My marriage was broken, Hulkster says

Reuters

BREAK DOWN: Hulk Hogan says his marriage was broken for a long time.

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Hulk Hogan says his marriage was "broken" long before his wife filed for divorce.

The wrestling legend - real name Terry Bollea - had accepted his relationship with Linda Bollea was in trouble before she began divorce proceedings last November.

He said: "I was married for 23 years and then everything just disappeared.

My wife filed for divorce but the marriage was broken long before that."

Hulk refused to comment on Linda's blossoming romance with a 19-year-old student, insisting he is focusing on his two children - 17-year-old son Nick and daughter Brooke, 20.

Hulk - whose son Nick is currently serving eight months in prison on charges of reckless driving which left his friend John Graziano brain-damaged - also claims the car crash happened for a reason.

He explained: "There is nothing important to me than my children. I am just focusing on helping Nick and John getting better right now.

"Everything that has happened to this family has been really tough on Brooke. She doesn't understand what is going on. But we are staying positive and we are moving on. This is in God's hands.

"This happened to make Nick a better person and, I believe, to make John a better person. It is God's will."

The 54-year-old star also apologised for being an overbearing father, but insisted he only ever wanted the best for his kids.

Hulk, who was on the verge of tears, told US talk show host Larry King: "I have been an over-zealous father. I apologise for that. I never meant to hurt anyone. I am maybe overbearing to a fault and if I am guilty of anything I am guilty of that."