Terry and Linda Bollea wrangle over Las Vegas condo in divorce court

CLEARWATER -- The latest point of contention in the fractious divorce between Terry and Linda Bollea concerns the couple's one-time plan to buy a $4.2-million condominium in Las Vegas.

In July 2005, the couple put down a $840,000 deposit on the condo. But the couple did not close on the purchase, as scheduled, this spring.

This spring, Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge George Greer signed an order requiring Terry Bollea, better known as former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, to close on the property. But Bollea's attorney said during a court hearing this morning that was before he saw an appraisal of the property. Now Terry Bollea believes it would be a bad investment.

"They don't have the kind of wealth that you would think," said Terry Bollea's attorney, Ann Kerr. She did say, however, what kind of wealth the couple does have.

Linda Bollea sees the condo as a good buy, according to her attorneys, and she still wants to go ahead with the purchase. Because of the couple's celebrity status, the couple's properties tend to sell at a premium, said A.J. Barranco Jr., a Miami attorney who represents Mrs. Bollea.

Greer said he would decide within several days whether to order Terry Bollea again to participate in the closing on the condominium.

Both Bolleas attended the hearing, he in a black suit, but without his trademark bandana, she in a pale blue top and black pants. They did not speak during the hearing or to each other before or afterward.

Linda Bollea filed for divorce in November and seeks half the couple's assets, which include the Las Vegas condominium, as well as a nearly 17,000-square-foot mansion on Willadel Drive in Belleair and a 3,474-square-foot home on Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach. Pinellas property appraisers have estimated that the Belleair mansion would sell for $7.247-million and the Eldorado Avenue house would sell for $2.238-million.

Jonathan Abel, Times staff writer