Hulk Hogan Dies Aged 71 at Florida Home
American wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died aged 71 following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, marking the end of a legendary Hulk Hogan career that reshaped professional wrestling. Hogan—born Terry Gene Bollea—passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday morning. Emergency responders arrived at his residence around 10:00 a.m., but doctors pronounced him dead at 11:17 a.m.
His death marks the end of a career that transformed professional wrestling. He also left a lasting imprint on pop culture for over four decades.
From Wrestler to Global Phenomenon
Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977. He became a household name after signing with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1983. With his signature blond hair, handlebar moustache, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, he helped catapult wrestling into mainstream entertainment.
Headlining eight WrestleMania events and winning six WWE Championships, Hogan became the face of “Hulkamania”—a movement that captivated millions worldwide. His 1985 match at the inaugural WrestleMania alongside Mr. T remains one of wrestling’s most iconic moments.
Hulk Hogan’s Cultural Impact and Acting Career
Outside the ring, Hogan crossed over into TV, movies, and cartoons. He starred in films like Rocky III, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny, and even had his own animated series, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.
He later became the center of the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007. His blend of charisma, athleticism, and larger-than-life persona made him one of the most recognized celebrities of the 1980s and 1990s. Hulk Hogan career
Recent Health Struggles and Surgeries
In recent interviews, Hogan had been open about his health issues, attributing many of them to years of physical strain in the wrestling ring.
“I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last 10 years—my back, knees, hips, shoulders… everything,” he told YouTuber Logan Paul in 2024.
He underwent neck surgery in May and heart surgery in June of the same year. Despite his health challenges, Hogan continued to appear at public events, including wrestling conventions and political rallies.
The Hulk Hogan Career: Scandals and Redemption
Hogan’s career wasn’t without controversy. In 2015, WWE removed him from the Hall of Fame after a leaked recording revealed him using a racial slur. The company also terminated his contract and pulled him from most public programming.
Three years later, he was reinstated, with WWE stating he had “shown remorse” and deserved a second chance. However, some stars expressed discomfort, highlighting how difficult it was to move past the remarks.
Hogan had also previously won a major lawsuit against gossip site Gawker, which published a private video of him. The legal battle resulted in a $140 million payout and ultimately led to the site’s shutdown.
Political Involvement and Public Appearances
In his later years, Hogan became an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump. He appeared at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he ripped off his shirt to reveal a “Trump 2024” T-shirt—a nod to his in-ring persona.
Trump paid tribute on Truth Social, calling him “a great friend,” and adding that the Hulkster was “MAGA all the way—strong, tough, smart, and with the biggest heart.”
Tributes from Wrestling Legends and Fans Worldwide
Reactions to Hogan’s death poured in from across the wrestling world and beyond.
- Ric Flair said he was “absolutely shocked,” describing Hogan as a loyal friend and great athlete.
- The Undertaker praised Hogan’s unmatched contribution to the business.
- Sylvester Stallone, who co-starred with Hogan in Rocky III, called him “wonderful and unforgettable.”
- Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts noted that Hogan’s influence “transcended wrestling.”
- WWE Hall of Famer Kane simply called him a “true legend.”
Fans across generations also shared memories, with many crediting Hogan for their love of wrestling.
A Final Farewell to the Hulkster
Hogan leaves behind his children and had three marriages during his life. His passing marks the end of an era for wrestling fans who grew up watching him transform the sport into an entertainment powerhouse.
“We lost a legend,” his family wrote in an Instagram post. “He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
WWE confirmed his death in a statement, calling him “one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures” and expressing condolences to his family, friends, and millions of fans. Hulk Hogan career
Hulk Hogan’s Legacy Will Live Forever
Though Hulk Hogan has died aged 71, his legacy lives on through the generations of wrestlers he inspired and the millions of fans he entertained.
Whether in the ring or on-screen, Hogan was a symbol of strength, resilience, and entertainment. From the roar of WrestleMania crowds to Saturday morning cartoons, his impact endures—larger than life, just like the man himself.
