American Gladiator Meets Divorce Court

The latest chapter in out of control celebrity reality TV Wrestling emerged Friday. This report is prepared from official courtroom filings. Linda Bollea has filed a new complaint in Florida divorce court alleging that Superstar Wrestler Terri Bollea (aka Hulk Hogan) is attempting to hide assets through the formation of Limited Liability Corporations, and other trusts. Linda filed for divorce in September of 2007 after being asked to review a post nuptial agreement at Attorney Les Barnett's office. Up to that time, no discussions of divorce or separation had occurred between husband Hulk and wife Linda. Smelling a rat, despite the soothing words of her husband, Linda withdrew one and a half million dollars from joint bank accounts, and then filed for divorce. Linda maintains that the money is safe.

Court documents reveal a narrative of deception orchestrated by Hulk Hogan that caused Linda to reveal secrets to Attorney Les Barnett that will cause her to be embarrassed if made public.

The legal tussle is the outcome of pressures placed on the marriage since the tragic street racing crash of their son, Nick Bollea, and the serious injury of his best friend, John Graziano, a passenger in the car. Linda Barnett has been publicly defamed by the release of a video, showing her encouragement of street racing, and the excitement that running from the cops brings. The Family mansion in millionaire's community of Bellaire, Florida was sold last summer for ten million dollars, and the cash from that sale is marital property subject to splitting in the divorce settlement.

Court documents reveal a complicated web of financial partnerships and trusts that are now excluding Linda Bollea from the marital assets. Eric Bishoff, long time Hulk Hogan friend and business partner, has been named to control some assets. In the injunctive motion, Linda alleges that he is merely a proxy for her husband. Other assets are controlled by Hulk Hogan's attorneys. Linda is seeking a court order to force her husband to disclose all assets and prevent the transfer of any marital property.

Observers of the mess speculate that Hulk Hogan will eventually be sued for the lifetime care of Jon Graziano. Hulk Hogan was the owner of the Toyota Supra that crashed, and his son Nick was 17 at the time, and therefore not fully financially culpable. Observers expect that a settlement of this type will exceed ten million dollars.

Without a doubt, these tragic affairs have tested Hulk Hogan, but have not distracted him from the successful new reality series, the remake of "American Gladiator." The Hulkster is the celebrity master of Ceremonies, along with Muhammad Ali's daughter. Appearing on the Jay Leno show Friday night, January 25th, the Hulkster showed little emotional effects of the person drama, and spoke almost entirely of the Gladiators. He is quite happy with the work.