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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.The post The Fantastic Four: First Steps first appeared on Worth it or Woke.

Hulk Hogan, Wrestling’s Larger-Than-Life Hero, Gone at 71
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Hulk Hogan, Wrestling’s Larger-Than-Life Hero, Gone at 71

The wrestling world is reeling. Terry Gene Bollea—Hulk Hogan to millions—passed away on July 24, 2025, at 71. Reports say he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning. Despite a frantic 911 call and the efforts of paramedics, the man who carried wrestling on his back for decades couldn’t be saved. For fans like me, who grew up as wide-eyed Hulkamaniacs, it’s an elbow to the gut from off the top turnbuckle. Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler; he was a living, breathing superhero. Just last month, in June 2025, rumors swirled about Hogan’s health after he had neck surgery. Some corners of the internet claimed he was on his deathbed, but his team shot that down, saying it was just routine stuff. He’d also gone through a major heart operation earlier this year, which someone close to him called “pretty serious.” Still, Hogan kept going, pushing his Real American Freestyle wrestling league and showing up for fans with that same old fire. The fact that he was out there, still larger than life, makes his loss sting even more. Hogan was born August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and grew up in Port Tampa, Florida. He didn’t start as a global icon—he was just a kid with a dream who found his calling in the late ’70s. By 1983, when he signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), he became the guy who put wrestling on the map. His “Hulk Hogan” persona—bandana, blond mustache, that red-and-yellow gear—was electric. He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, drawing crowds like no one else. His defining moment came at WrestleMania III in 1987, when he faced the 520-pound Andre the Giant. In front of 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome, Hogan did the unthinkable: he lifted Andre and slammed him to the mat, a feat that shook wrestling fandom. That body slam wasn’t just a move; it was a statement that Hulkamania could conquer anything. His 1988 match against Andre on The Main Event later drew a record 33 million viewers, proof that Hogan was a cultural force. Beyond the ring, Hogan was everywhere. He flexed his charisma in Rocky III and No Holds Barred, starred in Hogan Knows Best, and even tried his hand at music with The Wrestling Boot Band. Wrestling was always his heart, though. He earned two WWE Hall of Fame inductions—one in 2005 for his solo work, another in 2020 for the nWo. Hulk Hogan as Thunderlips in Rocky III Hogan wasn’t perfect. In 2015, a leaked recording caught him using racial slurs, sparking outrage and a temporary WWE ban. He apologized, and they brought him back in 2018. His personal life had its share of mess too—a rough divorce from his first wife, Linda, and a public falling-out with his daughter, Brooke. Still, to many fans, he stayed a hero, a symbol of an era when wrestling felt like a mythic battleground. Andre the Giant faces off against Hulk Hogan in WrestleMania III 1987 Growing up, I was glued to the TV every time Hogan stepped into the ring. Ripping his shirt, dropping the leg, staring down guys like The Iron Sheik or Randy Savage—it was like watching Superman in a wrestling ring. That WrestleMania III moment, hoisting Andre into the air, felt like proof he could do anything. His call to “say your prayers and eat your vitamins” wasn’t just some catchy line; it was a kid’s roadmap to being strong, standing tall, and never giving up. Even now, as an adult, those words hit home—a reminder to keep fighting, no matter what life throws at you. Hogan’s legacy isn’t just in the titles or the sold-out arenas. He turned wrestling into a global stage, paving the way for what WWE is today. Losing him feels like losing a piece of my childhood, but his message still rings true. So tonight, I’ll say a prayer and maybe even choke down some vitamins, because that’s what the Hulkster would want. Keep the faith, stay strong, and carry on. Rest in peace, brother.The post Hulk Hogan, Wrestling’s Larger-Than-Life Hero, Gone at 71 first appeared on Worth it or Woke.

Alien: Earth
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Alien: Earth

Set in 2120, two years before the events of the 1979 film Alien, Alien: Earth follows a mysterious space vessel crash-landing on a dystopian Earth governed by five powerful corporations. A young woman named Wendy leads a ragtag group of tactical soldiers to investigate the wreckage. Their discovery unleashes the planet’s greatest threat—Xenomorphs and other terrifying creatures—forcing Wendy and her team to confront nightmarish aliens and corporate secrets while grappling with questions of humanity’s survival and her own identity.    The post Alien: Earth first appeared on Worth it or Woke.

Ozzy Osbourne, Heavy Metal Pioneer, Passes Away at 76
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Ozzy Osbourne, Heavy Metal Pioneer, Passes Away at 76

