E! True Hollywood Story tackles Hulk Hogan saga

The long work of rehabilitating the Hulk Hogan family brand is in full swing.

Those of us familiar with the ways of celebrity media know there are two kinds of E! True Hollywood Story episodes: ones where the subjects participate, and ones where they don't.

I've heard from several celebrities that when E! calls about these pieces, the offer is made plain: cooperate with us by giving interviews and background material, so the piece will be much less harsh. And the THS episode on Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea and his family's disastrous year airing at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 features interviews with Bollea, daughter Brooke, local pal/radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge Clem and many more friends and intimates.

According to the early clips released to critics, Clem blames the reality show Hogan Knows Best for "destroying" Bollea's family, and the ex-wrestler talks about feeling like he might vomit after realizing he was going to be divorcing wife Linda.

After perusing these quotes, I wouldn't be surprised if the show offered a bit better publicity than the steady stream of headlines dogging the family over the past year, furthering a process started with Bollea's Larry King Live interview with improving the family's image outside the gossip columns.

E! just sent TV critics a collection of quotes from the show. Check them out below:

Hulk Hogan, on his feelings over the divorce: "It was shocking. … I didn't know if I was going to vomit or pass out or cry, and I kind of took a few moments, and it was like I got kicked by a mule. … I was one of these hopeless romantics that thought no matter what happened, I thought I would be the one who was married forever."

Brooke Hogan, leading up to Hulk's "Larry King Live" interview: "It was to the point where we were getting so just slaughtered with this press of just false rumors and false stories, it was just like the truth has to come out."

Brooke Hogan, on her dad being alone: "There's been times where he's been alone that have scared the living daylights out of me and I'm like, 'Dad, I'll be right there.'  He's very emotional, and he starts over thinking things, and he starts getting really sad."

Brooke Hogan, on her father's current girlfriend, Jennifer McDaniel: "I really do like Jennifer a lot.  It would probably kill my mom to hear this.  I'm glad that she's around because, you know, I'm trying to do my own thing and work, and it's like I can't be there 24/7 so it's nice to know that there's somebody that I trust with, you know, taking care of him as much as I would."

Hulk Hogan, on Nick's sentencing for reckless driving: "When the judge said you're gonna get 8 months in jail, Nick didn't turn around and look at me for advice, guidance or anything.  He just took it like a man.  I never got to say goodbye to him, you know."

Brooke Hogan, on how the incident affected her brother: "Nick, for being in his situation, for being in the public eye, it was a good lesson.  He definitely he got a wake up call."

Brooke Hogan, on the effect of her brother Nick's car accident on her parents' relationship: "The accident, I think really showed them that they just don't view things the same as individuals and as parents, you know, so, it was just kind of like a wakeup call.  I just think that all the stress of our life kind of made it happen sooner."

Bubba The Love Sponge Clem, friend/radio personality, on "Hogan Knows Best:" "In my opinion the reality show is what destroyed the family, and I can remember Terry telling me, 'It is what it is, brother.' " 

Eric Bischoff, friend/former wrestling promoter: "Hulk finally for the first time in a 25-year career allowed people to look behind the curtain, you know, for a guy who is as aware as he is about staying in character and being that brand and being Hulk Hogan.  For him to finally let people in his house, see him in the shower, sitting on the toilet, flipping eggs, was a big thing."

Brooke Hogan, on her reality show, "Brooke Knows Best:" "It's like the best time in my life because it's me and my two best friends and we can just raise hell.  There's not, like, Mom and Dad watching.  It's like I just kind of go, you know, balls to the wall."

Hulk Hogan, on the business of professional wrestling: "No matter how often I worked or how easy things were getting, I felt everybody was replaceable in the business.  It was a business with no security.  If you broke your leg, that was it.  I mean, it was over.  It wasn't like we had guaranteed contracts.  There was no insurance.  There was nothing so I mean, you just never knew how long it was gonna last."

Brooke Hogan, on her dad wrestling: "It was really horrifying for me and Nick because all I saw was my dad bleeding profusely and Nick would go running down the hallways, screaming.'"

