Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71
CLEARWATER, FL — Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestling figure who revolutionized the industry and became a global pop culture icon, died Thursday at the age of 71, Florida authorities and WWE confirmed.
According to Clearwater police, officers responded to a call early Thursday morning regarding a cardiac arrest. Hogan was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Officials stated that there were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity.
WWE issued a statement expressing sorrow at Hogan’s passing. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan had been battling lingering health issues for several years, including a severe back injury from his wrestling career. Though retired from in-ring competition since 2012, Hogan remained active in the wrestling scene as a co-founder of the Real American Freestyle promotion and was set to launch a themed bar across from Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Hogan’s rise to fame began in the 1980s when he headlined the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985 alongside TV star Mr. T. The event brought professional wrestling into the national spotlight, attracting approximately one million viewers via closed-circuit television. His legendary bout against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in front of 80,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome further cemented his status as a wrestling icon.
Throughout his career, Hogan captured the WWF World Heavyweight Championship six times, with one reign lasting 1,474 days—one of the longest in history. His crossover appeal also led him into film and television, including a notable role in Rocky III and the 1990s action series Thunder in Paradise.
In 1996, Hogan shocked the wrestling world by turning heel and reinventing himself as “Hollywood” Hogan in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). As the leader of the New World Order (NWO), he ushered in a darker, edgier era that resonated with 1990s fans and helped WCW dominate wrestling ratings for 83 consecutive weeks.
He returned to WWE in 2002 for a historic showdown against The Rock at WrestleMania 18. The crowd’s overwhelming support for Hogan led to his reinstatement as a fan favorite and the return of his iconic red-and-yellow persona. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Reactions poured in across social media. Wrestling legends Ric Flair and Triple H were among the first to honor their friend and colleague. Flair called Hogan “an incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father,” while Triple H said Hogan was the embodiment of a “Superstar” who inspired millions worldwide.
Former President Donald Trump also released a statement, calling Hogan “a great friend” and praising his memorable speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention. “He entertained fans from all over the world, and the cultural impact he had was massive,” Trump said.
Despite his enormous success, Hogan’s post-wrestling life was marked by controversy. In 2015, leaked footage captured Hogan using racial slurs, leading to WWE severing ties. He was later reinstated three years later. That same year, Hogan won a $115 million lawsuit against Gawker after they released a sex tape without his consent.
Hogan made his final WWE appearance earlier this year at a Netflix event, where he promoted his Real American Beer brand.
His legacy in the wrestling world is unmatched. To many fans across generations, Hulk Hogan will forever be remembered as the larger-than-life hero who told them to say their prayers and take their vitamins—and made them believe in the power of Hulkamania.