Hulk Hogan, Pro Wrestling Icon, Passes Away at 71—Fans Mourn the End of an Era

WWE icon Hulk Hogan has reportedly passed away at the age of 71. Born Terry Gene Bollea, the wrestling superstar was found dead at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday morning.

According to TMZ, first responders arrived at the scene after receiving a call regarding a cardiac arrest. Multiple police vehicles and EMT units were spotted outside Hogan’s residence, where Hogan was reportedly taken out on a stretcher and transported by ambulance.

Who is Hulk Hogan?

Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was one of the most iconic and influential figures in professional wrestling history. Rising to superstardom in the 1980s and 1990s, he played a pivotal role in bringing WWE (then WWF) into the mainstream with his larger-than-life persona and massive global fan base.

Over his legendary career, Hogan captured multiple world championships, headlined numerous WrestleMania events, and was instrumental in the rise of WCW during the Monday Night Wars. Known for his signature moves and trademark red-and-yellow gear, he became a cultural phenomenon far beyond the wrestling ring. As of now, no official cause of death has been released, and Hogan’s family has not issued a public statement.

How did Hulk Hogan become a wrestling legend?

Before Hulk Hogan burst onto the scene, professional wrestling appealed to a relatively niche audience. But his presence, theatrical flair, and larger-than-life persona captivated children and families alike and made the sport into mainstream popularity.

In 1996, Hogan made a career-defining shift by turning from beloved hero to notorious villain. He co-founded the New World Order (NWO) and adopted the persona “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, a transformation that not only revived his career but also ushered in a new era of popularity for World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 but was removed a decade later following the leak of a controversial video in which he made racist remarks. The footage, secretly recorded during a sexual encounter, was published by Gawker, leading to a high-profile lawsuit. Hogan ultimately won the case, securing a substantial legal victory.

He was reinstated and inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for a second time in 2020, this time as part of the NWO faction. In recent years, Hogan remained a public figure. He made headlines at the 2024 Republican National Convention, delivering a theatrical appearance that energised the crowd.

Outside the ring, Hogan found success in Hollywood, beginning with his role as Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982). He went on to star in films such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also became a reality TV star in the 2000s with Hogan Knows Best, a hit VH1 series featuring his then-wife Linda and their children, Nick and Brooke. Despite his enduring fame, Hogan’s wrestling career came at a physical cost. In a 2017 interview with Harvey Levin on Objectified, Hogan revealed he had undergone dozens of surgeries.