Linda Hogan on Hulk's 'Infidelities' and How She Still Feels 'Sexy'

Aug. 10, 2009 — -- After 24 years of marriage, Linda and Hulk Hogan wrestled in divorce court for nearly two years over an estimated $30 million fortune.

In an exclusive interview with "Good Morning America", Linda Hogan, who starred with her ex-professional wrestler husband in the reality TV show "Hogan Knows Best" says the divorce was not due to the "reality TV "curse" but rather in part because of Hulk's affair with his daughter's best friend.

"There were infidelities. It scared me because I thought 'Oh my God, is that my fault? Is he moving on? Am I just a dumb housewife? Am I too fat, am I too dumb?' You just start doubting yourself and that was really sad," Hogan, 49, said.

Hulk admitted to the affair but maintains that his marriage to his wife was "irrevocably broken and over" at the time, according to his publicist Elizabeth Rosenthal.

"We all worked really hard and way too much to the point where we really didn't have any emotion left. We were just robots functioning on a weird level," Linda Hogan said.

'Cougar Queen'? 'Gold Digger'? 'Low Class'?

Hogan moved on. Last year she began dating Charlie Hill, who is nearly 30 years her junior and went to high school with her daughter. Although she admits her relationship with Hill is "definitely weird," Hogan says she loves him.

"He's a great friend and a good soul and a great support system for me," Hogan said.

And Hogan isn't bothered by the "cougar queen" headlines in the tabloids.

"It's kind of a fad now, it's cool. I'm finally in style because they really knock me about how bad I dress," said Hogan, admitting that she shops for clothes at Wal-mart and K-Mart.

"To be honest with you when all that started happening, all the allegations that I'm a cougar, I said 'could somebody please tell me why cougar, why not lioness?'" she asked.

As for the accusations that she is a "gold digger" or "low class," Hogan brushes those off, too.

"I was a manicurist, my husband was a struggling wrestler. We had nothing, " Hogan said. "Low class? Well, maybe the way I dress but that would be all. I have blond hair, long acrylic nails ... but I wouldn't say low class, just a product of the '80s."

Hulk's Temper

"It scared me because I thought everyone has their snapping point and I didn't want him to snap," she said.

She even called 911 to report her then husband.

"He's threatened my life before and I don't want him around. I'm shaking and I'm trembling," she told the 911 operator. "He is stalking me."

Hulk escalated the situation when he spoke to Rolling Stone Magazine in April.

"I could have turned everything into a crime scene, like O. J., cutting everybody's throat," he told the magazine. "You live half a mile from the 20,000-square-foot home you can't go to anymore, you're driving through downtown Clearwater and see a 19-year-old boy driving your Escalade, and you know that a 19-year-old boy is sleeping in your bed, with your wife, … I mean, I totally understand O.J. I get it."

After she read Hulk's comments Linda Hogan thought "it's possible," and she didn't want to be in a "Nicole Simpson situation."

"I don't know if he could go there or not. I don't think so but at the time I wasn't sure," she said. "I knew that he was probably jealous or envious or upset with the whole situation that he didn't have control of me. He didn't know what I was doing, who I was seeing and it bothered him."

Hulk's publicist says he has no history of violence and denies ever stalking Linda. He referred to OJ "as part of a larger conversation to exemplify degrees of emotional turmoil" and "in no way approves of or justifies the OJ situation."

Brooke and Nick Hogan

"It's just about the allegations and it's a whole publicity team that was on my husband's side that helped facilitate that," according to Hogan.

Despite the public accusations Hogan said she is not upset with her daughter.

"I love her more than anything. That's what makes me tick, my kids," Hogan said. "I told her many times 'Please come back. I want to be your Mom. I want to be there. I want to be a part of your life. I love you.'"

Brooke says her and her mother do not have a relationship but wishes her well and hopes "one day that will change."

Although her relationship with her daughter is strained, Hogan said she and son Nick are closer than ever, after his reckless driving accident that nearly killed his best friend.

Nick served five months in prison for the crime.

"That was the most devastating thing that ever happened," Hogan said. "They took him into custody right then and there which I wasn't prepared for at all. I thought I'd be able to give him a hug."

Hogan said Nick learned his lesson, calling it a "real growing up thing."

'50 is the new 30'

Her self confidence is back and she says "50 is the new 30." Hogan is living alone with her 24 pets says she will concentrate on her charity, "Pink Paws for Life."

Her fresh start does not include marriage right now, but she does not rule out another reality show, perhaps with Hill.

"It's my turn to take a bite out of the old apple and see what's out there for me," Hogan said. ''It makes you a tougher soul in a good way. I'm not bitter, I'm not angry ... anymore."