By ABDULLAH 
Terry Gene Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life wrestling icon who revolutionized sports entertainment, has passed away at the age of 71.
The shocking news was confirmed early Thursday morning by TMZ Sports and Clearwater Police, who responded to a cardiac arrest call at his Florida residence at 9:51 AM. First responders from Clearwater Fire & Rescue treated him on the scene before rushing him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hogan was reportedly surrounded by family at the time of his death, according to his manager Chris Volo. A press conference is expected later today to reveal more details.
The WWE issued an official statement:
“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.”
Hogan had become more than just a wrestler — he was a cultural phenomenon. His “Hulkamania” movement in the 1980s turned wrestling into a family-friendly spectacle. His red and yellow attire, handlebar mustache, and shirt-ripping entrances became staples of WWE events.
Just weeks ago, Hogan’s wife Sky Daily, whom he married in September 2023, denied rumors that he was in a coma, stating his heart was “strong” following surgeries. However, he was reportedly recovering from a neck procedure in May, which triggered speculation about his declining health.
Despite setbacks, Hogan had recently launched Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league set to debut on Fox Nation this August.
Hulk Hogan’s professional career began in 1977, and he rapidly rose to fame by the early 1980s. His historic 1984 victory over the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship ignited the era of Hulkamania.
Hogan’s most iconic moments include:
- Body-slamming André the Giant at WrestleMania III (1987)
- Clash with The Rock at WrestleMania X8 (2002)
- Legendary feuds with Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, and others
- Reinventing himself as “Hollywood Hogan” in 1996 with the formation of the NWO (New World Order) in WCW
Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but was later removed in 2015 due to a scandal involving leaked racist comments. The controversy followed a secretly recorded tape released by Gawker, which led to a $140 million lawsuit backed by Peter Thiel. Hogan won, leading to Gawker’s shutdown.
He was reinstated into the Hall of Fame in 2020 as part of the NWO faction, and in 2018, after a public apology, he was welcomed back into the WWE universe.
“I’ve been praying for this day and I finally feel like I made it back home,” Hogan had said at the time.
Hogan’s fame stretched beyond the ring. He starred in:
- 🎬 Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips
- 🎬 No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny, and Suburban Commando
- 📺 Hogan Knows Best — a VH1 reality show about his family
His magnetic charisma made him a frequent guest on TV, in films, and even in politics, most recently making waves at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he tore off his shirt in a classic Hulk-style moment.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy is immeasurable. He redefined wrestling, turned athletes into superstars, and brought spectacle to sport. Fans across generations remember his catchphrases, explosive entrances, and unforgettable charisma.
🟨🟥 You slammed giants, tore shirts, and built an empire.
💪 HULKAMANIA will live forever.