Hulk Hogan, the iconic American professional wrestler, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, due to cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. He was 71 years old.

Emergency responders arrived at Hogan’s residence, and he was transported from his home in an ambulance, according to reports from TMZ.

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed the news of Hogan's death through its official social media channels, offering condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world.

A Wrestling Icon's Legacy

Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hulk Hogan became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most influential figures in the history of professional wrestling.

With his signature handlebar mustache, bandanas, and larger-than-life personality, Hogan rose to prominence in the 1980s, playing a key role in transforming WWE (formerly WWF) into a global entertainment powerhouse.

Often referred to as the face of wrestling's golden age, Hogan’s influence reached beyond the squared circle. His charismatic persona and immense popularity helped establish him as a global superstar.

Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the sport's most legendary figures.

A Monumental Career

Hogan’s wrestling career began in the late 1970s, but it was in 1983, when he joined Vince McMahon’s WWF, that his career truly skyrocketed.

His arrival marked the beginning of a new era for the promotion. Hogan’s “heroic” persona, his patriotic speeches, and his towering physical presence resonated with fans, especially children, creating a unique connection with his audience.

His catchphrase, “Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself,” became part of his larger-than-life image.

In 1984, Hogan won his first WWF Championship by defeating The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden, which began the phenomenon known as "Hulkamania."

This era saw Hogan dominate the wrestling scene, with his main-event matches becoming regular occurrences.

He played a pivotal role in the first WrestleMania event in 1985, teaming up with actor Mr. T in an unforgettable moment that blurred the lines between wrestling and mainstream entertainment.

Hogan would go on to headline eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, a record that helped solidify his status as a global superstar.

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Hogan’s intense rivalries with wrestling legends such as Andre the Giant, Randy "Macho Man" Savage, Ultimate Warrior, and Sgt. Slaughter captivated audiences.

One of the most iconic moments of Hogan’s career came at WrestleMania III in 1987, when he body-slammed the 520-pound Andre the Giant in front of 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome, creating a lasting image in wrestling history.

A Revolutionary Turn: The New World Order

In 1994, Hogan made a bold career move by joining rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW).

Initially maintaining his heroic persona, Hogan shocked fans in 1996 when he turned villainous, forming the revolutionary New World Order (nWo) alongside Scott Hall and Kevin Nash.

This shift breathed new life into his career and played a major role in WCW’s success during the Monday Night Wars, when the company began outperforming WWE in television ratings.

Hogan made several returns to WWE, after the company rebranded in 2002, including memorable rivalries with stars like The Rock, Shawn Michaels, and Brock Lesnar. Despite the passing of time, Hogan’s appeal as a nostalgic figure remained strong, and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

Beyond Wrestling: Hollywood and Reality TV

Outside the ring, Hogan expanded his career into acting and television. He appeared in films such as Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny, and was the star of his own reality TV series, Hogan Knows Best, which gave fans a glimpse into his personal life.

Hulk Hogan's impact on the wrestling world and beyond is undeniable. His larger-than-life persona, unmatched charisma, and numerous contributions to the sport made him a true icon.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and fans alike.

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