Local wrestling promoter Dave Herro remembers and thanks Hulk Hogan

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Even if you don't know anything about pro wrestling, you knew Hulk Hogan. Probably the most recognizable figure in the sport, he appeared on Sports Illustrated, the first pro wrestler to do so, and took his industry to a whole different level.

Hogan reportedly died Thursday morning at his Clearwater, Florida home. Here in the Milwaukee area, longtime fans remember him emerge with the AWA. Later it was Wrestlefest at County Stadium and the infamous breakup of the Megapowers at the Bradley Center.

CBS 58's Lance Allan asked local wrestling promoter and Great Lakes Championship Wrestling owner Dave Herro about his impact.

"I actually had this conversation with Hulk back in March when he was up doing his Real American beer signing," Dave Herro said. "And we had a moment where it was just him and I talking. And I thanked him. I said, thank you for giving a 12-year-old kid something to believe in. I said good versus evil. You never quit. You always went forward, no matter if it was Paul Orndorff stabbing you in the back or Andre the Giant ripping your cross off your chest. You always found that something inside you that gave you the ability to go forward. And whether it be scripted or not, it was still something believable that resonated with me. And forever grateful that I got to be a part of the Hulkamania era."

Amazing that some consider him the biggest good guy, or face with Hulkamania, and the biggest bad guy or heel with the NWO.

His nickname was the immortal Hulk Hogan. While he's gone, Hulkamania will live on.