Hulk Hogan says Billy Graham shaped his career, I wanted to be like him!

"lazy "/> TMZSports.com

Hulk Hogan will never forget the impact pro wrestling legend Billy Graham had on his life, saying Graham's influence on his career is one of the main reasons he became the 'one of the greatest icons in WWE history!

Hogan reflected on his relationship with Billy after the 79-year-old wrestling legend died last week, recalling how he used to take his father to watch Billy's matches... and was captivated by the personality more BG's larger than life on microphone and stellar physique.

"I want to be like him," Hulk would say to his father, referring to Graham, as he watched in awe every time "Superstar" flexed his biceps at events.

Hogan says he inspired Graham's career, a former WWE Champion, and WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, aka "The American Dream".

"I stole a little from each of them," Hogan told Babcock on the TV show "TMZ Sports" (which airs weekdays on FS1).

WWE/Alamy