The wrestling world is in mourning today as news breaks of the passing of one of its most iconic figures. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died on July 24, 2025, at his home in Clearwater, Florida, after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 71 years old. The loss has sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling community and beyond, as fans worldwide reflect on the career of a man who transcended the sport to become a cultural phenomenon.

For nearly four decades, Hulk Hogan defined what it meant to be a professional wrestler. His larger-than-life persona, complete with his signature red and yellow attire, handlebar mustache, and iconic catchphrases, made him the most recognizable figure in wrestling history. From his legendary body slam of Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III to his controversial heel turn as the leader of the New World Order (nWo), Hogan’s career was filled with moments that changed the landscape of professional wrestling forever.

As we remember the Immortal One, let’s take a journey through the remarkable life and career of Hulk Hogan, from his humble beginnings to becoming a twelve-time world champion and cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond the wrestling ring.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Terry Gene Bollea was born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, to construction foreman Pete Bollea and homemaker Ruth Bollea. The family moved to Port Tampa, Florida, when Terry was just a year and a half old, and it was there that he would spend his formative years. Growing up, Bollea was an avid baseball player and even attracted attention from Major League Baseball scouts before an arm injury in his senior year ended those aspirations.

After high school, Bollea attended Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida but never completed his degree. Instead, he found himself drawn to two passions: music and bodybuilding. He played bass guitar in several local bands, including one called Ruckus, while simultaneously developing his impressive physique at a local gym frequented by professional wrestlers.

It was at this gym where Bollea caught the attention of brothers Jack and Jerry Brisco, who were impressed by his massive frame and charisma. They suggested he try wrestling and introduced him to legendary trainer Hiro Matsuda. Matsuda was known for his brutal training methods, and on Bollea’s first day, he broke the aspiring wrestler’s leg to test his commitment. Undeterred, Bollea returned after healing and continued his training, proving his dedication to the craft.

In 1977, Bollea made his professional wrestling debut in Championship Wrestling from Florida under various ring names, including “The Super Destroyer.” After brief stints in several territories, including Georgia Championship Wrestling and Memphis Wrestling, Bollea caught the eye of Vincent J. McMahon, the owner of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). McMahon gave him the name “Hulk Hogan” – “Hulk” because he was larger than Lou Ferrigno (who played the Incredible Hulk on television) during a talk show appearance, and “Hogan” to give him an Irish-sounding name.

After a brief initial run with the WWF, Hogan appeared in the 1982 film “Rocky III” as the imposing wrestler Thunderlips, which helped increase his visibility. He then spent time in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), where he began to develop the charismatic, all-American hero character that would later make him famous. By 1983, Hogan had become one of the most popular wrestlers in the AWA, but the promotion’s owner, Verne Gagne, was reluctant to make him champion. This decision would prove costly for the AWA when Vincent K. McMahon, who had taken over the WWF from his father, lured Hogan back to his promotion with the promise of making him the company’s centerpiece.

Rise to Superstardom in the WWF (1983-1993)

When Hulk Hogan returned to the WWF in late 1983, Vincent K. McMahon had a revolutionary vision for professional wrestling. Rather than maintaining the territorial system that had defined the business for decades, McMahon wanted to transform the WWF into a national entertainment powerhouse, and he saw Hogan as the perfect figure to lead this expansion.

On January 23, 1984, Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik to win his first WWF Championship at Madison Square Garden. This victory marked the beginning of “Hulkamania,” a cultural phenomenon that would dominate the wrestling landscape for years to come. With his charismatic personality, impressive physique, and patriotic character, Hogan quickly became a hero to millions of fans, particularly children.

Hogan’s character was built around three “demandments” for his young fans: training, saying prayers, and taking vitamins. His entrance, featuring his theme song “Real American,” his trademark ripping of his shirt, and his posing routine, became iconic. In the ring, Hogan developed a signature comeback sequence that fans came to anticipate: after absorbing punishment from his opponent, he would suddenly “Hulk up,” shaking off the effects of the attack, pointing at his opponent, delivering a flurry of punches, followed by his big boot and leg drop finisher.

The first WrestleMania in 1985 was built around Hogan, who teamed with Mr. T to defeat Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff in the main event. This event, which also featured celebrities like Muhammad Ali and Cyndi Lauper, helped the WWF break into mainstream popular culture. Hogan’s star power continued to grow as he appeared on magazine covers, talk shows, and even had his own Saturday morning cartoon, “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.”

Perhaps the most iconic moment of Hogan’s career came at WrestleMania III in 1987, when he faced the undefeated Andre the Giant in front of a reported 93,173 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome. The enduring image of Hogan body-slamming the 520-pound Andre became one of the most famous moments in wrestling history and cemented Hogan’s legacy as a wrestling superhero.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hogan remained the WWF’s top star, feuding with wrestlers like Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, Sgt. Slaughter, and Sid Justice. He won the WWF Championship six times during this period and headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias. His match with The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI in 1990, where he lost the title in a rare clean defeat, is considered one of the greatest matches of that era.

