The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Terry Gene Bollea, the iconic performer known globally as Hulk Hogan, who passed away on Thursday at age 71. His death, initially reported by Media Talk Africa, followed months of declining health linked to complications from a May 14 neck surgery, according to a Wrestling Observers report published Saturday. The outlet noted Hogan had also been battling renal failure and severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) prior to his death on July 24.
Tributes for the towering figure in professional wrestling began almost immediately. On Friday, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) hosted a special event honoring Hogan’s decades-long career, featuring appearances by fellow legends and Hall of Famers. Industry insiders suggest the company plans additional commemorations, leveraging its deep roster of wrestling icons to celebrate Hogan’s legacy as a trailblazer who helped popularize the sport worldwide.
Hogan, a 12-time world champion and pivotal figure in WWE’s mainstream success during the 1980s and 1990s, had undergone multiple surgeries in recent years for longstanding injuries tied to his in-ring career. His health struggles became a focal point among fans after his 2021 spinal surgery, though he continued making sporadic public appearances. The Wrestling Observers report emphasized that his post-operative recovery this spring was marked by setbacks, exacerbating preexisting conditions.
Reactions to his passing have underscored his cultural impact beyond wrestling. Celebrities, athletes, and politicians shared condolences on social media, while archival footage of his matches and interviews trended online. WWE’s tribute special notably highlighted his signature charisma and rivalries, revisiting career-defining moments like his role in the first WrestleMania and his crossover into films and television.
As details of his final months emerge, medical experts have pointed to the physical toll of professional wrestling, sparking broader discussions about athlete health and post-retirement care. Hogan’s case underscores challenges faced by performers in high-impact sports, where injuries often accumulate over years of demanding performances.
Memorial plans remain private, though sources close to Hogan’s family confirm discussions about public commemorations are ongoing. For now, fans continue to mourn a figure whose larger-than-life persona left an indelible mark on entertainment, embodying the theatrics and endurance that defined an era of sports spectacle.
