Hulk Hogan Dead at 71

The world of professional wrestling lost a titan today.

Reports confirm that wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at age 71 early Thursday morning, July 24, 2025, following cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency services were called to his residence in the early hours. Despite efforts by first responders and hospital staff, Hogan could not be revived.

Sources close to the family revealed that Hogan had undergone neck surgery in May and was in recovery. His wife, Sky Daily Hogan, recently dismissed internet rumors that the Hall of Famer was in a coma, insisting his heart was "strong." Yet, behind that strength, it seems the toll of decades in the ring—combined with the quiet weight of time—finally caught up with him.

At the time of this article’s publication, no official statement has been released by Hogan’s family.

From Venice Beach to Global Icon

Hulk Hogan wasn't just a wrestler—he was wrestling. For millions growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, Hogan was the face of the sport, the man who slammed André the Giant, battled “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and captivated fans with his signature catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?!”

With his signature blond Fu Manchu, 24-inch pythons, red and yellow ring gear, and unmatched charisma, Hogan didn’t just win matches—he transcended the ring. He became a pop culture icon.

He starred in movies (Suburban Commando, No Holds Barred), Saturday morning cartoons, and endless merchandising campaigns. For a time, he was the most recognizable athlete in the world.

Legacy in Wrestling: The Good, The Bad, and the Immortal

The Hero Who Made Wrestling Mainstream

Hogan’s rise to stardom paralleled the rise of Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). WrestleMania wouldn’t be the global juggernaut it is today without Hogan headlining its early editions. He brought professional wrestling into homes across America and inspired generations of wrestlers who followed.

The Reinvention: Hollywood Hogan

In the mid-90s, when his act began to grow stale, Hogan shocked the wrestling world by turning heel (villain) in WCW and founding the nWo (New World Order). It was one of the greatest character reinventions in wrestling history, helping spark the Monday Night Wars and propelling wrestling into its next boom era.

The Controversies and Lawsuits

But Hogan’s story was not without its stumbles. From steroid scandals in the '90s to the leaked sex tape and racial slur controversy that saw him temporarily erased from WWE’s public face in the 2010s, his legacy was marred by moments that forced fans and promoters alike to reevaluate the man behind the mustache.

He later won a massive lawsuit against Gawker Media, setting a precedent for privacy rights in the digital age.

The Final Years: Redemption and Reflection

In recent years, Hogan had appeared in WWE programming sporadically, mostly in a ceremonial role. While some fans were still divided on his return after controversy, others viewed his later appearances as a step toward redemption—if not for everyone, then at least for himself.

He had also remarried, reconnected with his children, and publicly embraced his Christian faith in later interviews. The once bombastic warrior seemed to be settling into a quieter, more reflective chapter.

What Hulk Hogan Meant to America

Hulk Hogan represented a uniquely American archetype: the larger-than-life hero, forged in the fires of spectacle and self-belief. He was loud, brash, unapologetic, and over-the-top—but he believed in what he stood for. And in an age before irony dominated our cultural consciousness, millions of fans did too.

He was the living embodiment of Reagan-era optimism: strength, patriotism, and a touch of showbiz glitz. He told kids to say their prayers and eat their vitamins. He tore his shirt off to "Real American." He was the childhood hero of a generation raised on cable TV and action figures.

And now, that era has come to an end.

The Final Bell

Wrestlers often say, “You never truly retire—you just stop getting booked.” But today, Hulk Hogan’s final bell tolls for real. Whatever one thinks of the man, there is no denying his impact. He shaped the industry, culture, and lives of millions.

From the roar of WrestleMania to the silent morning in Clearwater, Hulk Hogan's story now passes into legend.

And to that, we say:

Thank you, Hulk. Rest easy, brother.