW, and Hogan's compassion for his fans, including granting Make-A-Wish requests.

Why it matters

The Hulk Hogan docuseries on Netflix will offer fans a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential and recognizable figures in wrestling history. As a longtime friend and confidant of Hogan's, Jimmy Hart's perspective provides unique insight into Hogan's rise to fame, his creative decisions, and the personal challenges he faced later in life.

The details

Hart recounted first seeing Hogan, then known as Terry Boulder, perform in Memphis before Hart himself entered the wrestling business. Even then, Hart recognized Hogan's star power and potential to draw big crowds, in contrast to Hogan's future Hall of Fame friend Jerry "The King" Lawler, who doubted Hogan's chances of success. Hart also discussed Hogan's iconic WrestleMania 3 match against Andre the Giant, which drew a then-record crowd of over 93,000 people to the Pontiac Silverdome. Hart noted the pressure Hogan and the WWE faced, with the Pope and The Rolling Stones also performing in the area that week, but Hogan's faith in the event's drawing power proved justified. When Hogan surprisingly jumped to WCW in 1994, Hart said they both recognized it was time for a change, leading to Hogan's shocking heel turn and the formation of the New World Order with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. Hart credited the nWo's success to the "great chemistry" between the three performers.

  • In 1976, Hart first met Hogan, then known as Terry Boulder, at a wrestling event in Memphis, Tennessee.
  • In 1984, Hogan began his iconic run as a beloved babyface in WWE, headlining the first nine WrestleMania events.
  • In 1994, Hogan jumped ship to WCW, leading to his heel turn and the formation of the nWo in 1996.
  • In 2022, Hogan passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the wrestling industry.
  • On April 22, 2026, the Hulk Hogan: Real American docuseries will premiere on Netflix.

The players

Jimmy Hart

A WWE Hall of Famer and longtime friend of Hulk Hogan, who provided unique insight into Hogan's career and personal life for the upcoming Netflix docuseries.

Hulk Hogan

One of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of professional wrestling, known for his larger-than-life persona, championship reigns, and memorable matches.

Jerry "The King" Lawler

A WWE Hall of Famer who, along with Hart, first witnessed Hogan's potential in the wrestling business before Hogan's rise to superstardom.

Scott Hall

A former WWE and WCW star who joined Hogan in forming the influential New World Order stable in 1996.

Kevin Nash

A former WWE and WCW star who also joined Hogan in forming the New World Order stable in 1996, helping to revolutionize the wrestling industry.

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What they’re saying

“[Lawler] goes, 'Jimmy, come out here, look at this big guy in the ring.' He went by the name of Terry Boulder back then. He had blonde hair and he was bigger than life. He goes, 'What do you think of that guy?' And I went, 'Oh my God, he looks great, I bet he's gonna draw a lot of money in this business.' Lawler goes, 'Trust me, Jimmy, he'll never make a dime in this business.' Lawler to this day goes, 'I never said it,' I said, 'Yes you did, King!'”

— Jimmy Hart, WWE Hall of Famer

“He decided to jump over to the nWo. We talked about it. He goes, 'What do you think?' And I said, 'Well, look, you know the old saying, if you do what you've always done, you're going to have what you've always had.' So, if the menu and the restaurant's doing good, keep it up. If it's not, you better change the menu. The same thing in wrestling. So, we knew our sales and T-shirts were going down a little bit, the ratings were going down a little bit.”

— Jimmy Hart, WWE Hall of Famer

“Hulk would go out and do the Make-A-Wishes. He'd get on his hands and knees and talk to little whoever it might be and he'd rub the little boys' arms or whatever and go, 'Give me some strength tonight cuz I've got to go in the ring and fight the big bad guy, the big bad Sheik or or whoever it might be.'”

— Jimmy Hart, WWE Hall of Famer

What’s next

The Hulk Hogan: Real American docuseries will premiere on Netflix on April 22, 2026, offering fans a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the life and career of one of wrestling's most iconic figures.

The takeaway

Through the lens of Jimmy Hart's personal experiences and insights, the Hulk Hogan docuseries will provide a unique perspective on Hogan's rise to stardom, his creative decisions, and the personal challenges he faced later in life. Fans will gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the larger-than-life Hulk Hogan persona, and appreciate the full scope of his lasting impact on the wrestling industry.