Hulk Hogan dies aged 71, stunned fans worldwide on July 24, 2025, when the WWE legend, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed from cardiac arrest at his Clearwater home. Paramedics unsuccessfully attempted resuscitation before he was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.
A monumental career forged by charisma, grit, and sheer presence
From his debut in 1977 to the emergence of Hulkamania in the early 1980s, Hogan transformed wrestling into a global spectacle. Signing with WWF in late 1983, he headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events and captured six WWE championships. His 1,474‑day title reign became the stuff of legend, and consecutive Royal Rumbles in 1990 and 1991 cemented his championship dominance
In WCW, Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hogan and led the New World Order stable, massively influencing the Monday Night Wars and bringing WCW ratings to their peak. He returned to WWE for a final hurrah in 2002, including an iconic WrestleMania X8 match versus The Rock.
Beyond the ring: film, TV, and business ventures
Hogan grew beyond being a wrestler to becoming a crossover star. He made his feature‑film debut in Rocky III (1982), then headlined films like No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also starred in reality TV (Hogan Knows Best) and appeared in commercial campaigns and animated series.
In 2024, he launched Real American Beer; in April 2025, he co‑founded Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling promotion aimed at offering collegiate and Olympic athletes a path to professional income. Hogan served as its commissioner until his death.
Achievements that defined a legend
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Six-time WWE Champion, with one of the longest single title reigns in wrestling history.
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Headlined WrestleMania eight times, driving the event’s popularity through the 1980s and beyond.
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Double WWE Hall of Fame inductee—first in 2005 solo, again in 2020.
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Hollywood roles, including Rocky III, and television appearances across multiple genres.
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Media and business entrepreneur, spanning beer, streaming, reality TV, wrestling promotion, and brand licensing.
Rumors, controversies, and comebacks
Months before his passing, rumors swirled that Hogan was on his deathbed following neck and back surgery. Those claims, sparked by radio host Bubba the Love Sponge, were swiftly debunked by Hogan’s representative, who confirmed he was hospitalized only for routine procedures and was recovering, not in critical condition.
Hogan’s life wasn’t without controversy. He faced a well‑publicized lawsuit against Gawker after a leaked sex tape, and in 2015 was suspended from WWE following a racist rant caught on tape. He issued a public apology and was reinstated in 2018. Despite these personal missteps, his later years were marked by business ventures and civic engagement.
Tributes roll in from fans, sports, Hollywood, and politics
Icons like Vince McMahon, Ric Flair, The Undertaker, and Triple H shared heartfelt recollections. McMahon called him “the greatest WWE Superstar of all time,” praising Hogan’s success and devotion to fans. Flair described their enduring friendship, noting Hogan was “incomparable.” The Undertaker thanked him for his immeasurable contributions to the business.
Hollywood figures, including Sylvester Stallone and Brooke Shields, expressed sorrow and admiration for Hogan’s entertainment impact.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a personal friend and fellow performer, paid tribute, calling Hogan “strong, tough, smart—with the biggest heart,” and praised his 2024 Republican National Convention speech as electrifying.
Final thoughts: Hulk Hogan’s legacy endures
Hulk Hogan dies aged 71, leaving behind a legacy that went far beyond muscle, merchandise, and theatrics. He was a cultural force who shaped pro wrestling’s ascent, built a crossover brand in Hollywood and business, and remained relevant in media and politics. His influence spans decades and will outlast generations of wrestlers, entertainers, and fans worldwide.
He is survived by his third wife, Sky Daily, and his children Nick and Brooke Hogan. As the wrestling world mourns one of its most iconic figures, millions will treasure the memories he created both inside the ring and beyond.
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