On July 22, 2025, the music world lost a towering figure with the passing of John Michael “Ozzy” Osbourne at the age of 76. His family announced that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, just weeks after a monumental farewell concert with Black Sabbath in his hometown of Birmingham, England. Osbourne’s death marks the end of an era for rock music, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the heavy metal genre and influenced generations of musicians and fans. Born on December 3, 1948, in Aston, Birmingham, Osbourne rose from humble beginnings in a working-class family. Leaving school at 15, he worked odd jobs and briefly turned to petty crime, even serving time for burglary. Music became his outlet, and in 1968, he co-founded Black Sabbath with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. The band’s raw, heavy sound, reflected in albums like Paranoid (1970) and Master of Reality (1971), laid the foundation for heavy metal. Songs like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs” captured the industrial grit of their hometown and resonated with a youth seeking something heavier than the pop of the era. Album cover Blizzard of Ozz Osbourne’s tenure with Black Sabbath ended in 1979 due to struggles with substance abuse, a recurring challenge throughout his life. Under the guidance of his manager and future wife, Sharon Arden, he reinvented himself as a solo artist. His debut album, Blizzard of Ozz (1980), featuring the iconic “Crazy Train,” became a multi-platinum success, showcasing his ability to blend theatricality with raw energy. His solo career spanned over four decades, producing 13 studio albums and earning him a second induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, alongside his earlier induction with Black Sabbath in 2006. Beyond music, Osbourne became a cultural phenomenon through The Osbournes (2002–2005), an MTV reality show that offered an unfiltered look at his family life with Sharon and their children, Kelly and Jack. The series revealed a man navigating the chaos of fame while striving to be a present father. His influence extended further through Ozzfest, a festival founded by Sharon that became a cornerstone of the metal scene in the ‘90s and 2000s, introducing bands like Slipknot and Metallica to wider audiences. Ozzy Osbourne mugshot 1984 Osbourne’s life was marked by personal struggles, including addiction, which led to dark moments such as a 1989 incident where he attempted to harm Sharon while under the influence. His “Prince of Darkness” persona, characterized by provocative antics like the 1982 bat-biting incident (reportedly confusing it for a prop) and the pervasive use of Satanic imagery in his music, defined much of his public image. In a Radio.com interview, Osbourne identified as a Christian, emphasizing a belief in God, though his views did not align with traditional interpretations of Scripture or organized religion. He claimed the Satanic themes were merely a stage persona, not reflective of his personal convictions. However, using such imagery for entertainment purposes, regardless of intent, risks normalizing and spreading harmful ideas, potentially leading fans astray and carrying a profound moral responsibility. His final performance on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park, dubbed “Back to the Beginning,” was a fitting farewell. Seated on a black throne due to his health, Osbourne reunited with Black Sabbath’s original lineup for the first time in 20 years, joined by rock legends like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. Addressing the crowd of 40,000, he expressed gratitude: “You’ve no idea how I feel—thank you from the bottom of my heart.” The event, described as a “heavy metal Live Aid,” was a testament to his enduring impact. Ozzy Osbourne’s last public appearance Osbourne’s contributions to music and culture remain significant, blending raw emotion with a sound that broke new ground. His awards, including five Grammys, an Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement, and stars on both the Hollywood and Birmingham Walks of Fame, reflect his stature. His ability to reinvent himself—from metal pioneer to reality TV star—showcased a versatility that kept him relevant across decades. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, as well as his children from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, Louis and Jessica, and his adopted son, Elliot. As the world reflects on Osbourne’s extraordinary life, we ask you to pray for his soul, particularly in light of the Satanic themes he promoted, whether for show or not, which may have influenced countless fans. We hope he found peace and reconciliation with Christ before his passing. His family has requested privacy during this time, a wish that deserves respect as fans and admirers mourn his loss.The post Ozzy Osbourne, Heavy Metal Pioneer, Passes Away at 76 first appeared on Worth it or Woke.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Theo on ‘The Cosby Show,’ Dies at 54
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Theo on ‘The Cosby Show,’ Dies at 54

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, died on July 20, 2025, at age 54. According to reports from Variety, AP News, and The New York Times, Warner passed away due to an accidental drowning while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica. The incident occurred at Playa Cocles in Limon province, where Warner was swimming on Sunday afternoon. Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department reported that he was caught in a strong ocean current. Despite attempts by bystanders to save him, Red Cross responders found him without vital signs, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, with asphyxia listed as the cause of death. Eddie Griffin and Malcom Jamal-Warner in Malcom & Eddie Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner began acting as a child, landing minor roles before joining The Cosby Show at the age of 13. The NBC sitcom, which ran from 1984 to 1992, portrayed the Huxtable family and became a cultural touchstone for its positive depiction of a Black, upper-middle-class household. Warner’s role as Theo earned him an Emmy nomination in 1986 and made him a familiar face to audiences. After The Cosby Show, Warner starred in Malcolm & Eddie (1996-2000) with Eddie Griffin and later took on roles in The Resident (2018-2023) and American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson. He also directed episodes of shows like Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Sesame Street and won a Grammy in 2015 with the Robert Glasper Experiment for Best Traditional R&B Performance. In 2024, he launched the podcast “Not All Hood” with Weusi Baraka and Candace Kelley, discussing culture and his experiences in Hollywood. Warner spoke fondly of The Cosby Show’s impact, telling PEOPLE in 2023 that it inspired viewers to pursue education and shifted perceptions of Black families. However, he also addressed the complications of its legacy due to Bill Cosby’s legal issues, expressing sadness in a 2015 AP interview over how allegations against Cosby affected the show’s reputation. Malcom Jamal-Warner accepting the Grammy for Best Traditional R&B (2015) Tributes have come from peers like Eddie Griffin, who called Warner “my big little brother” on Instagram, and Jamie Foxx, who wrote, “Rest in power, my brother.” Fans on X remembered him as a key part of their childhoods, often citing Theo’s iconic moments. Warner kept his personal life private, rarely sharing details about his wife or daughter, born in 2017. In a 2023 podcast, he mentioned his wife’s encouragement to embrace his Cosby Show legacy, showing his grounded nature despite decades of fame. His death at Playa Cocles, a beach known for its beauty but also its hazardous currents, underscores life’s unpredictability. Warner leaves behind a career that spanned comedy, drama, music, and directing, with The Cosby Show remaining his most enduring mark. In a 2013 interview, he reflected on his fulfilling life, saying he’d go “with a smile” if it ended. That sentiment captures the quiet positivity he brought to his work and is how many will remember him.The post Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Theo on ‘The Cosby Show,’ Dies at 54 first appeared on Worth it or Woke.