Terry Gene Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The legendary wrestling icon suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at his home early in the morning. Emergency responders arrived at his residence shortly after 9:50 a.m. and performed CPR for nearly 30 minutes. Despite their efforts, Hogan was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. at Morton Plant Hospital. Police confirmed there were no signs of foul play, and his death is being treated as a natural occurrence.
Hulk Hogan was born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and rose to fame in the early 1980s, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in professional wrestling history. With his trademark handlebar mustache, red-and-yellow attire, and booming charisma, Hogan captivated millions and led the global explosion of “Hulkamania.” He made his WWF (now WWE) debut in 1983 and headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, cementing his legacy with iconic matches such as his legendary body slam of André the Giant at WrestleMania III. Hogan went on to win six WWE Championships and later revitalized his career in the 1990s as “Hollywood Hogan” in WCW, forming the groundbreaking New World Order (nWo) faction.
Outside the ring, Hogan became a pop culture icon. He appeared in films like Rocky III and starred in reality TV series such as Hogan Knows Best. His larger-than-life persona extended into endorsements, merchandise, and business ventures. However, his career was not without controversy. In 2015, leaked tapes containing racial slurs led to his suspension from WWE and removal from the Hall of Fame. He was reinstated in 2018 but faced continued criticism for the incident and for his public support of former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he had endorsed enthusiastically at various rallies.
In his final years, Hogan remained a divisive yet revered figure. He continued making public appearances and occasionally returned to WWE events. Despite battling several health issues, including multiple back surgeries, Hogan maintained an optimistic presence on social media and remained a symbol of nostalgia for generations of wrestling fans. His wife, Sky Daily, expressed deep sorrow on social media, writing that she was “not ready for this” and that her “heart is in pieces.” She also thanked fans for their love and prayers during this devastating time.
The wrestling world and fans across the globe have been quick to pay tribute. WWE founder Vince McMahon called Hogan the “greatest WWE Superstar of all time.” Wrestling legends including Ric Flair, The Undertaker, John Cena, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also shared heartfelt messages, praising Hogan’s contributions to the sport and his influence on their careers. Donald Trump described Hogan as a “great American hero” and “MAGA all the way,” highlighting the wrestler’s long-time friendship with the former president.
Despite the mixed opinions surrounding his personal life and political beliefs, Hulk Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling and entertainment is undeniable. His charisma, catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” and larger-than-life presence turned wrestling into a global spectacle, opening doors for modern superstars and transforming WWE into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. His story is one of triumph, controversy, reinvention, and enduring popularity.
As fans mourn the loss of an icon, tributes continue to pour in, and his name once again trends across global platforms. Hulk Hogan’s death marks the end of a legendary era in sports entertainment. Though his legacy is complicated, his influence will live on in the hearts of millions who grew up cheering for “The Real American.”
