By Jane Nwandibe
Entertainment Deputy Editor
A shocking revelation has emerged from the world of professional wrestling, alleging that late WWE icon Hulk Hogan — real name Terry Bollea — once attempted to pursue a romantic relationship with the wife of fellow wrestler and longtime friend, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake.
The claim, which has resurfaced in recent interviews and reports from individuals close to the wrestling duo, has reignited controversy surrounding Hogan’s personal life and the strain it allegedly placed on his decades-long friendship with Beefcake, whose real name is Ed Leslie. While Hogan passed away recently, the accusations have prompted fans and insiders to revisit one of wrestling’s most talked-about off-ring feuds.
According to the reports, Hogan allegedly expressed interest in Beefcake’s wife during a turbulent period in his personal life, and the overtures nearly ended the close relationship the two shared both on and off the screen. The claim is said to have contributed to years of tension between the former tag team partners, despite their public image as inseparable allies during the height of their WWE fame in the 1980s and early 1990s.
While neither Hogan nor Beefcake ever publicly confirmed the full extent of the alleged incident during their lifetimes, it has long been whispered about in wrestling circles. Wrestling insiders now suggest that the alleged betrayal was a pivotal turning point in their private relationship, with Beefcake reportedly feeling blindsided and betrayed by someone he considered a brother.
The WWE has not issued any comment regarding the revived allegation, and Hogan’s family has yet to respond. Some fans have expressed disappointment, while others caution against drawing conclusions in the absence of verified evidence or formal statements from those directly involved.
Regardless of the truth behind the allegation, the story serves as another reminder of the complex and often dramatic relationships that have shaped professional wrestling history. Hogan, one of the sport’s most recognizable and polarizing figures, leaves behind a complicated legacy—one that blends unmatched popularity in the ring with a series of personal controversies that continue to stir debate long after his passing.
