Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at 71, following a reported cardiac arrest.
The icon passed away in Florida, leaving behind a lasting impact on global entertainment.
Terry Gene Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, one of the most celebrated figures in professional wrestling history, has died at the age of 71.
Reports from TMZ and other outlets confirmed that emergency medical services rushed to Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning following a suspected cardiac arrest. Paramedics reportedly placed him on a stretcher and moved him into an ambulance, but further details about his final moments have not yet been disclosed.
Hogan’s death comes months after he underwent a neck-related medical procedure that sparked concerns about his health. However, in a recent update, his wife Sky Bollea had reassured fans that despite the surgery, his heart remained “strong.” His passing has shocked both fans and colleagues who admired him as a larger-than-life icon in and out of the wrestling ring.
Born in 1953, Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977, gradually building his name before becoming a household figure in the 1980s when he joined Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE. His charisma, signature handlebar mustache, bandana, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” helped him connect with audiences of all ages.
Hogan was instrumental in making wrestling a family-friendly spectacle during the WWF’s rise to global popularity. He headlined major events such as WrestleMania and captured the WWF Championship six times, defeating some of the most formidable names in the sport.
In 1996, he reinvented his character by turning heel for the first time in his career. As “Hollywood Hogan,” he formed the New World Order (nWo) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), a storyline that remains one of the most iconic in wrestling history.
His contributions were recognized with two separate inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame once in 2005 as an individual and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo faction.
Outside of wrestling, Hogan also enjoyed success in entertainment. He appeared in movies such as Rocky III where he played “Thunderlips,” No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. His television appearances and reality shows further expanded his fame.
Hulk Hogan leaves behind a legacy that shaped professional wrestling and pop culture. He is remembered not just as a champion in the ring, but as a global symbol of wrestling’s golden era.