By 1993, however, the landscape was changing. The WWF was embroiled in a steroid scandal, with Hogan testifying in Vince McMahon’s trial and admitting to his own steroid use. Additionally, fans were beginning to tire of Hogan’s character, which had remained largely unchanged for nearly a decade. In June 1993, after losing the WWF Championship to Yokozuna at King of the Ring, Hogan left the company to pursue other opportunities, including a career in Hollywood.

The WCW Era and the nWo Revolution (1994-2000)

After a brief hiatus from wrestling, Hulk Hogan shocked the industry by signing with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the WWF’s main competitor, in June 1994. His arrival was a major coup for WCW and its owner, media mogul Ted Turner, who was determined to challenge the WWF’s dominance in the wrestling business.

Initially, Hogan brought his familiar red and yellow-clad hero persona to WCW. In his debut match at Bash at the Beach 1994, he defeated Ric Flair to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. For the next two years, Hogan continued to portray the all-American hero character that had made him famous, feuding with wrestlers like Vader, The Dungeon of Doom, and The Giant (later known as The Big Show in WWE).

However, by 1996, it was clear that fans were growing increasingly tired of Hogan’s stale character. Crowds began to boo him despite his portrayal as a hero, and WCW was losing ground to the WWF, which was developing edgier content with new stars like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock. WCW needed something revolutionary to turn the tide, and they found it in one of the most shocking heel turns in wrestling history.

At Bash at the Beach 1996, Hogan made his entrance after a tag team match featuring The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, who had recently defected from the WWF) against WCW loyalists. In a moment that stunned the wrestling world, Hogan revealed himself as the third member of what would become known as the New World Order (nWo), dropping his leg on his longtime friend Randy Savage and embracing his role as a villain for the first time in over a decade.

Rebranded as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, he adopted a new look with black wrestling gear and a dyed black beard to complement his signature blonde mustache. His character became arrogant, cowardly, and manipulative – the antithesis of his former heroic persona. In his post-match interview, Hogan delivered a scathing promo that officially marked his transformation, telling fans they could “stick it” as they pelted the ring with garbage.

The nWo angle revolutionized professional wrestling and propelled WCW to unprecedented success. For 84 consecutive weeks, WCW’s Monday Nitro defeated the WWF’s Monday Night Raw in television ratings, largely due to the compelling nWo storyline with Hogan as its centerpiece. During this period, Hogan won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship multiple times and feuded with WCW stalwarts like Sting, Diamond Dallas Page, and Goldberg.

One of the most anticipated matches of this era came at Starrcade 1997, when Sting, who had spent over a year silently stalking the nWo from the rafters, finally faced Hogan for the WCW Championship. The match, despite controversial booking, represented the culmination of one of wrestling’s most meticulously crafted storylines.

By 1999, as the nWo storyline had run its course and WCW’s creative direction became increasingly chaotic, Hogan briefly returned to his red and yellow colors and heroic persona. However, the company’s declining ratings and financial troubles, coupled with a disastrous creative direction, led to WCW’s eventual downfall. In 2001, after a controversial incident at Bash at the Beach 2000 involving WCW writer Vince Russo, Hogan left the company. Shortly thereafter, WCW was purchased by the WWF, bringing an end to the Monday Night Wars.

Later Wrestling Career (2002-2012)

After WCW’s closure, Hulk Hogan returned to WWE (formerly WWF) at No Way Out in February 2002 as part of the nWo with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. The initial plan was for the nWo to be a heel faction, but fans’ nostalgic reaction to Hogan led to an organic face turn. At WrestleMania X8, Hogan faced The Rock in what many consider one of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history, not for its technical wrestling but for the electric atmosphere and storytelling. Despite being positioned as the villain, Hogan received overwhelming support from the Toronto crowd, leading to an impromptu face turn during the match.

Following WrestleMania, Hogan returned to his red and yellow attire and “Hulkamania” persona. In April 2002, he defeated Triple H to win his sixth WWE Championship. Though his reign was brief, it cemented his legacy as one of the company’s most decorated champions. Later that year, he teamed with Edge to win the WWE Tag Team Championship, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.

Hogan’s final significant WWE run came in 2005-2006, when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and had a featured match against Shawn Michaels at SummerSlam 2005. His last WWE match took place at SummerSlam 2006, where he defeated Randy Orton. Though no longer a full-time performer, Hogan had established himself as perhaps the most important figure in wrestling history.

From 2009 to 2013, Hogan worked with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he served primarily in an on-screen authority role rather than as an active wrestler. During this period, he was involved in storylines with wrestlers like Sting, Jeff Jarrett, and Bully Ray, though his in-ring appearances were limited due to his age and the toll wrestling had taken on his body.

