Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 Following Cardiac Arrest

Hulk Hogan, one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling history, has died at the age of 71. According to WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s residence in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning following reports of a cardiac arrest — a sudden loss of heart function.

In an official statement, WWE said it was "saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away". Describing him as "one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures", WWE credited Hogan with helping the organization achieve global recognition in the 1980s. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” the statement concluded.

Just weeks before his death, Hogan was reportedly recovering from major heart surgery. In June, Us Weekly reported that he had undergone a “pretty serious” medical procedure, although sources close to him emphasized it was not life-threatening at the time. “He’s been recovering,” a source noted, stressing that the wrestling icon was not “on death’s door.”

Who Was Hulk Hogan?

Born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in the Tampa, Florida area, Hogan began his career not in wrestling but in music, playing bass guitar for local rock bands. However, in the 1970s, he became captivated by Florida’s booming wrestling scene and began training professionally.

The name “Hulk” was coined by fans who saw a resemblance between Bollea and the comic book character The Incredible Hulk, popularized at the time by a TV series. The surname “Hogan” was given to him by Vincent J. McMahon, a prominent wrestling promoter, who sought to diversify the ethnic appeal of the WWF (World Wrestling Federation), which was the predecessor to WWE.

Rise to Fame in the 1980s and 1990s

Hogan’s persona — complete with a red-and-yellow color scheme, a handlebar mustache, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” — became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s. He helped transform professional wrestling from a niche sport into mainstream entertainment, attracting families and children alike.

He headlined the first several WrestleMania events — WWE’s flagship annual pay-per-view spectacle — and even appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, a major feat for a professional wrestler at the time.

Hollywood and Reality TV Career

Hogan also made a successful transition into film and television. He made his cinematic debut in 1982’s Rocky III as “Thunderlips”, a towering opponent to Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa.

He later starred in movies such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. From 2005 to 2007, Hogan and his family were the focus of the VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best, offering viewers a glimpse into his home life with then-wife Linda and children Nick and Brooke.

The NWO Era and Reinvention as Hollywood Hogan

In 1996, Hogan made a bold career move by turning heel — a wrestling term used to describe a villain or antagonist — and formed the faction NWO (New World Order). Rebranded as “Hollywood Hulk Hogan,” he adopted a darker persona that resonated with older fans during the Monday Night Wars — a fierce ratings battle between WWE and rival wrestling promotion WCW (World Championship Wrestling) in the late 1990s. This reinvention only boosted his fame further.

Controversies and Comebacks

Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but in 2015, he was removed following the release of a secretly recorded tape in which he made racist remarks. The recording was published by Gawker, which led to a legal battle. Hogan sued Gawker for invasion of privacy and won a massive settlement that ultimately bankrupted the media company. He was later re-inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020, this time as part of the NWO group.

Later Years and Political Appearance

In a surprising turn, Hogan returned to the public spotlight in 2024 when he made a dramatic appearance at a Donald Trump presidential rally in New York City, even ripping his shirt in trademark fashion. He publicly endorsed Trump following an assassination attempt on the former president during his campaign.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Hogan was more than just a wrestler — he was a global pop culture icon who helped shape modern professional wrestling into a multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry. Before his rise, wrestling had limited mainstream appeal. Hogan’s charisma, family-friendly image, and larger-than-life presence brought wrestling to primetime television, reaching millions around the world.

He was married three times and is survived by his two children, Nick and Brooke Bollea.

Final Farewell

The death of Hulk Hogan marks the end of an era for millions of wrestling fans across generations. He wasn’t just the face of WWE — he was the face of a movement that took wrestling from dusty regional arenas to the global stage. His legacy will live on through countless replays, action figures, catchphrases, and the thunderous echoes of “Hulkamania” that defined an age.

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