Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestler and two-time WWE Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 71, his family confirmed on Thursday.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan passed away after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. He was transported to Morton Plant Hospital by emergency responders, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities say there are no signs of foul play, though an investigation is ongoing.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend,” his family said in a statement posted on social media. “May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades.”
World Wrestling Entertainment also issued a tribute, calling Hogan “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” and crediting him with helping to propel the WWE to global prominence in the 1980s.
Hogan launched his wrestling career in 1977, but it was his larger-than-life persona during his time with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) that made him a household name. With his trademark handlebar mustache, red and yellow ring gear, and powerful charisma, Hogan became the face of professional wrestling’s explosion into mainstream entertainment.
Known for his heroic character and iconic catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” Hogan headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 alongside Mr. T, defeating “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. He would go on to win the WWE Championship six times and become a central figure in some of the sport’s most memorable rivalries.
Hogan’s influence extended beyond the ring. He appeared in television shows, movies, and commercials, becoming a cultural icon in the 1980s and early ’90s. His persona, “The Immortal Hulk Hogan,” inspired generations of fans to “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins.”
Though his later years saw personal and legal controversies, Hogan’s legacy in the wrestling world remains towering. With his signature leg drop and “24-inch pythons,” he helped transform professional wrestling into a global spectacle.
Hogan is survived by his children and partner, and tributes from across the wrestling and entertainment worlds continue to pour in, honoring a man who left an indelible mark on sports entertainment.
