Hollywood wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at his Clearwater, Florida home Thursday at age 71, his manager confirmed to NBC Los Angeles. First responders arrived at 9:51 a.m. and pronounced him dead at the scene due to cardiac arrest, local authorities said.
Hogan became a global symbol of sports entertainment in the 1980s and 1990s. His larger-than-life persona, blond horseshoe mustache, and signature “You’ll Hulkamania” catchphrase made him a household name. He headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and frequently battled icons like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock.
Hogan’s rise in wrestling and mainstream fame
Beginning his wrestling career in the 1970s, Hogan exploded into stardom after winning the WWF Championship in 1984. His rivalry with Andre the Giant boosted wrestling’s popularity, climaxing at WrestleMania III in 1987 when he body-slammed the 520-pound giant before a record American television audience.
During the late 1990s, Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hogan in WCW’s New World Order storyline, helping WCW win the ratings war against WWE. He returned to WWE in 2002 for a pivotal match against The Rock at WrestleMania X8 that fans called a symbolic passing of wrestling’s torch.
Off-screen, Hogan expanded into acting, starring in Rocky III and several reality shows, including VH1’s Hogan Knows Best. He earned six WWE championships, induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, and again in 2020 as part of the nWo faction.
Controversies and personal challenges
Hulk Hogan’s legacy also includes major controversies. In 2013 he sued Gawker for releasing footage of a private tape. The jury awarded him $140 million, leading to a $31 million settlement and the eventual bankruptcy of the media company. Hogan faced immense backlash in 2015 after racist remarks prompted WWE to sever ties and remove him from their website and Hall of Fame. He was reinstated in 2018 after public apologies and community work.
Throughout his final years, Hogan dealt with chronic health issues. He reportedly underwent a routine neck surgery in June. Despite a tidal wave of rumors last month suggesting he was near death, his representatives confirmed his condition was stable and there was no need for panic.
Global tributes pour in
WWE issued a statement saying it was “saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away” and extended condolences to his family and fans. Ric Flair, longtime friend and wrestling icon, shared his shock on X and mourned the loss of someone who had stood by him through thick and thin.
Other wrestling legends including Triple H, The Undertaker, Kane, and Charlotte Flair paid tribute online. Former President Donald Trump also expressed grief, calling Hogan a “great friend” and noting his massive cultural influence.
Legacy of “Hulkamania” shaped pro wrestling forever
Sports critics credit Hogan with transforming wrestling into a billion‑dollar entertainment phenomenon. His charisma, promos, and showmanship helped WWE break into mainstream pop culture. He inspired countless wrestlers and made the term “Hulkamania” a global brand.
Hogan’s life was plagued by over two dozen surgeries, including operations on his neck, back, hips, shoulders, and knees. A 2024 podcast appearance revealed he had undergone ten back surgeries alone in the prior decade.
He leaves behind two children, Brooke and Nick, from his marriage to Linda Bollea. His most recent marriage to Sky Daily ended in 2021 after a decade together. Hogan married Sky again in 2023.
Filled with highs and lows, Hogan’s story ends at a defining cultural moment
From rocking stadiums to starring in Rocky III, Hogan epitomized the blazing spectacle of ‘80s and ‘90s sports entertainment. His triumphs brought wrestling to living rooms around the world. Yet his demons and mistakes complicate the legend. Still, millions remember him as the man who made hair bands and muscle tees cool.
With his passing, fans reflect on a career that was unapologetically grand and deeply flawed. Hogan once said, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” Now fans ask: How will they preserve the legacy of Hulkamania in the ring, and outside it?
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.