Hulk Hogan has a new nemesis, and this time it's not a fellow professional brawler.
The wrestler and reality star is suing Post, the maker of Cocoa Pebbles, after noticing that the villain in a recent commercial bears a striking resemblance to his own iconic persona. The commercial stars the sugary cereal's animated mascots from "The Flintstones" going up against said competitor, which the lawsuit says goes by the name of "Hulk Boulder." According to a Tampa Tribune report, Hogan contends he used the name "Hulk Boulder" early in his career before wrestling promoter Vince McMahon decided he should have an Irish name. (A visit to
Hogan's Wikipedia page revealed one of his early nom de brawls as having been "Terry Boulder", but there's no mention of a "Hulk Boulder".)
In the commercial, called "Cocoa Smashdown," Boulder is depicted with Hogan's trademark yellow-blond hair and handlebar mustache. Boulder is conquered by Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, and falls to "little pieces" in the ring.
Hogan claims Post cereals is using his likeness without his permission -- and that, in fact, they never even asked his permission. He claims that he brought his concerns to the company's attention in August, but Post continued to run the ads. Hogan has his own line of branded foods (burgers and energy drinks) at Wal-Mart, and claims that an unauthorized likeness in a food commercial could hurt Hogan's own interests.
Hogan's lawyer confirmed a lawsuit had been filed based on "misappropriation of Terry Bollea's (Hulk Hogan) likeness for commercial purposes." The attorney wouldn't reveal the exact dollar amount that his client is hoping to win from his lawsuit, saying only that they are seeking "damages that would represent fair compensation for the use of his likeness in the commercial arena."
