Hulk Hogan, the wrestling legend whose persona as an all-American powerhouse propelled professional wrestling into global pop culture, died Thursday in Clearwater, Florida, at age 71. Authorities confirmed he was pronounced dead at a hospital following a reported cardiac arrest at his home. Clearwater Police Maj. Nate Burnside stated, “There were no indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances,” following an initial emergency response.
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan became the face of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) during its rise to mainstream prominence in the 1980s and 1990s. A six-time WWE champion and 2005 Hall of Fame inductee, he headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and later clashed with icons like Andre the Giant, The Rock, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Vince McMahon, WWE co-founder, credited Hogan as “the first performer to evolve from a wrestling star into a worldwide sensation,” referencing his role in transforming WWE into a billion-dollar entertainment enterprise.
Hogan’s “Hulkamania” persona—marked by his red-and-yellow attire, signature mustache, and biceps he famously called “24-inch pythons”—captivated audiences. His theatrical ring antics, including tearing off T-shirts to reveal a chiseled physique, became cultural touchstones. Beyond wrestling, he appeared in films like Rocky III and starred in the reality series Hogan Knows Best.
In later years, Hogan’s influence extended to politics. At the 2024 Republican National Convention, he endorsed former President Donald Trump with a fiery speech and a staged T-shirt reveal of a Trump-Vance campaign shirt. Trump later mourned Hogan on Truth Social, calling him a “wonderful friend” who “embodied MAGA.”
Hogan’s career faced challenges, including a 2016 lawsuit against Gawker Media over a leaked sex tape, which resulted in a $140 million judgment in his favor. The case, however, also led to temporary estrangement from WWE after recordings surfaced of Hogan using racial slurs, which he later called “inappropriate.”
Raised in Georgia but long associated with Tampa, Florida, Hogan’s journey began with youthful defiance. He once skipped school to train at a local wrestling venue, enduring a broken leg and a father’s admonition: “Don’t you ever let anyone hurt you again.” Returning months later, he adopted a relentless drive, eventually winning his first WWF championship in 1984. This catalyzed the creation of WrestleMania, now a staple event drawing millions of viewers.
Even in his final years, Hogan remained active. In April, he announced a role as commissioner for Real American Freestyle, an unscripted wrestling league set to debut August 30 in Cleveland. “Wrestling is wrestling, brother,” he quipped, emphasizing his commitment to mentoring new talent. Despite controversies, Hogan insisted his bond with fans endured. “Everywhere I show up,” he said, “people treat me like I am still the champ.”
