Saskatchewan wrestling promoter reflects on Hulk Hogan’s death, lasting legacy

News of Hulk Hogan’s death has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, and even in Saskatchewan, the grief is palpable.

Roberto Ureta, owner and operator of Prairie Pro Wrestling, said he learned of Hogan’s passing just moments before a scheduled interview.

“My first initial thought was just shock,” Ureta said. “Hulk Hogan, the personality, is one of those you think is going to live forever. I didn’t see it coming at all.”

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For Ureta and many others who grew up watching Hogan wrestle during the golden age of the WWF, now WWE, the loss feels deeply personal. He remembers watching Hogan’s legendary matches against rivals like André the Giant, calling him a larger-than-life figure who defined the sport for an entire generation.

Roberto Ureta, owner and operator of Prairie Pro Wrestling, credits Hogan with making wrestling what it is today. (Brittany Caffet/650 CKOM)

“Hulk Hogan’s influence on the entire wrestling business, not just here but around the world, was huge,” Ureta said.

“If it wasn’t for Hulk Hogan, wrestling would not be what it is today. It wouldn’t be as flashy. There just wouldn’t be professional wrestling the way it is today.”

Hogan was known not just for his wrestling persona, but also for his crossover into pop culture. From starring in movies to appearing in TV shows, he introduced professional wrestling to a broader audience, many of whom may have never tuned in otherwise.

“He touched more than just professional wrestling,” Ureta said. “Movies, pop culture, it’s a pretty big deal that he’s passed, and seemingly kind of out of nowhere.”

Even those who never met Hogan personally, like Ureta, said the former champion shaped their careers.

“I don’t think there’s a professional wrestler on the planet that hasn’t been influenced by Hulk Hogan,” he said. “He was in professional wrestling for a very long time.”

Hulk Hogan in yellow wrestling gear rips his shirt open in front of a cheering crowd during a WWF match.

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan tears his signature yellow shirt during a match in the WWF era, captivating fans with his trademark charisma and power. (Hulk Hogans Facebook)

That influence even lives on in the language wrestlers use. The phrase “Hulk up,” referring to the dramatic mid-match comeback Hogan often performed, is still widely used in locker rooms today.

“You go to a wrestler, you’re like, ‘hey man, I want you to hulk up in the ring,’” Ureta explained. “That’s directly from him. That’s been decades now.”

Ureta said the wrestling community in Saskatchewan is much larger than people may realize, and many in the province are grieving the loss of a legend they looked up to.

“There’s probably not a person on the planet who doesn’t know who Hulk Hogan is,” he said. “We lost a wrestling legend today.”

Hogan’s cause of death has not yet been made public. He was 71.

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Lara Fominoff