Professional Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at

Hulk Hogan, iconic WWE superstar, dies at 71

Hulk Hogan, legendary WWE wrestler and pop culture icon, has died at 71 from cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home, WWE and local authorities confirmed. Born Terrence Gene Bollea, Hogan was treated by emergency responders on July 24 but was later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.

Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s as “The Real American,” known for his handlebar mustache and red-and-yellow gear. He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and built a massive fan base—“Hulkamaniacs”—during his 14-year WWE career. A six-time WWE Champion and two-time Royal Rumble winner, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and again in 2020 with the New World Order.

His WWE career ended in 2015 after a scandal involving racial slurs, but he was reinstated in 2018. Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily and two children, Brooke and Nick.

It’s confirmed: Hulk Hogan (born Terry Gene Bollea) passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, officials say. Emergency responders arrived at around 9:51 a.m., performed CPR for nearly 30 minutes, and Hogan was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital at approximately 11:17 a.m. YouTube+15AP News+15People.com+15

⚠️ What happened

• The Clearwater Police Department confirmed a medical call was made for cardiac arrest; they found no signs of foul play. ESPN.com+5ABC News+5Newsweek+5

• Hogan had a history of serious health issues and had undergone over two dozen surgeries, including a major neck operation just a few months earlier. TMZ

Legacy & Response

• Hogan got his start in WWE in the early 1980s, with his iconic 1984 victory over The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden birthing the global phenomenon known as “Hulkamania.” He headlined numerous WrestleManias, captured six world titles, and later co-founded the New World Order (nWo) in WCW. The Sun+5AP News+5Newsweek+5

• Though embroiled in controversy—being removed from WWE for a racist recording in 2015 before being reinstated to the Hall of Fame in 2018—his cultural impact remained immense. He also ventured into film (notably Rocky III), television, and entrepreneurship. The Guardian

• His family released a joint statement calling him a legend whose presence inspired fans for more than four decades. ABC News+1The Times of India+1

Wall of Tributes

• WWE released a heartfelt message honoring Hogan’s role in building their global presence. YouTube+15ABC News+15indiatimes.com+15

• Wrestling icons including Ric Flair, Triple H, The Undertaker, Brutus Beefcake, Kurt Angle, John Cena, and Kane expressed deep sorrow, each recounting personal memories of their time with Hogan in and out of the ring. New York Post+2Newsweek+2New York Post+2

• Celebrity tributes poured in from Sylvester Stallone (who starred with Hogan in Rocky III) and Bollywood stars like Arjun Kapoor and Varun Dhawan. indiatimes.com

• Political figures including former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also offered condolences, highlighting Hogan’s influence beyond wrestling. Newsweek+1New York Post+1

• His son Nick Hogan, calling his father his best friend and mentor, shared an emotional tribute via Instagram, while his daughter Brooke’s relationship with him had been strained. The Sun+3pagesix.com+3The Times of India+3

Summary Table

Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era: a performer whose charisma turned sports entertainment into a global phenomenon, and whose larger-than-life persona resonated across generations. His legacy as “The Immortal Hulk Hogan” endures — in wrestling, popular culture, and the hearts of millions.