Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 in Florida
Hogan, known for headlining the first WrestleMania, passes away after cardiac arrest.
FLORIDA - Hulk Hogan, a wrestling icon who played a pivotal role in elevating professional wrestling into a worldwide phenomenon, died on Thursday in Florida.
He was 71 years old at the time of his passing, which occurred following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater.
Authorities have confirmed that there were no indications of foul play involved in his death.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, became synonymous with the sport due to his larger-than-life persona.
This included signature attributes such as his bandana, handlebar mustache, and the phrase “24-inch pythons,” which referred to his muscular physique.
By the mid-1980s, Hogan had become a household name, largely because of his central role in the first WrestleMania event in 1985.
As part of ‘Hulkamania,’ he captured the attention and admiration of audiences with his undeniable charisma and powerful presence inside the wrestling ring.
Throughout his career, Hogan won six WWE championships and was honored with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005; however, that honor was temporarily revoked due to a suspension before being reinstated in 2018.
Beyond his achievements in wrestling, Hogan expanded his influence into mainstream media by starring in films, television shows, and even reality TV with ‘Hogan Knows Best.’ In recent years, he became known for his support of former U.S. President Donald Trump and was a notable figure at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Despite facing controversy, including a scandal involving a racially charged incident and a privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media, Hogan retained his status as a beloved figure to many fans.
He represented an era when wrestling stars transcended their craft and became cultural icons.
Vince McMahon, co-founder of WWE, praised Hogan, stating he was ‘the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.'
In the final months of his life, Hogan was set to become the commissioner of the Real American Freestyle league.
He promoted this venture as the 'first unscripted pro wrestling' effort, with its debut scheduled for August 30.
Hogan’s legacy in sports entertainment and the countless fans who chanted his name will continue to remember him.
He was 71 years old at the time of his passing, which occurred following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater.
Authorities have confirmed that there were no indications of foul play involved in his death.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, became synonymous with the sport due to his larger-than-life persona.
This included signature attributes such as his bandana, handlebar mustache, and the phrase “24-inch pythons,” which referred to his muscular physique.
By the mid-1980s, Hogan had become a household name, largely because of his central role in the first WrestleMania event in 1985.
As part of ‘Hulkamania,’ he captured the attention and admiration of audiences with his undeniable charisma and powerful presence inside the wrestling ring.
Throughout his career, Hogan won six WWE championships and was honored with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005; however, that honor was temporarily revoked due to a suspension before being reinstated in 2018.
Beyond his achievements in wrestling, Hogan expanded his influence into mainstream media by starring in films, television shows, and even reality TV with ‘Hogan Knows Best.’ In recent years, he became known for his support of former U.S. President Donald Trump and was a notable figure at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Despite facing controversy, including a scandal involving a racially charged incident and a privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media, Hogan retained his status as a beloved figure to many fans.
He represented an era when wrestling stars transcended their craft and became cultural icons.
Vince McMahon, co-founder of WWE, praised Hogan, stating he was ‘the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.'
In the final months of his life, Hogan was set to become the commissioner of the Real American Freestyle league.
He promoted this venture as the 'first unscripted pro wrestling' effort, with its debut scheduled for August 30.
Hogan’s legacy in sports entertainment and the countless fans who chanted his name will continue to remember him.