Hogan’s final match took place in January 2012 at a TNA house show in the United Kingdom, where he teamed with James Storm and Sting to defeat Bobby Roode, Bully Ray, and Kurt Angle. Though not the grand farewell a wrestler of his stature might have deserved, it marked the end of an in-ring career that had spanned nearly four decades.

Controversies and Personal Struggles

Despite his tremendous success, Hulk Hogan’s career and personal life were not without significant controversies and challenges. In the early 1990s, he was implicated in the WWF steroid scandal, testifying in Vince McMahon’s trial and admitting to his own steroid use, though he claimed McMahon never encouraged or supplied the drugs.

Hogan’s personal life became public fodder in 2005 when he and his family starred in the reality TV show “Hogan Knows Best,” which followed the lives of Hogan, his then-wife Linda, and their children Brooke and Nick. While initially successful, the show ended as the family faced a series of crises. In 2007, Hogan’s son Nick was involved in a serious car accident that left his friend John Graziano with permanent brain damage. Nick subsequently served eight months in jail for reckless driving.

Around the same time, Hogan’s marriage to Linda collapsed, leading to a bitter and public divorce that was finalized in 2009. The divorce settlement reportedly awarded Linda 70% of the couple’s liquid assets and 40% ownership in Hogan’s companies, significantly impacting his financial situation. In later interviews, Hogan admitted that the divorce and its aftermath led him to contemplate suicide.

Perhaps the most damaging controversy of Hogan’s career emerged in 2015, when a sex tape recorded in 2007 was leaked, containing footage of Hogan making racist remarks. The fallout was swift and severe: WWE terminated its contract with Hogan, removed him from their Hall of Fame, and deleted nearly all references to him from their website and promotional materials. Merchandise companies like Mattel stopped producing Hogan action figures, and retailers pulled his products from their shelves.

The scandal also led to a high-profile legal battle between Hogan and Gawker Media, which had published excerpts of the tape. Funded by Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel, Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy and was awarded $140 million in damages in 2016. The verdict contributed to Gawker’s bankruptcy and eventual sale to Univision. Hogan later reached a $31 million settlement with the company.

In the years following the controversy, Hogan repeatedly apologized for his comments and worked to rehabilitate his image. In 2018, WWE reinstated him into their Hall of Fame, and he gradually returned to making appearances for the company. By 2019, he was once again featured in WWE programming, including at WrestleMania 35.

Throughout his later years, Hogan also struggled with numerous health issues, particularly related to his back. He underwent multiple surgeries and procedures, including a major spinal fusion operation just a month before his death. These health challenges were a stark reminder of the physical toll that a career in professional wrestling can take on the human body.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

It’s difficult to overstate Hulk Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling and popular culture at large. At his peak in the 1980s and early 1990s, “Hulkamania” was a genuine cultural phenomenon that transcended wrestling. Hogan appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated (the first wrestler to do so), hosted Saturday Night Live, and became a household name even among those who never watched wrestling.

As the face of wrestling’s national expansion, Hogan was instrumental in transforming what had been a regional attraction into a global entertainment juggernaut. The first WrestleMania, built around Hogan’s star power, set the template for what would become WWE’s flagship annual event. His match with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, held before a reported 93,173 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome, remains one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history and helped establish WrestleMania as “the showcase of the immortals.”

Hogan’s influence extended beyond the ring into various forms of media and merchandise. He starred in several movies, including “No Holds Barred,” “Suburban Commando,” and “Mr. Nanny,” though his acting career never reached the heights of his wrestling fame. He appeared in commercials, had his own cartoon series, and even fronted a short-lived pasta restaurant called “Pastamania.” Hogan action figures, t-shirts, bandanas, and other merchandise sold in massive quantities, particularly during the height of Hulkamania.

His impact on wrestling itself cannot be overstated. Hogan’s charismatic, larger-than-life persona established the template for what a top wrestling star could be. His emphasis on character and storytelling over technical wrestling ability influenced generations of performers who followed him. Even those who criticized his limited move set could not deny his unparalleled ability to connect with an audience and generate emotional investment in his matches.

Hogan’s 1996 heel turn and formation of the nWo represented another watershed moment in wrestling history. This shocking character change helped launch the “Attitude Era,” a grittier, more adult-oriented approach to wrestling that dominated the late 1990s. The nWo storyline not only revitalized Hogan’s career but also changed the trajectory of the entire industry, pushing both WCW and WWF to create more complex, morally ambiguous characters and storylines.

In his later years, Hogan became an elder statesman of wrestling, his legacy secured despite the controversies that had tarnished his reputation. His 2005 induction into the WWE Hall of Fame recognized his unparalleled contributions to the business, and his 2020 induction as part of the nWo acknowledged his role in revolutionizing wrestling during the Monday Night Wars.

