Professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, has died at the age of 71, according to a report by TMZ. Emergency medical services were dispatched to his residence in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday morning after a call reporting a cardiac arrest. Hogan was reportedly stretchered into an ambulance, though official details remain limited.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed his passing in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying it was saddened by the loss of the WWE Hall of Famer. Describing him as one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, WWE credited Hogan with helping the company achieve global fame during the 1980s. WWE did not disclose an official cause of death.
Hogan became a global wrestling sensation in the 1980s, known for his towering presence, bleach-blond hair, and larger-than-life persona. He played a central role in taking professional wrestling mainstream, making it family-friendly entertainment that generated billions of dollars. One of the defining moments of his career came at WrestleMania III in 1987, when he famously body-slammed André the Giant in front of over 90,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan.
He also pursued a career in Hollywood, appearing in films like “Rocky III” and “Santa with Muscles,” but his heart remained in wrestling. Hogan continued to wrestle as long as his body allowed, adapting to new eras and reinventing his character over time.
In 2024, Hogan publicly endorsed Donald Trump during the Republican National Convention. Appearing shirtless and wearing a Trump tank top, he declared, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother! Let Trumpamania rule again!” Trump paid tribute to Hogan on social media, calling him a “great friend” and praising his speech as one of the highlights of the convention.
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan moved with his family to the Tampa area during his childhood. Initially a bass guitarist for local rock bands, he turned to wrestling in the 1970s. His early training was brutal—his first trainer reportedly broke his leg to test his resolve. Hogan stuck with it, building his body and persona, including his famous “24-inch pythons.”
The name “Hulk” was inspired by comparisons to the comic-book character, and “Hogan” was chosen by wrestling promoter Vince McMahon Sr., who wanted an Irish-sounding name for marketing appeal. Hogan’s role in “Rocky III” as Thunderlips introduced him to a wider audience, and he returned to the WWF (now WWE) to defeat the Iron Sheik in 1984 and begin a four-year reign as world champion.
Hogan later joined WCW and transformed into “Hollywood Hogan,” a villainous leader of the rebellious New World Order (nWo). This character shift revitalized his popularity and drew massive fan attention. He eventually returned to WWE, most notably facing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania in 2002 in a legendary intergenerational match.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice and often referred to himself as the “Babe Ruth” of wrestling. However, his career also faced controversy. In 2015, a leaked recording revealed him using a racial slur, leading to a suspension from WWE. He was reinstated in 2018.
He was married three times and had two children, Brooke and Nick, who appeared alongside him and his first wife, Linda, in the reality TV series “Hogan Knows Best,” which aired from 2005 to 2007.
Despite personal and professional challenges, Hogan remains one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling history. His charisma, signature catchphrases, and unforgettable presence helped define an era and brought wrestling into mainstream entertainment. His legacy continues to inspire fans around the world.
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