Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan Dies at 71

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at 71 from cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home, according to TMZ Sports. Emergency crews responded early Thursday morning, but Hogan was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

His wife, Sky, had recently dismissed rumors about his health, saying he was “healing like a warrior” following neck surgery. Still, the heart that powered one of wrestling’s greatest legends ultimately gave out.

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The Rise of Hulkamania

Before The Rock or John Cena, there was Hogan — the face of professional wrestling in the ’80s and ’90s. With his signature “24-inch pythons,” golden hair, and booming charisma, Hogan helped transform wrestling into a global phenomenon. When he defeated The Iron Sheik in 1984, “Hulkamania” was born.

His motto — “Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself” — inspired millions. Hogan headlined WrestleMania after WrestleMania, most memorably body-slamming André the Giant before 93,000 fans in 1987.

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Reinvention and Controversy

In 1996, Hogan shocked fans by turning villain and forming the New World Order (NWO). It was, as many agree, “one of the most brilliant character shifts in wrestling history.” He dominated once again — this time as “Hollywood” Hogan.

However, his legacy was tarnished in 2015 when a leaked tape revealed racist remarks. WWE cut ties, but he later won a major lawsuit against Gawker and was re-inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020 as part of the NWO.