Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan took to the podium at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last week to receive thunderous applause when he endorsed former President Donald Trump for the presidency.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, removed his shirt to reveal a sleeveless one that read “Trump Vance, Make America Great Again,” and did so proudly as he explained why he was supporting Trump in the election.
A week later, Hogan made a surprise appearance at the Detroit Lions’ training camp and spoke to reporters about why he decided to speak at the Republican National Convention.
While Hogan has strengthened his support for Trump, he said the assassination attempt on the former president at a rally in Pennsylvania has changed his views on staying silent.
“The Republican National Convention was pretty nerve-wracking for me because for so long I’ve been silently watching this beautiful country decline,” Hogan said, via MLive.com.
“I was tired of being silent for so long. I started calling myself a coward when there are so many people like you who don’t speak up. I was the guy who was afraid to put up a sign in his yard or wear a shirt or a hat because I was scared for some reason.”
“All of a sudden, when they tried to assassinate Donald Trump, I said, ‘No more. No more. I can’t stay silent.’ This is not right. This is not right on any level, whether it’s Trump or Biden or Clinton or whoever. This is not right.”
Speaking at the Republican National Convention, Hogan explained his belief that “America would get back on track” if Trump were president again.
He also showcased his wrestler persona.
“Enough is enough, that’s why I said, Let the Trump maniacs run wild, brother. Let the Trump maniacs rule again. Let the Trump maniacs make America great again,” he shouted, showing off his patented “24-inch python.”
Hogan also said Trump and Vance were a great tag team.
“I’ve seen some great tag teams before, like Hulk Hogan and, oh yeah, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage. But you know what? I see the greatest tag team of my lifetime standing before us, ready to rebuild this country for all true Americans,” Hogan explained.
Hogan has been a longtime supporter of Trump and told TMZ in 2015 that he wanted to be Trump’s running mate in the upcoming election.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydas contributed to this report.
