I'm pretty similar to the OP. Growing up, I was a huge Hulkamaniac
(and am still disappointed that my Hulkamania shirt disappeared one day, to never be found again 
) Not to the point that I hated everyone that opposed Hogan, but I was a kid and didn't know it was fake at the time. I followed the face/heel lines pretty strictly.
Attitude Era, I'd say Kurt Angle and Val Venis. Still feel like Val was/is underrated.
All-time, I'd say Triple H is my guy. No ground-breaking reason - I think he's usually really good with promos (delivery rarely sounds forced/fake, and can play off crowd well to draw reactions), and can tell a great story in a variety of matches.
He gets **** on by the internet, but that is what it is. Still my guy.