Hulk Hogan more famous than Jackson and The Rock

Hulk Hogan is more famous than Michael Jackson or Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter has claimed.

The grappling legend is a hero to many people for his achievements in the ring and on screen and his blonde handlebar moustache and trademark bandanna have made him one of the most recognisable faces across the globe.

Dixie - who is The Hulkster's boss on TV show 'IMPACT Wrestling' - insists he is mobbed by people no matter where he goes and even the late King of Pop and the 'Fast and Furious 6' actor, who turned himself from superstar wrestler to Hollywood action man, can't match his fame.

She exclusively told BANG Showbiz: 'He (Hulk) is bigger than any brand, company, name - he is synonymous with wrestling and is probably one of the most recognisable faces or figures on the entire planet. Name me someone who is alive today who'd be more recognisable in any corner of the world? In places like Africa and Asia, or if you were walking in Thailand? Princess Diana or Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley maybe? But they aren't even with us anymore. The Rock?'

Despite the huge fame Dwayne, 40, has achieved from his starring roles in films such as 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' and 'Pain & Gain' and his recent headline appearance at 'WWE WrestleMania', Dixie isn't convinced he can match 59-year-old Hulk's popularity.

She added: 'Well, if you are walking in a village in Africa would people know who The Rock was? I think his film work has been outstanding. I'm a huge fan of The Rock, I think he is phenomenal, but would that happen?

Hulk's fame - which has spanned across three decades - causes him and Dixie problems when they go out because a standard journey will take twice as long because people will keep stopping him to say hello and to ask for pictures and autographs.

She said: 'You can't move when people speak to him because he stops and he is so kind and gracious. We can be in a car and people will be banging on windows and honking horns and that's just at a stop light because they're like, 'Oh my God! It's Hulk Hogan!' '

This week Dixie announced 'TNA IMPACT Wrestling' will be broadcast live from The Hydro arena in Glasgow, Scotland, next January when the company tours the UK.

The special show will air as it happens on Challenge in the UK and Ireland and then will be broadcast just a few hours later on Spike TV in the US. There will also be live dates in Manchester, London and Birmingham in January and February and all will be filmed for television.

Tickets for 'TNA IMPACT Wrestling' - which features some of the biggest names in the sport including Sting and Jeff Hardy - are on sale now from www.gigsandtours.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk