The wrestling world mourns the loss of one of its greatest icons. WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 on Thursday, July 24th, following reports of cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. The legendary wrestler, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy that transformed professional wrestling into a global phenomenon.
Confirmation of Hulk Hogan’s Death
According to the Clearwater Police Department, emergency responders were called to Hogan’s residence at 9:51 am on Thursday morning. The nature of the call was reported as cardiac arrest. First responders treated Hogan at the scene before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
WWE released an official statement confirming his passing: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
The news comes just weeks after speculation about Hogan’s health circulated online, which his wife Sky had previously denied, stating he was recovering from recent surgeries.
A Legendary Wrestling Career
Hulk Hogan rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming the face of what was then the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). His charismatic persona, signature red and yellow attire, and famous catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” captivated audiences worldwide.
Hogan’s match against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987 remains one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history. The image of Hogan body-slamming the 520-pound Andre became known as “the bodyslam heard around the world” and cemented Hogan’s place as wrestling’s biggest star.
Throughout his career, Hogan captured the WWE Championship six times and won the Royal Rumble twice. His influence extended beyond WWE, as he later joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) where he shocked fans with his heel turn to form the New World Order (nWo) faction.
Hogan’s influence on professional wrestling cannot be overstated. His crossover appeal helped bring wrestling into the mainstream, appearing in movies like “Rocky III,” hosting “Saturday Night Live,” and becoming a household name even among non-wrestling fans.
Cultural Impact Beyond the Ring
Hulkamania transcended wrestling to become a cultural phenomenon. Hogan’s messages to fans to “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins” resonated with millions of children and adults alike. His larger-than-life personality and distinctive look made him instantly recognizable worldwide.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan starred in several movies, had his own reality TV show “Hogan Knows Best,” and made countless appearances on television shows and commercials. His catchphrases and mannerisms became part of pop culture, with his signature shirt-ripping and ear-cupping gestures recognized by fans and non-fans alike.
In 2005, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, recognizing his tremendous contributions to the industry. He would later be inducted a second time as a member of the nWo in 2020, cementing his legacy as one of wrestling’s most influential figures.
Final Years and Legacy
In recent years, Hogan made sporadic appearances for WWE while dealing with various health issues. He underwent multiple back surgeries and had spoken publicly about the physical toll that decades of wrestling had taken on his body.
Despite these challenges, Hogan remained connected to the wrestling world and his fans. He was working on a new venture called Real American Freestyle, a fresh attempt at promoting freestyle wrestling, at the time of his passing.
Hogan is survived by his two children, Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage to Linda Claridge, and his current wife, Sky Daily. His family has not yet released a public statement regarding his passing.
Remembering a Wrestling Icon
“Hulk Hogan transcended wrestling. He wasn’t just a wrestler – he was an icon, a hero, and for many of us, the reason we fell in love with this incredible sport. His legacy will live forever in the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide.”
As we remember the life and legacy of Hulk Hogan, we invite wrestling fans to share their favorite memories of the Hulkster in the comments below. From his iconic matches to his unforgettable promos, Hulk Hogan gave us countless moments that will live on in wrestling history.
Rest in peace, Hulkster. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and for changing professional wrestling forever. Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania lives forever in our hearts?