Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life wrestling superstar whose charisma, showmanship, and ripped-shirt entrances helped transform professional wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon, has died at the age of 71.
The wrestling legend, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away on Thursday in Clearwater, Florida. According to officials, police and firefighters responded to a cardiac arrest call at his home at 9:51 a.m. First responders rushed him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m., Clearwater police Major Nate Burnside confirmed.
While police are investigating his death, Burnside stated that there are “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity related to this call for service.” Hogan died surrounded by his loved ones, his manager Chris Volo told NBC Los Angeles.
WWE Mourns Its Hall of Famer
“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company said in a statement, adding that Hogan was “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” and that he was instrumental in propelling WWE to global recognition during the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” the statement concluded.
A Political and Cultural Force
In recent years, Hogan became a visible figure in Republican circles, appearing at political events to show support for former President Donald Trump. At last year’s GOP convention, he ripped open his shirt to hype Trump’s campaign.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way – strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “He entertained fans from all over the world, and the cultural impact he had was massive.”
Vice President JD Vance also paid tribute, saying he vividly remembered watching Hogan as a child. “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid,” Vance said. “The last time I saw him, we promised we’d get beers together next time. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend. Rest in peace.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis noted that Hogan’s passing will resonate with an entire generation. “I was sad to see the news that Hulk Hogan passed away today. He was a major icon for anybody in GenX,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to people throughout Florida who cared deeply about him.”
The Gawker Lawsuit and Privacy Battle
Hogan was at the centre of a landmark privacy case in 2016, when he won a $140 million invasion-of-privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media. The lawsuit, which was secretly funded by tech billionaire Peter Thiel, followed Gawker’s publication of a graphic sex tape involving Hogan and the wife of radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge Clem. The verdict ultimately forced Gawker to shut down months later.
Rise of Hulkamania
Hogan’s wrestling career began in 1977, wrestling in regional circuits before becoming a top star in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). His outsize personality and signature “Hulkamania” persona captivated fans during the 1980s, peaking with his legendary showdown against André the Giant at WrestleMania III. His body slam of André remains one of professional wrestling’s most iconic moments.
In the WWE-produced documentary “The True Story of WrestleMania,” Hogan reflected on his unexpected journey. “I never dreamed I could wrestle in Madison Square Garden,” he said. “And then once I’d made that huge step into the big leagues, WrestleMania was something that I didn’t understand.”
A Career Reimagined in WCW
In the 1990s, Hogan shocked fans by leaving the WWF to join rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW). There, he reinvented himself as the leader of the villainous New World Order (nWo), revitalising his career and redefining wrestling narratives.
Beyond Wrestling – Film, TV, and Reality Fame
Hogan became a household name beyond the ring, appearing in movies such as Rocky III, where he fought Sylvester Stallone’s character in a memorable boxer-versus-wrestler battle. In the mid-2000s, VH1 aired Hogan Knows Best, a reality series showcasing his family life with then-wife Linda and their two children, Brooke and Nick.
The show was cancelled in 2007 after Nick was involved in a severe car crash and charged with reckless driving. That same year, Linda filed for divorce, ending their more than two-decade marriage.
Controversy and Redemption
Hogan’s legacy faced major challenges in 2015 after audio surfaced of him using racial slurs. WWE swiftly removed him from its Hall of Fame, stating its commitment to inclusivity. After several public apologies, Hogan was reinstated in 2018. “I’ve been praying for this day, and I finally feel like I made it back home,” he said upon his return.
Despite this, his reception remained mixed. Earlier this year, he was booed by fans during a “Monday Night Raw” appearance at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, which would become his final major public event.
A Legacy That Transcends Generations
Fellow wrestling legend Ric Flair expressed shock at Hogan’s death. He recalled how Hogan supported him during his son Reid Flair’s illness. “Our friendship has meant the world to me,” Flair said. “He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be.”
For millions of fans, Hulk Hogan was more than an athlete; he was a cultural touchstone who helped elevate professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment. His catchphrases, signature poses, and enduring spirit will remain etched in the memories of generations who grew up chanting, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”
