Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan passes away at 71
Wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan. Photo Credit- Discussing Films/X
Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died today at the age of 71, according to multiple sources, including the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and local authorities. The news was first reported by TMZ, with confirmation from the Clearwater Police and Fire Departments following a cardiac arrest call at Hogan’s home in Clearwater Beach at 9:51 a.m. local time.
Emergency responders treated Hogan at the scene before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The official cause of death has not yet been released pending further investigation, though early reports suggest cardiac arrest as the likely factor. Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily, had recently dispelled rumors of his deteriorating health, stating on Instagram earlier this month that his heart was “strong” following a neck surgery.
Hogan, a towering figure in sports entertainment, rose to global fame in the 1980s as the face of the WWF (now WWE), ushering in the era of “Hulkamania.” Known for his charismatic persona, signature red-and-yellow attire, and catchphrase “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, he headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events. His most iconic match came in 1987 at WrestleMania III, where he body-slammed Andre the Giant before a record crowd of 93,173 at the Pontiac Silverdome.
The WWE issued a statement expressing sorrow: “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’s career spanned decades, including stints with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he led the groundbreaking New World Order (nWo) faction, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, in 2005 and 2020 as part of the nWo. Beyond wrestling, Hogan ventured into acting, appearing in films like Rocky III (1982) and No Holds Barred (1989), and starred in the reality series Hogan Knows Best. His influence extended to music with the 1995 album Hulk Rules, which peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Top Kid Audio chart.
In recent years, Hogan remained active, launching Real American Beer and serving as commissioner for the upcoming Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion, set to debut on August 30 in Cleveland, Ohio. His last major public appearance was at the WWE Raw debut on Netflix in January 2025, where he promoted his beer brand.
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, and his two children, Brooke and Nick, from his previous marriage to Linda Claridge. Tributes have poured in from peers, including Ric Flair, who called Hogan “an incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father,” and Vice President JD Vance, who described him as “a great American icon.”
The wrestling community and fans worldwide are mourning the loss of a man who transformed the industry and left an indelible mark on pop culture. Further details about funeral arrangements and the official cause of death are pending.This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
