Pro Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Has Died at 71

Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon, Dies at 71

Terry Bollea, better known to millions as Hulk Hogan, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71, as confirmed by WWE. His death was first reported by TMZ.

According to Clearwater emergency services, Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at his home on Clearwater Beach. Paramedics treated him on the scene before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Survived by Family

Hogan is survived by his third wife, Sky Daily, and his two children, Brooke and Nick. He was previously married to Linda Claridge and Jennifer McDaniel.

Rise to Fame in the Wrestling World

Although Hogan began his wrestling journey in the late 1970s, he truly became a global sensation in the mid-1980s under Vince McMahon’s WWF (now WWE). His charisma, red-and-yellow persona, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” turned him into a household name. His entrance music “Real American” and the legion of fans known as “Hulkamaniacs” defined a generation of professional wrestling.

One of Hogan’s most iconic moments came at WrestleMania III in 1987 when he body-slammed Andre the Giant — a moment widely regarded as one of the most memorable in wrestling history.

The WCW Era and NWO Legacy

In the mid-1990s, Hogan left WWE and joined Ted Turner’s WCW. After a few underwhelming years, he revitalized his career in 1996 by turning heel and forming the New World Order (NWO) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. This move ignited a wrestling boom and propelled WCW to dominate TV ratings over WWE for a significant period.

Return to WWE and Late-Career Highlights

After WWE purchased WCW, Hogan returned in 2002 as “Hollywood Hogan,” rekindling his popularity with a blockbuster match against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania 18. He left again in 2003 but continued wrestling for various organizations, including TNA/Impact Wrestling.

Though no longer a full-time wrestler, Hogan made occasional WWE appearances at major events like WrestleMania and anniversary specials.

Crossing into Entertainment and Reality TV

Hogan ventured beyond the ring into film and television. He made his acting debut as Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982) and later starred in family-friendly projects like Mr. Nanny and Thunder in Paradise. His reality show, Hogan Knows Best, aired in the mid-2000s and offered a glimpse into his personal life.

Controversies and Public Backlash

Hogan’s career was not without scandal. In 1985, he was involved in an incident on a talk show where host Richard Belzer was injured during a wrestling demonstration. He also testified during the federal steroid trial involving Vince McMahon in the 1990s.

His most serious controversies arose in the 2010s. A leaked sex tape and subsequent use of racial slurs — caught on camera and widely publicized — led WWE to sever ties with him for several years. Although he was eventually welcomed back, the damage to his public image lingered. His appearance at the 2024 WWE Raw Netflix premiere was met with heavy criticism from fans.

Entrepreneurship and Political Involvement

In later years, Hogan remained active through various ventures, including a memorabilia store in Florida and the launch of Real American Beer. He also teamed up with Eric Bischoff to create a freestyle wrestling promotion called Real American Freestyle.

In 2024, he stepped into the political spotlight by speaking at the Republican National Convention and introducing Donald Trump on the final night — further cementing his position as a high-profile public figure beyond wrestling.

Enduring Legacy in Wrestling History

Despite the controversies and criticisms about his wrestling style, Hulk Hogan left an undeniable mark on professional wrestling. With a career spanning six decades, he won numerous championships and was inducted into multiple wrestling halls of fame. For many, he remains the face of wrestling’s golden era and a cultural icon whose impact transcended the squared circle.