Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71 following cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency services responded early Thursday morning and transported the WWE Hall of Famer to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Just weeks earlier, Hogan’s wife Sky had dismissed circulating rumors about his health, assuring fans that he was recovering well from recent neck surgery. Speculation had grown after online reports suggested the wrestling legend was on his “deathbed.”
Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was one of the most influential figures in the history of professional wrestling. His larger-than-life personality and unmatched charisma helped catapult WWE into the mainstream during the 1980s and ’90s. He became a cultural phenomenon, drawing millions of fans and bringing wrestling into the global spotlight.
In 1996, Hogan reinvented his career by turning heel and forming the infamous New World Order (nWo) in WCW, proving his adaptability and further solidifying his legacy. His achievements earned him two separate inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame, in 2005 and again in 2020.
Outside the ring, Hogan found success in Hollywood, first appearing in 1982’s Rocky III as Thunderlips. He went on to star in a string of action movies and led the hit reality show Hogan Knows Best, which gave fans a glimpse into his family life.
His career wasn’t without controversy. In 2015, a leaked tape containing racist remarks led to his release from WWE. However, Hogan later won a major legal victory against Gawker for publishing the footage, in a case that became a pivotal moment for internet privacy and celebrity rights.
The wrestling world is mourning the loss of a true legend whose impact went far beyond the squared circle. Hogan was not just a wrestler—he was a pop culture powerhouse, a household name, and wrestling’s first true crossover superstar. His influence on the industry is immeasurable, and his legacy will live on through generations of fans and performers alike.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the millions who grew up chanting “Hulkamania” around the world.