On January 23, 1984, Hulk Hogan pinned The Iron Sheik before a capacity crowd at Madison Square Garden to become the ninth World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion in history – and launch Hulkamania – which is undoubtedly the greatest wrestling fan base of all time. Since then, Hogan has faced some formidable opponents, from King Kong Bundy, to Andre the Giant – to the Big Show – and he has beaten them all.

Now, in June of 2008, Hulk Hogan faces an opponent that I fear will be his downfall. An opponent who seems unstoppable – and an opponent I, for the very first time, think Hulk Hogan cannot defeat…

…his own life.

Currently, Hulk Hogan is going through some horrible life experiences:

• His 17-year-old son Nick is in jail for crashing his car and brutally injuring his friend, Marine and two-time Iraq War Veteran John Graziano, to the point where he is left developmentally disabled with a huge gape in his head that is truly difficult to look at.

• His wife Linda left him and filed for divorce – and she is currently dating a 19-year-old boy.

• The Graziano family is suing Hulk for an undisclosed amount of money for what happened to their son.

• Hulk recently received threatening calls on his answering machine from a member of the Graziano family, saying, “you’re finished,” and threatening that, “I’m gonna piss on your son and your family’s grave.” – as well as threats that were much, much worse.

• Tapes of his family’s conversations with his son have been released to the media, which indicate that Hogan thinks, “God put some serious sh*t on John [Graziano].” and that, according to Nick, “John was a negative person.”

I have to say that I honestly feel really bad for Hulk Hogan. All of the issues taking place in his life are by no fault of his own. They are his son’s, wife’s and friend’s actions. Hulk Hogan didn’t ask for any of this and he truly doesn’t deserve it. Don’t get me wrong, John Graziano doesn’t either – but Hulk Hogan was not behind the wheel – Nick was. No offense to Hulk who I hold in the highest respect – but Nick is a punk. From what I saw of him on Hogan Knows Best, he always carried himself as the rich son of a famous person – and never cared about anything but himself and the fact that he had an unlimited bank account – and no cares in the world. That said – Hogan should not be held accountable for that.

There is speculation that Hulk Hogan bought his son alcohol before the crash – and the fact that there was alcohol in Nick’s system doesn’t help that allegation – but believe me when I tell you that after speaking with him on the phone several times, and watching his show – Hulk would never do anything to put his children in harm’s way – he loves them too much and would rather restrict them from bad behavior then contribute to it.

I saw Hulk Hogan on Larry King Live on June 10th – and it was truly painful to watch. I have seen him thousands of times on television, and his charisma, excitement and ability to bring a crowd to its feet is unprecedented in the wrestling business. But that night, Hulk Hogan was not on television…

…but for the first time ever – Terry Bollea was.

His face was drawn, his eyes had deep, dark rings under them – and at least a half-dozen times – he put his hands over his face and showed the agony that he is going through. I have seen Hulk Hogan do many things, I have seen him slam Andre the Giant, I have seen him turn “heel” and join the nWo – and I have seen him pin Vince McMahon at Wrestlemania XIX in front of thousands of people while millions watched at home…

…but the one thing I have never seen Hulk Hogan do – is cry.

As a fan of Hulk Hogan and someone who, if only for a brief moment – has had the privilege of being allowed into his personal life – I have to say that watching him break down on national television was heartbreaking to watch. He has given so much to so many – and for this now to be his existence – is something he of all people does not deserve. In fact, while talking to Larry King, he said, “If you would have told me a couple of years ago Larry we’d be sitting here and this is had been how my life unfolded, I would have thought you were crazy.” – If only he knew.

I have recently seen Hulk Hogan on Rachel Ray and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and on those shows – he was the Hulk Hogan I remember – but now – I can barely recognize him. He is a shell of his former self – and I do not mean that in a derogatory way – but in the way that the recent events in his life have taken a toll on him that no wrestling schedule, “gimmick,” or opponent could ever have.

I wish Hulk Hogan the best of luck through this tough time in his life and I will no doubt be praying for him to get through this and get back to the Hulkster we all know and love. After all he has done for wrestling, wrestling fans, charities, entertainment, kids, the wrestling business – and myself – he deserves it.

Hulk, if I can give you any advice – it is your own – train, eat your vitamins…

…and say your prayers.

I’m with you Brother.