Bill Goldberg, friend/wrestler, on Hulk: "I don't think Terry's happy unless he's performing.  He's always gonna be out there, and he's got fans upon fans upon fans who are always gonna be with him."

*

Here's the press release:

"HULK HOGAN & FAMILY: THE E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY" PREMIERES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 AT 8PM ET/PT ON E!

In Exclusive New Interviews, Hulk and Brooke Hogan Set the Record Straight

Friends and Relatives of the Wrestling Legend Offer Unique Insight into America's Favorite TV Family

Los Angeles, CA, October 27, 2008 – Terry Bollea, known by his ring name, "Hulk Hogan," is the most celebrated professional wrestler of all time and for years, "Hulkamaniacs" followed his every move.  Then, in 2005, the reality show "Hogan Knows Best" introduced audiences to Hulk's animal-loving wife Linda, his pop-singing daughter Brooke and his wild-child son Nick.  It seemed nothing could come between this tightly-knit clan, but this past year has proven otherwise.  From Nick's devastating car crash and imprisonment to Hulk and Linda's bitter divorce, the numerous scandals have left the Hogan family divided.  Now, in a special ninety-minute episode, Hulk and Brooke Hogan sit with E! to address the drama, speaking candidly about the shocking events that have rocked their family.

No topic is off-limits in this captivating THS: Hulk and Brooke discuss the heart-wrenching effects of Nick's horrible accident and the agony of Hulk and Linda's divorce.  Hulk also opens up about his tough decision to say goodbye to wrestling and explains why he chose to place his loved ones under the microscope of a reality TV show.  Finally, Brooke gives her take on her close bond with her father and explains her feelings about the current relationship she has with her mother.

Also on hand are close friends and family members including Hulk's niece Victoria Bollea, wresting pals Eric Bischoff, Bill Goldberg, Brian Knobbs and Bubba "The Love Sponge" Clem, along with "Brooke Knows Best" co-stars Ashley Menedez and Glenn Douglas.  Plus, this unforgettable episode is peppered with personal family photos and home video of Hulk growing up, Hulk and Linda's wedding and Nick and Brooke as young kids.  "Hulk Hogan & Family: The E! True Hollywood Story" premieres Friday, November 7 at 8pm ET/PT on E!

Comments

[hulkamania will rise above]

john didnt have a seatbelt on, in austraia that is a fineable offence, in my mind nick and john can blame each other as much as they want, at the end of the day they both made decisions on that day that has now permanently affected their lives. Nick shouldnt have gotten behind the wheel and John shouldnt have got in the car. People need to leave Hulk alone. the man has done more for this world than all of you combined could only dream about.

[MH]

Yes, an inappropriately dressed Brooke expressed her sadness in court about what happened to John. Her words and actions seem odd to me.
~She doesn't help John recuperate or spend time with his family to help ease their pain. She instead moves on from this oh so painful time in her life with a reality tv show and plans for a Playboy spread. That's some priorities.
~Nick learned a lesson? John is missing half his skull and cannot speak! Nick is moving on to reality tv to make his jail time mean something. What lesson is learned? No plans to help John with his recovery or help his family deal with their pain.
~Nope, just time to have fun and move on. Your friend of 5 years is missing half of his skull and brain! Scum.

[Rays Fan]

Hulk appeared to me to be intoxicated when he drove home from a Rays game in late September. He was with his girlfriend and that Big Nasty guy and was revving the engine of his yellow mustang. What a loser POS! Get some class, Hogan, you drunk!

[William]

Saw the show, but couldn't help but wonder why they didn't ask Hulk about him providing the alcohol that set this series of tragedies for the Graziano family in motion.
He's on tape buying a couple cases of beer with Nick that day, yet was never charged with it because no one would testify against him.
Man up, Hulk. Take the hit as you well deserve. You let your son take the entire responsibility for this and spend 6 months in jail while you explored your new freedoms with your new girlfriend.
You digust me.

