Hulk Hogan – considered the most iconic and famous star in the history of professional wrestling – has died at the age of 71 from sudden cardiac arrest.
According to CBS Sports , Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Gene Bollea, suffered a heart attack at his home on the morning of July 24. He could not survive despite being quickly taken to Morton Plant Hospital.
Major Nate Burnside from the Clearwater Police Department confirmed to the media that “no signs of foul play or foul play were noted at the scene,” stressing that it was a case of natural death.
Hulk Hogan rips his shirt during a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump, at Madison Square Garden, New York City, US on October 27, 2024. Photo: Reuters
WWE confirmed the news and expressed its condolences on social media X. “WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of WWE Hall of Fame member Hulk Hogan,” the statement read. “As one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its deepest condolences to Hogan’s family, friends and fans.”
Just two days before Hogan’s death, his longtime friend and manager Jimmy Hart said he was in good health and in good spirits. “Hogan is recovering well from a complicated neck surgery he had a few months ago. There are no signs of a serious condition,” Hart said.
Hogan has undergone at least 10 major back and neck surgeries over the past decade, a result of years of intense play. In a 2023 interview, he shared that “my knees have been replaced, my back is very worn out, and my nerves are not as sensitive as they used to be.”
However, he still maintains a healthy lifestyle and regularly appears at WWE events until early 2025.
Hogan, his then-wife Linda, and their children Brooke and Nick on the reality TV show “Hogan Knows Best” in 2006. Photo: NY Daily News Archive
Five days before Hulk Hogan passed away, his ex-wife Linda Hogan (65 years old) posted a photo of the two of them on Instagram , with the nostalgic caption “The good old days”. The photo surprised many people, because before that, Linda and Hogan had gone through a lot of stress and divorced in 2009 after 26 years of marriage.
Across social media, from Reddit to Instagram to sports forums, thousands of fans have shared photos, clips, and stories related to Hulk Hogan. The hashtags #RIPHogan, #ThankYouHogan, and #HulkamaniaForever have gone viral.
US President Donald Trump posted an emotional post on the Truth Social platform. “We lost a great friend today,” he wrote. “Hulk Hogan was a MAGA through and through – strong, tough, smart, but with a big heart… Sending best wishes and love to his wife, Sky, and family. Hogan will be missed!”
Many other celebrities, including actors Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, basketball star LeBron James, and boxing legend Mike Tyson, also expressed their admiration and regret at the passing of a legend.
Hogan, with a cooler “Hollywood” image, fought The Rock in an iconic match at WrestleMania X8 in 2002. Photo: WireImage
Hulk Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977 in Florida under the name Terry “The Hulk” Boulder. After gaining attention for his muscular physique and powerful performance style, he was invited to join the WWF (now WWE) in 1979, but only truly rose to fame after returning in 1983 under the name Hulk Hogan.
In 1984, Hogan won the WWF Championship for the first time after defeating the Iron Sheik, kicking off the Hulkamania era – a period of fan craze for him. During this period, he became the face of the WWF, appearing regularly at major events such as WrestleMania, starring in films (Rocky III), and becoming an American cultural icon. He held the title a total of six times in the WWF/WWE.
After leaving the WWF, Hogan joined WCW (World Championship Wrestling) and quickly dominated the tournament. The most important milestone was in 1996, when he turned villain and formed the New World Order (nWo) – a turning point in modern wrestling history. As a villain, Hogan continued to reap success, helping WCW surpass WWE in the television war for many years.
Hogan speaks at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Photo: CNN
After WCW was bought out by WWE in 2001, Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 and had memorable matches with The Rock, Triple H and Vince McMahon. In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Hogan also appeared on reality television with the show Hogan Knows Best, which attracted a large viewership.
Late in his career, Hogan faced a number of controversies, including a leaked racist tape, a lawsuit with the website Gawker, and ongoing health issues due to injuries. He nevertheless maintained his influence, appearing at major WWE events and speaking at the 2024 Republican Convention as a supporter of Donald Trump.
