Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, has died at the age of 71. His representative, Linda Bose, confirmed the news, revealing the wrestling icon suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
Born Terry Bollea in 1953, Hogan rose to global fame in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming the face of the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Known for his red and yellow gear, signature handlebar mustache, and “Real American” entrance theme, Hogan transcended wrestling to become a pop culture phenomenon.
He made his wrestling debut in 1977 and achieved unprecedented fame after rejoining WWF in the early 1980s. Hogan headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 alongside Mr. T, a moment that helped catapult professional wrestling into the mainstream. Over his career, he became a 12-time world champion and starred in legendary matches, including the iconic showdown against “Macho Man” Randy Savage at WrestleMania V and a generational clash with The Rock in 2002.
Beyond the ring, Hogan ventured into acting with roles in Rocky III, Mr. Nanny, and Suburban Commando. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the New World Order (NWO), a rebellious faction that redefined wrestling in the 1990s.
Despite his accomplishments, Hogan’s legacy was tarnished in 2015 after a leaked recording revealed him using racist language. WWE severed ties, removing him from the Hall of Fame, though he was later reinstated in 2018. His more recent appearances on WWE programming were met with a mixed reception.
In his later years, Hogan faced significant health challenges, undergoing more than 25 surgeries, including multiple back, hip, and knee replacements.
He is survived by his children, Brooke and Nick, whom he shared with his ex-wife Linda Hogan. In 2023, he married Sky Daily, becoming a stepfather to her three children.
Despite controversy, Hogan remains a towering figure in wrestling history remembered by millions of fans as the original Hulkster who made “Hulkamania” a household name.