[me]

brooke says this is the happiest time of her life . really ? in court I read that you cried over john and how much you loved him . this should be the WORST time of your life !glad our u.s. Marine was a good life lesson for little nicky .we as a country lost a valuable young man and got to keep a little arrogant thug wanna be .THANKS ALOT !

[Billy Juarez]

I was interviewed for this show to give the point of view of a hulkamaniac. Hope I didn't disappoint any of you. HULK HOGAN 4 LIFE!

[Jake]

The Bollea family is theatrical - they cannot relate to the rest of us. What they do in society is above you and me, it is not wrong. Give your kids what they want, stick up for their lies, treat everyone as if they are peons, place yourself above the law - it is their lives. Their mother is the smart one - she left this dysfunctional bunch of idiots. May the hulkster finally grow up (never), the daughter obtain psychological help, and the son get some serious guidance - this family wants to be in the news - one way or another, AND it will happen again.

I know happy2, karma is a pain for some. I mean look at John Graziano and what it did for him according to Hulk.

[Holly]

This "low rent" family does not deserve the money, fortune, and fame that they currectly enjoy!

[matt]

They should have shopped at Double Barrel in Clearwater....

[chris]

well that sad that that happing to thim and people all say that linda hogan was in thae marige for his money but i dont think so and plus thay ware a powerfull famly

[tony]

yes, yes, and yes. more hogans on TV and the SPT. more, more, more...i want more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mike]

The little bit of fame on TV went to Linda's head and she could not handle it. Nick was just doing what millions of other teenagers do all the time, just unfortunately it turned tragic. Hopefully lessons are learned.

[Andre the Giant]

Honestly, all this just goes to show just how normal their family really is. There really isn't anything atypical about them. Every single thing that's happened to them, has happened/is happening to millions of families across the U.S. every day: ugly divorces, tragic car accidents, thefts, etc., etc., etc...

[Dr_Dug]

All because of Greed....and fame.

[Joe]

Very well said happy2 people just need to get a life and leave them alone. Its getting old people bashing them. I hope nick went and had a beer when he got out bet he needed one when he got out!!

[happy2]

All you fans who have built hogan up for years and years and the family and enjoyed many nights of entertainment off of them, now want to trash them. Nick had an accident which can happen to anyone who has a teenager and now people are using that accident to push the family into the ground. I dont judge, it can happen to anyone anytime and it is very sad that now their marriage is gone. Kids grow up and move along and you hope these days at least you have your marriage left intact, kids can destroy your marriage, so can people, friends, society. We are in a recycle toss away society and marriages are included so are families. I would love to see them mend their ways and the family get back together. As far as John goes my heart and soul goes out for him and his family. NO one would ever wish that on anyone but he was also a participant in what happened and no one knew planned the outcome. I am sure his parents did not raise him to be that cruel, he is a kid. Kids do stupid senseless things everyday but then SO DO ADULTS!!!! I will watch the show. Dont hate people, Karmas a .. and it comes back to get YOU, just live.

[Mikey]

It seems the people who love to bash Terry are the ones who have nothing in their own life. How about going out and doing something for yourself? Sitting here and talking smack about the Hogans will get you nowhere. It is a big world and a lot of things for you to do and see. Enjoy it because you are only around once, and then it's gone.

"...please use proper grammar. It doesn't make you sound too intelligent."

"Anyways,.."

Classic.

[dave]

thanks tonka, now back to your hulk action hero doll

[Tonka61]

Hey Dave,
If you're going to call someone "trash," please use proper grammar. It doesn't make you sound too intelligent.

Anyways, this is Hogan's second "THS." He had one a few years ago as well.

[Tramor]

You know, like, and for sure, like you know, I can't be there for daddy all the time, you know, like....

[dave]

by the way, most folks with a grip on reality and with family values could care less about the bollea types.

the bollea children are victims of the parents.

[dave]

how about the gentleman's life that was destroyed by bollea falsely accusing him of stealing money fron bollea's mother.

theres the real story.

turns out it was a bollea family member stealing, caught on atm video.

not so much as an apology from bollea for false arrest and imprisonment

bollea deserves every bit of the negative publicity he is getting.

trash is trash regardless of wealth!