Hulk Hogan Dead at 71: WWE Mourns a Wrestling Icon
Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon and Global Superstar, Dies at 71 After Cardiac Arrest
Terry Bollea, better known around the world as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71, according to a statement released by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Widely regarded as one of the most influential and recognizable figures in professional wrestling history, Hogan passed away Thursday following a reported cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency responders arrived at the scene after a distress call and transported Hogan to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The news of Hulk Hogan’s death has sent shockwaves across the entertainment and sports communities, as fans, wrestlers, and celebrities alike mourn the loss of a man who transformed pro wrestling from a niche spectacle into a global phenomenon. Known for his catchphrases like “say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” Hogan became the face of wrestling’s golden era in the 1980s, combining charisma, showmanship, and physicality in a way that captivated millions. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing over 300 pounds, the blonde-mustachioed superstar headlined the first nine WrestleMania events and was a cornerstone of WWE’s explosive growth. From his legendary rivalries with “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Roddy Piper, and André the Giant to his unforgettable match against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8, Hogan was always at the center of pro wrestling’s biggest moments. His larger-than-life persona, combined with his appeal to both kids and adults, led to a flood of merchandise that included action figures, lunch boxes, breakfast cereals, and even his own cartoon series, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.
But Hulk Hogan’s impact wasn’t limited to WWE. In the mid-1990s, he jumped ship to rival promotion WCW (World Championship Wrestling), where he reinvented himself as the villainous “Hollywood Hogan.” That heel turn—where he betrayed fans and formed the New World Order (nWo)—is widely considered one of the most iconic character shifts in wrestling history, leading WCW to dominate WWE in television ratings for 83 consecutive weeks. While his early WCW years marked a second peak in his career, things eventually declined after controversial storylines like the infamous “Finger Poke of Doom,” which exposed the scripted nature of wrestling in a way that turned off many longtime fans. WWE would ultimately purchase WCW, and Hogan returned to the company in the early 2000s for another celebrated run. However, Hogan’s legacy would face major challenges in later years. In 2015, an unauthorized sex tape featuring the star surfaced online, during which he was heard making racially insensitive remarks. The backlash was immediate: WWE severed ties with Hogan, removed him from the Hall of Fame listings on its website, and distanced itself from the former champion. Though Hogan issued multiple apologies and later returned to the company in 2019, fan reactions were mixed—some welcomed him back, while others remained critical, and he was sometimes booed during live appearances. Despite these controversies, Hogan’s contributions to the business remain undeniable.
Hulk Hogan’s death comes just a month before he was set to launch a new wrestling venture called Real American Freestyle, which aimed to promote amateur-style wrestling similar to Olympic competition. The inaugural event was scheduled for August 30, and the promotion has yet to issue a statement regarding how it will proceed in the wake of Hogan’s passing. For many, Hogan represented more than just wrestling—he was a cultural symbol of an era. From late-night talk shows to movie roles in films like Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny, to endorsements and cartoon appearances, he was one of the first professional wrestlers to achieve true mainstream crossover fame. His influence helped push WWE toward becoming a publicly traded company in 1999, raising $170 million on its IPO. Today, that same company—now known as part of TKO Group Holdings after a merger with UFC in 2023—is valued at $33 billion. Much of that trajectory can be traced back to the star power of Hulk Hogan. His death marks the end of an era not only for wrestling but for pop culture as a whole. As tributes pour in from around the world, one thing is clear: Hulk Hogan’s legacy, despite its complexities, helped define what modern wrestling is today. WWE, in an official post, stated, “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.”
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