Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, has died at the age of 71.
TMZ Sports reports medics responded to a cardiac arrest call at Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida residence early Thursday morning. He was taken out of the home on a stretcher and transported by ambulance.
Just weeks ago, Hogan’s wife Sky denied rumors that he was in a coma, saying his heart was “strong” as he recovered from recent surgeries. The WWE legend had undergone a neck procedure in May and was reportedly struggling with lingering symptoms, though insiders dismissed previous “deathbed” rumors.
WWE has confirmed the news: “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.”
Wrestling legend #HulkHogan has died at 71 years old, TMZ Sports has learned. 💔🕊️
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 24, 2025
Full story at the 🔗 HERE: https://t.co/Ou77mrRNYk pic.twitter.com/tsDDHAd73e
WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
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 Man Who Made Wrestling Mainstream
Born Terry Bollea, Hulk Hogan was the face of professional wrestling’s explosion into mainstream pop culture during the 1980s. His charisma, massive frame, and unmatched showmanship helped transform WWE (then WWF) into a global phenomenon.
Hogan’s 1984 victory over The Iron Sheik marked the beginning of Hulkamania — a movement that inspired millions of kids to “say their prayers and eat their vitamins.” His signature yellow and red look became instantly recognizable, and he packed 93,173 fans into the Pontiac Silverdome for his historic WrestleMania III match against Andre the Giant.
A Star On and Off the Mat
Beyond wrestling, Hogan became a household name through film, television, and media appearances. From Rocky III to Mr. Nanny, and the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best, he helped carry the WWE brand far beyond the ring.
In 1996, he shocked fans by turning heel and forming the villainous NWO (New World Order) faction in WCW, launching the Monday Night Wars and helping WCW briefly overtake WWE in ratings. Hogan later returned to WWE, recapturing fan love and even winning his sixth WWE Championship in 2002.
A Complicated Legacy
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice — first in 2005 as a solo inductee, and again in 2020 as part of the NWO. He was temporarily removed from the Hall in 2015 following a scandal involving racist remarks caught on tape. Hogan later won a major lawsuit against Gawker for releasing the footage.
Despite controversies, Hulk Hogan’s legacy in professional wrestling remains unmatched. His influence was instrumental in building the WWE brand, and he remains one of the most recognizable names in sports-entertainment history.
Final Public Appearance and Legacy
The last major update from Hogan came in May, as he prepared to launch Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league set to debut August 30 on Fox Nation.
Throughout his career, Hogan battled through dozens of surgeries and injuries, famously saying he had “no original body parts left.” Yet he continued to connect with fans across generations.
Hogan also recently became the face of Real American Beer. We had the pleasure of meeting him back in March.
Met the Hulkster in March. RIP. pic.twitter.com/c9hpli8KFb
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) July 24, 2025
From the squared circle to Saturday morning cartoons, Hulk Hogan’s presence made every moment feel larger than life. He wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a phenomenon.