Beyond specific accomplishments, Hogan’s greatest legacy may be his role in bringing professional wrestling into the mainstream of American popular culture. Before Hulkamania, wrestling was often viewed as a niche attraction; after Hogan, it became impossible to ignore. His catchphrases entered the lexicon, his image became instantly recognizable, and his influence extended far beyond the confines of the wrestling ring.

In the words of WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, “There’s no WWE as we know it today without Hulk Hogan.” This sentiment encapsulates Hogan’s importance to wrestling history – he wasn’t just a successful performer; he was a transformative figure who changed the business forever.

Final Years and Death

In his final years, Hulk Hogan stepped back from the spotlight of professional wrestling but remained a cultural icon. After being reinstated to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 following his racism controversy, Hogan made occasional appearances for WWE, including at WrestleMania events and on special episodes of Raw and SmackDown. His last WWE appearance came on January 7, 2025, during Raw’s debut on Netflix, where he promoted his Real American Beer brand.

Outside of wrestling, Hogan embraced his role as a businessman and public figure. In June 2024, he launched Real American Beer, a light lager brand distributed across 17 states. He also became increasingly involved in politics, appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump and later attending Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.

On a personal level, Hogan found happiness in his third marriage to Sky Daily, a yoga instructor whom he wed in September 2023. He also experienced the joy of becoming a grandfather when his daughter Brooke welcomed twins in January 2025.

However, Hogan continued to struggle with health issues, particularly related to his back. The physical toll of his wrestling career, which included countless bumps, falls, and injuries over nearly four decades, had left him with chronic pain and mobility challenges. In June 2025, just a month before his death, he underwent major spinal fusion surgery.

On July 24, 2025, Hulk Hogan died of cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. He was 71 years old. News of his passing spread quickly across social media, with tributes pouring in from fellow wrestlers, celebrities, fans, and even political figures. WWE opened that night’s episode of SmackDown with a tribute video and ten-bell salute, while wrestlers across all promotions wore black armbands in his honor.

In the days following his death, countless stories emerged of Hogan’s generosity and kindness behind the scenes. Despite his larger-than-life public persona, many colleagues spoke of his willingness to help younger wrestlers, his dedication to Make-A-Wish appearances, and his genuine appreciation for his fans. The outpouring of grief and remembrance demonstrated that, despite the controversies that had sometimes overshadowed his later years, Hogan remained one of the most beloved and influential figures in wrestling history.

Wrestling Community Tributes

The news of Hulk Hogan’s passing triggered an unprecedented wave of tributes from across the wrestling world and beyond. Competitors from different eras and promotions united in mourning the loss of a man who had defined professional wrestling for generations.

Conclusion: The Immortal Legacy

As we reflect on the life and career of Hulk Hogan, it becomes clear that his impact on professional wrestling and popular culture cannot be overstated. From his rise as the all-American hero who told children to say their prayers and take their vitamins, to his shocking transformation into Hollywood Hogan and the leader of the nWo, he repeatedly redefined what was possible in the wrestling business.

Hogan’s career was not without controversy. His admitted steroid use, the racist comments that temporarily derailed his legacy, and various personal struggles all revealed the complex, flawed human being behind the larger-than-life character. Yet even these controversies cannot diminish his towering importance to wrestling history.

At his peak, Hulk Hogan transcended wrestling to become a genuine cultural phenomenon. His catchphrases entered the lexicon, his image became instantly recognizable worldwide, and his charisma drew millions of new fans to professional wrestling. The explosion in wrestling’s popularity during the 1980s and again during the Monday Night Wars of the 1990s can be directly attributed to Hogan’s star power and ability to connect with audiences.

For multiple generations of wrestling fans, Hogan represented different things. To those who grew up in the 1980s, he was the ultimate hero who vanquished villains and embodied American values. To fans of the 1990s, he was the shocking rebel who turned his back on those same values to lead wrestling’s most notorious faction. To younger fans, he was the living legend whose occasional returns to WWE were treated as major events.

Beyond specific accomplishments – his twelve world championships, his WrestleMania main events, his role in the Monday Night Wars – Hogan’s greatest legacy may be how he transformed professional wrestling from a regional attraction into global entertainment. Before Hulkamania, wrestling existed on the fringes of American popular culture; after Hogan, it became impossible to ignore.

As the wrestling world mourns his passing, we are reminded of Hogan’s own words, spoken during his WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2005: “Hulkamania will live forever.” Though the man behind the character is gone, the impact of Hulk Hogan – the larger-than-life superhero who asked “Whatcha gonna do?” and told fans to “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins” – will indeed live forever in the history of professional wrestling and in the hearts of millions of Hulkamaniacs worldwide.

Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and for changing the world of professional wrestling forever.