Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon, Dies at 71

Professional wrestling has lost one of its most iconic figures. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away Thursday morning at the age of 71, according to TMZ Sports. Emergency responders were reportedly dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida home for what was believed to be a cardiac arrest, with vehicles remaining outside the residence for some time.

Hogan’s health had been the subject of growing speculation in recent weeks. Rumors swirled that the wrestling legend was “on his deathbed” or even “in a coma,” both of which were denied by his wife, Sky, who insisted he was recovering from recent surgeries including a neck procedure in May.

Known worldwide for his larger-than-life persona and the explosive energy of “Hulkamania,” Hogan revolutionized professional wrestling during his prime years in the WWF (now WWE) from 1983 to 1993. His epic victory over The Iron Sheik in 1984 launched him into superstardom and cemented his legacy as one of wrestling’s all-time greats. He later made history by becoming the first wrestler to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches in 1990 and 1991.

Career highlights include:

• Winning his first WWF Championship in 1984 by defeating The Iron Sheik.

• Leading the wrestling boom of the 1980s and early 1990s as the face of WWF.

• Reinventing himself as a villain in WCW (1994-2000) as part of the New World Order.

• Returning to WWE in 2002, briefly holding the Undisputed Championship for a sixth and final time.

Beyond wrestling, Hogan became a pop culture icon, appearing in movies, TV shows, and commercials while inspiring generations of fans with his charisma and unmatched presence in the ring.

In 2024, Hogan made headlines outside the ring when he appeared at the Republican National Convention in support of President Donald Trump. “I’ve seen some great tag teams in my time Hulk Hogan and the Macho Man Randy Savage,” he said during his speech. “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 passing marks the end of an era in professional wrestling, but his influence on the sport and entertainment world will endure. From body slams to unforgettable promos, he defined what it meant to be a wrestling superstar.

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