A Life of Wrestling Glory, Pop Culture Fame, and Controversy
Hulk Hogan, the WWE Hall of Famer who became the face of “Hulkamania” and helped transform wrestling into a mainstream entertainment spectacle, has died at the age of 71.
Authorities in Clearwater, Florida, confirmed that Hogan—whose real name was Terry Bollea—suffered a cardiac arrest at his home on Wednesday morning. Emergency responders arrived around 10 a.m. local time (3 p.m. UK time), but despite efforts to revive him, he passed away in the hospital roughly an hour later. Police have stated there are no signs of foul play, and his family is being supported through this time.
A Wrestling Icon Who Changed the Game
Hogan’s career skyrocketed in the 1980s, an era when his charisma, trademark bandana, and signature handlebar moustache made him a household name. His victory over the Iron Sheik in 1984 earned him his first WWE World Championship, setting the stage for a decade of dominance in the ring.
As the headline attraction for the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985, Hogan faced legendary opponents such as Andre the Giant, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, and The Rock, while also engaging in storylines with WWE chairman Vince McMahon himself. Over the course of his career, he captured six world championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by actor Sylvester Stallone.
Global Tributes and WWE’s Statement
The wrestling community and fans worldwide have been paying heartfelt tributes since the news broke. WWE issued an official statement: “WWE is saddened to learn that Hulk Hogan, one of the most recognizable figures in sports and entertainment, has passed away. Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling and pop culture cannot be overstated. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
Ric Flair, Hogan’s longtime friend and rival, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “I’m absolutely devastated by the passing of my brother, Hulk Hogan. We shared decades of memories inside and outside the ring. He was more than an icon—he was family.”
WWE legends The Undertaker and Triple H also praised Hogan’s contributions, calling him “a true pioneer of sports entertainment” and “the ultimate Superstar who inspired millions around the world.”
From Wrestling Rings to Hollywood
Beyond the squared circle, Hogan became a fixture in Hollywood, starring in films such as Rocky III (as the flamboyant Thunderlips) and Suburban Commando, and headlining the VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best. His larger-than-life persona transcended wrestling, making him one of the most recognizable entertainers of the 1980s and 1990s.
In 2024, Hogan grabbed headlines again when he appeared at the Republican National Convention to endorse Donald Trump’s presidential bid, delivering a fiery speech while channeling his “Hulkamania” persona. Trump later paid tribute to Hogan, describing him as “a great friend, a true patriot, and a cultural giant who inspired millions.”
A Complex Legacy
Despite his success, Hogan’s life was not without controversy. His legal battle with gossip site Gawker, following the publication of a private tape, resulted in a landmark $140 million privacy lawsuit victory in 2016. He was also temporarily suspended by WWE in 2015 after a leaked recording revealed the use of racist language, though he was reinstated in 2018 after issuing a public apology.
Hogan openly admitted to using anabolic steroids during his wrestling prime, a confession that added to ongoing conversations about the toll professional wrestling takes on athletes.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1953, Terry Bollea initially pursued music, playing bass in rock bands before training as a wrestler in Florida in the late 1970s. His towering physique—boasting the famous “24-inch pythons”—earned him comparisons to the comic-book hero Hulk, a name that would define his career.
Hogan was married three times and is survived by his two children.
