Hulk Hogan: The Immortal Icon of Wrestling Passes Away at 71
The world of professional wrestling has lost its brightest star. Hulk Hogan—born Terry Gene Bollea—passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the squared circle and echoes through the very heart of sports entertainment. On Thursday morning in Clearwater, Florida, first responders rushed to his home after a call for cardiac arrest. The man who once made arenas quake with the roar of Hulkamania was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital, his passing confirmed by both local authorities and World Wrestling Entertainment.
Hogan was more than just a wrestler; he was a phenomenon—a living, breathing symbol of the sport’s golden era. Rising to prominence in the 1980s, Hulk Hogan became the face of WWE, transforming pro wrestling from a regional curiosity into a global pop culture juggernaut. With his iconic handlebar mustache, yellow bandana, and the unmistakable catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!”, he inspired millions of fans—young and old—to believe in heroes, eat their vitamins, and say their prayers.
Debuting in 1977, Hogan’s magnetic presence in the ring made him a six-time WWE Champion. He headlined the very first WrestleMania in 1985, teaming up with Mr. T to defeat “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. Hogan would go on to headline eight of the first ten WrestleManias, his signature leg drop and bulging 24-inch pythons forever etched into wrestling lore. As “The Immortal One,” he was both the ultimate good guy and, later, the ultimate heel—reinventing himself as “Hollywood Hogan” and leading the infamous New World Order faction in WCW during the 1990s, once again reshaping the industry.
But Hogan’s impact reached far beyond the ring. He became a mainstream celebrity, gracing television screens on “Saturday Night Live,” “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” and starring in films like “Rocky III” and “Mr. Nanny.” His charisma made him a household name, and his influence on pop culture was undeniable. WWE co-founder Vince McMahon, reflecting on Hogan’s passing, called him “the greatest WWE Superstar of all time,” a “trailblazer,” and a “global phenomenon.” McMahon added, “He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved.”
Hogan’s journey was not without controversy. In the mid-90s, he testified in a federal investigation into anabolic steroids, admitting to use but denying wrongdoing at the direction of WWE leadership. Later, personal scandals—including a high-profile privacy lawsuit and a public apology for racist remarks—tested his relationship with fans and the wrestling world. Yet, “The Hulkster” ultimately returned to WWE, was reinstated into the Hall of Fame, and even hosted WrestleMania 37 in 2021 alongside Titus O’Neil.
His influence was so great that even outside the ring, moments like his electric appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention—where he ripped his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance T-shirt—made headlines and drew praise from longtime friend Donald Trump, who called Hogan “strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
Hogan’s personal life saw him married three times and father to two children, Brooke and Nick, who survive him alongside his wife, Sky Daily. Despite the highs and lows, Hogan remained a symbol of resilience, showmanship, and the indomitable spirit of sports entertainment.
As we mourn the loss of Hulk Hogan, we remember the immortal words that defined an era: “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” The world of wrestling, and millions of Hulkamaniacs, will never forget. Rest in power, Hulk Hogan.