DANVERS — Still considering that trip to the Hollywood walk of fame? Don’t bother- all the stars are at the Danvers Market Basket.
Professional wrestler Terry Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, made a stop by the store Thursday afternoon to celebrate the Massachusetts launch of his new Real American Beer. It was the same store that actor Jason Momoa visited just two days prior to promote his new vodka.
With the line to meet the WWE Hall of Famer capped at 300 people, crowds of excited “Hulkamaniacs” spilled out of the store donning in Wrestlemania shirts, American flag attire, and even some sporting his “Hulkamania” headband.
“It’s Hulkamania, brother!” said Austin Price of Methuen, who said he took work off early to meet his favorite childhood wrestler. “How could I not come out? When is something like this going to happen again?”
[I’ve been a fan] ever since I was a little kid, back when the WWE was the WWF,” said Richard Knight, who came with his family from Hampton, New Hampshire, to see Hogan. “I’m hoping to get my beer and maybe my shirt signed.”
The WWE Hall of Famer stopped at six different Massachusetts locations for his tour to meet with fans and promote his new light lager, which the Danvers Market Basket was one of the first stores in the state to start carrying after its launch in the state.
“They just launched [Real American Beer] last week, and we started putting it on the shelves immediately,” said Mike Clark, the store’s spirits division buyer.
Welcoming Hogan at the entrance to the Endicott Plaza were a group of Donald Trump supporters holding MAGA signs and flags.
According to Denise Page, the organizer of the demonstration, the group wanted to welcome the wrestler after his recent endorsement of Donald Trump and speech at the Republican National Convention. Although Trump has said he does not drink himself, the former president endorsed Real American Beer earlier this week on Truth Social.
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202