Terry Gene “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, the towering figure who helped turn professional wrestling into a global spectacle, died today at age 71 in Clearwater, Florida, following a cardiac arrest at his home. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at Morton Plant Hospital, approximately 90 minutes after the call.
From Augusta to Global Superstar
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan debuted as a pro wrestler in 1977 and rose to fame in the WWF (now WWE) in 1983, marking the start of “Hulkamania.” Known for his patriotic persona, red-and-yellow gear, horseshoe mustache, and catchphrase “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”—he became the face of wrestling globally.
He headlined 8 of the first 9 WrestleMania events and won at least six WWE World Championships. He laid the groundwork for WWE to become a cultural phenomenon. The WWE inducted Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame twice: first in 2005, then again in 2020 as part of the nWo faction.
Larger-Than-Life Persona Beyond the Ring
Hogan’s influence extended far beyond wrestling. He appeared in Rocky III (1982) as “Thunderlips,” starred in the reality TV series Hogan Knows Best. He also launched numerous business ventures, including Real American Beer and the Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion.
Despite controversies—most notably a 2015 scandal involving racial remarks, which led to a temporary ban from WWE. Hogan rebounded and was reinstated into the Hall of Fame in 2018, showing his resilience and lasting appeal.
Tributes Pour In
The wrestling and entertainment worlds responded swiftly with emotional tributes. Ric Flair, his longtime friend, called Hogan irreplaceable. His daughter Charlotte Flair shared heartfelt memories of her father’s compassion and support. Hulk Hogan was hailed as a pioneer by Triple H, The Undertaker, and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. McMahon called him the performer who made WWE a global brand.
Even political figures like Donald Trump publicly offered condolences, recalling Hogan’s fiery support at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Hulk Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era. He transformed professional wrestling from niche sport to global entertainment empire and left a legacy of showmanship, resilience, and charisma. Loved by fans worldwide, he was the embodiment of wrestling’s golden age—and his impact will be felt for generations.
