Hulk Hogan
EntertainmentSports

Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dead At 71

Terry Gene Bollea, better known to millions around the world as wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71, according to reports from TMZ Sports.

Emergency crews were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning after an apparent cardiac arrest. Responders remained at the scene for an extended period, though official confirmation of Hogan’s cause of death is still pending.

For decades, Hogan towered over the world of professional wrestling — not just as a champion in the ring, but as a larger-than-life symbol of American pop culture. With his trademark red-and-yellow gear, booming charisma, and signature catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?,” Hulk Hogan defined an era.

After launching his WWE (then WWF) career in 1983, Hogan quickly ascended to superstar status by defeating The Iron Sheik in 1984 to become world champion. What followed was a golden decade of dominance, headlining WrestleManias and igniting the global phenomenon known as “Hulkamania.”

Sponsored

He became the first wrestler to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches in 1990 and 1991 — and when he wasn’t slamming giants or ripping shirts, Hogan was crossing over into movies, TV, and merchandising that made him one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet.

Hogan famously jumped to rival promotion WCW in 1994, where he stunned fans by turning heel and forming the iconic “New World Order” (nWo) faction. That reinvention helped WCW reach its peak in the late ’90s, with Hogan once again leading the charge.

He returned to WWE in 2002, where he briefly held the Undisputed Championship — marking the sixth and final time he wore WWE gold.

Outside the ring, Hogan remained a symbol of Americana. In 2024, he stepped onto the political stage with a thunderous speech at the Republican National Convention, rallying behind President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign. With vintage flair, he told the crowd, “I’ve seen some great tag teams in my time. Hulk Hogan and the Macho Man Randy Savage. But you know something? I see the greatest tag team of my life standing upon us getting ready to straighten this country out for all the real Americans.”

Hogan’s death follows weeks of rumors about his declining health, including false claims that he was in a coma or on his deathbed. His wife, Sky, had recently reassured fans that Hogan was recovering well after undergoing neck surgery in May.

From Madison Square Garden to movie screens, and finally to the political arena, Hulk Hogan was more than just a wrestler — he was a cultural force. Millions grew up watching him fight for what he called the three demandments: “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins.”

He is survived by his wife Sky, his children Brooke and Nick, and legions of fans around the globe who believed in Hulkamania and the power of real American grit.

Ad Blocker Detected!

Refresh