Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon and Cultural Phenomenon, Passes Away at 71 [WATCH]

Hulk Hogan, the professional wrestling legend who helped transform the WWE into a global entertainment powerhouse, has died at the age of 71.

I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When… pic.twitter.com/rOWLakMjr4

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 24, 2025

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Authorities responded to a medical emergency at Hogan’s Clearwater home early Thursday morning.

According to dispatch audio, the call was for a “cardiac arrest.”

Clearwater police confirmed officers and emergency medical personnel arrived at the residence at 9:51 a.m.

Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue before being transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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Police have announced they will hold a press conference later Thursday to provide additional details regarding his death.

Just weeks prior, Hogan’s wife, Sky, publicly refuted rumors that the WWE icon was in a coma.

She had stated that Hogan’s heart was “strong” and that he was recovering from recent surgeries.

In May, Hogan underwent a neck procedure and was reportedly dealing with related symptoms, but sources at the time denied that he was gravely ill.

Hogan rose to prominence in the 1980s and became the face of the WWE (then WWF), drawing in millions of fans and helping shift professional wrestling from niche programming into mainstream family entertainment.

His victory over the Iron Sheik in 1984 for the World Heavyweight Championship launched “Hulkamania,” a cultural sensation that persisted for decades.

Hogan’s charisma and distinctive look — including his bandana, handlebar mustache, and trademark catchphrases — made him one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment.

In 1996, he reinvented himself as a villain and co-founded the New World Order (NWO) faction, adopting the persona “Hollywood Hogan.”

The transformation further expanded his career and reshaped professional wrestling storylines.

Throughout his in-ring career, Hogan delivered several iconic performances, including his bout against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III and a highly promoted match against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in 2002.

His rivalries with Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior are still regarded as some of the most memorable in the history of the sport.

Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

However, in 2015, he was removed following the release of a secretly recorded video in which he made racially offensive comments.

The footage, published by Gawker, led to a high-profile legal battle.

Hogan sued the outlet and won the lawsuit.

He was later reinstated and inducted again into the Hall of Fame in 2020 as part of the NWO.

The WWE issued a statement following his passing, saying, “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.

One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.

WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025

In addition to wrestling, Hogan maintained a presence in film and television. His acting career began with a role as Thunderlips in the 1982 film Rocky III.

He went on to star in a number of movies, including No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny.

He also headlined the VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best, which featured his then-wife Linda and their children, Nick and Brooke.

Despite undergoing multiple surgeries over the years due to wrestling-related injuries, Hogan remained active and engaged with fans.

In a previous interview, he joked that he had “no original body parts left.”

Most recently, Hogan was preparing to launch an amateur wrestling league, Real American Freestyle, with its first event scheduled for August 30 on Fox Nation.

In May, he discussed the project and appeared optimistic about the venture’s success.

Hogan also made headlines at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he delivered a crowd-energizing appearance that made national news.

Hulk Hogan was a genuine, uniquely American creation. Fearlessly original. Flawed but unbowed. He had the courage to stand on his own principles, and he never stopped fighting for his country.

An American icon.

He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/KYoyLhjvhP

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 24, 2025

Further information from authorities is expected following the press briefing later today.

Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky, and his children.

Hulk Hogan and his wife were baptized just 18 months ago. This part makes my heart happy.

“Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love,” Hogan said.

Hulk is now with the Lord in Heaven pic.twitter.com/z1KgXjFZ5t

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 24, 2025

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