Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 after a sudden cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. The iconic figure, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away in the early hours of July 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape professional wrestling into a global phenomenon. Emergency services responded to his residence around 9:51 AM local time, and although he was rushed to the hospital, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and pop culture at large. Hulk Hogan was not just a wrestler, he was a household name. He represented an era where larger than life characters ruled the ring, and he stood tall above them all. With his unmistakable handlebar mustache, bulging muscles, and signature catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” Hogan built a brand that transcended the squared circle.
WWE confirmed his death with a heartfelt statement, calling him one of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment history. The company noted that his influence stretched beyond wrestling, having starred in films, reality shows, and countless commercials. Hogan helped take WWE from local shows to sold out arenas around the world. His popularity in the 1980s was so immense that his face became synonymous with professional wrestling itself.
Hogan had undergone a neck surgery earlier in May, and although updates from his wife Sky Daily suggested he was recovering well, his passing comes as a tragic surprise. Fans online have responded with a mix of heartbreak, nostalgia, and tributes. Many credit Hogan with being the reason they fell in love with wrestling in the first place, while others reflect on his complicated legacy with honesty and emotion. Despite controversies in his later years, there is no denying that he helped build the foundation of the wrestling world as we know it.
His career was filled with high drama both inside and outside the ring. From body slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III to turning heel and creating the nWo faction in WCW, Hogan reinvented himself in ways that kept him relevant through decades. He won 12 world championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, once as an individual in 2005 and again as a member of the nWo in 2020.
Beyond wrestling, he was a pop culture fixture. He played Thunderlips in Rocky III, had his own reality series Hogan Knows Best, and released a handful of music projects and fitness products. His booming voice and intense charisma made him a natural entertainer, and his image was etched into the childhoods of millions across the globe.
In recent years, Hogan tried to return to the spotlight through new business ventures, including a beer brand and an amateur wrestling league. His focus had shifted toward mentoring young athletes and staying active in the wrestling community through public appearances and social media.
News of his death has already prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow wrestlers, celebrities, and fans around the world. WWE is expected to air special tribute segments in his honor during its weekly broadcasts, and a larger memorial event is rumored to be in the works. Social media has been flooded with posts remembering Hogan’s impact, and the hashtag #RIPHulkHogan has quickly begun trending worldwide.
Whether you loved him, criticized him, or both, there is no denying Hulk Hogan was a force that changed wrestling forever. He was flawed, fierce, and unforgettable. The world has lost a titan, but the memory of Hulkamania will live on in the hearts of fans for generations.
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