The world of sports entertainment is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures. Hulk Hogan, the legendary wrestler whose charisma, physique, and catchphrases helped catapult WWE into a global phenomenon, has passed away.
His death signals the closing of a golden chapter in wrestling history but it also invites reflection on how the role of the wrestler has evolved in today’s tech-first age.
While Hogan dominated TV ratings, merchandise shelves, and action figures, a new generation of WWE entertainers have found their legacy not just in title belts but in the technological innovations they’ve brought into arenas far beyond the ring.
As we remember Hogan’s legacy, here are five WWE legends who have made a distinct impact on the world of technology.
1. Xavier Woods: Gaming’s Tech Diplomat
Known in the ring for his vibrant energy and outside the ring for his gaming acumen, Xavier Woods (real name: Austin Watson) has emerged as one of the most tech-savvy entertainers in the WWE universe. He is the founder and face of UpUpDownDown, a YouTube gaming channel that bridges the gap between esports and professional wrestling. With a strong subscriber base and collaborations with both WWE superstars and gaming icons, Woods has proven that fan engagement today extends beyond pyrotechnics and powerbombs—into pixels and play.
2. The Rock: The Tech Investor Behind the Brand
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may have started with eyebrow raises and SmackDowns, but his journey has extended into Silicon Valley. Beyond acting and owning sports leagues, The Rock has made quiet yet strategic investments in fintech platforms like Acorns, mental health apps, and digital wellness products. More notably, his tech-forward branding strategy—using AI, targeted social media analytics, and digital storytelling—has set a new benchmark for modern celebrity entrepreneurship.
3. Stephanie McMahon: Driving WWE’s Digital Expansion
While not a performer in the traditional sense, Stephanie McMahon’s influence in WWE’s pivot toward digital innovation is unmatched. As Chief Brand Officer and former interim CEO, she spearheaded the launch of the WWE Network—one of the first subscription-based streaming platforms from a major sports league.
Her vision helped transition WWE from a television product to a global digital brand. Today, WWE content reaches more than a billion social media followers, thanks in large part to her early bets on content democratization and digital scale.
4. Triple H: Innovating the Performance Pipeline
Paul “Triple H” Levesque, now WWE’s Chief Content Officer, has modernized the way talent is trained and developed. Under his leadership, the WWE Performance Center integrated state-of-the-art motion capture, biometric tracking, and virtual reality (VR) to simulate match scenarios and prevent injuries. His forward-thinking approach has turned the developmental league, NXT, into a testing ground for not just athletes—but for sport innovation itself.
5. John Cena: Branding in the Age of AI
Often hailed as the last “crossover” megastar of the old and new WWE, John Cena’s presence in tech is subtle but impactful. He’s worked with companies building AI-assisted branding tools, voice tech products, and even dabbled in NFTs before the trend peaked.
His use of data to build a global fanbase—balancing family-friendly entertainment with international appeal—has made him a template for athlete influencers navigating a post-algorithm world.
Beyond the Ropes: Why This Matters
Hulk Hogan was a titan of charisma, but his era was analog—sold-out stadiums, magazine covers, and VHS tapes. Today, wrestlers must master algorithms, digital monetization, and cross-platform storytelling. Their success is not only in the ring but also in their ability to code their legacy into the digital fabric of culture.
In Africa, where digital penetration is reshaping youth engagement, these transformations offer a model. What if sports influencers across the continent adopted similar blueprints? Could we see footballers launching edtech apps or Nollywood stars building AI-backed film studios?
The intersection of sports, tech, and influence is no longer optional—it’s the future. And while Hulk Hogan didn’t live to be a part of this wave, he laid the entertainment foundation upon which today’s wrestler-innovators stand tall.
Talking Points
From Muscle to Microchips: A New Kind of Wrestling Power. Let’s be honest; no one watched Hulk Hogan for his code literacy or blockchain wisdom. Yet today, wrestlers are building platforms, leading game channels, and investing in AI startups.
This signals a radical shift in what it means to be a global entertainer. It’s not enough to slam someone through a table; you must also disrupt digital spaces. Africa’s creatives and athletes need to take notes.
Africa Must Stop Consuming and Start Creating Tech Celebrities. Xavier Woods built UpUpDownDown, a gaming empire born from his wrestling persona. Why are we not seeing African footballers, actors, or musicians building similar tech ecosystems?
Instead of waiting for Silicon Valley validation, we should be cultivating African-grown tech influencers who blend entertainment with digital innovation.
WWE’s Shift is a Warning to African Content Giants. WWE’s early pivot to streaming with WWE Network gave them global reach before Netflix even touched original sports content. Meanwhile, most African media firms still treat streaming like an afterthought.
If WWE—built on scripted violence—can master tech innovation, what’s holding back Nollywood or our music industry from owning their digital pipelines?
These are not just points for conversation—they’re calls to action.
Legacy is no longer about being remembered—it’s about being replicated in code.
Africa must stop admiring innovation from afar and start authoring its own digital destiny—from the ring, the stage, the studio, and beyond.
