🕊️ WRESTLING ICON HULK HOGAN PASSES AT 71

Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea—the larger-than-life figure whose charisma carried the WWE into the mainstream during the 1980s and 1990s—has died. He was 71. Wikipedia+15VG+15FOX Sports Radio+15

According to TMZ, Hogan was found at his home in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning after emergency dispatchers received a distress call involving cardiac arrest. Medics responded immediately but were unable to revive him. People.com+9TMZ+9The Sun+9

A Life in the Spotlight

• Early years: Born August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan grew up in Florida and debuted in pro-wrestling in August 1977 under his real name, Terry Bollea TMZ+15Wikipedia+15VICE+15.

• Rise to fame: Rechristened “Hulk Hogan” after joining the WWF in December 1983, he became the embodiment of “Hulkamania.” He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, became a five‑time WWF Champion with a reign of over four years, and won back-to-back Royal Rumbles in 1990 and 1991 Wikipedia.

• WCW Era & Hollywood turn: In 1994, Hogan signed with WCW, claimed six WCW World Heavyweight titles, and famously led the villainous nWo stable, reshaping wrestling’s “Monday Night War” .

• Return & Hall of Fame: He returned to WWE multiple times, was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, briefly removed amid controversy in 2015, and restored in 2020. He officially retired from in-ring competition in 2012 VG.

Beyond the Ring

• Film and TV: Hogan played Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982), starred in family films like Suburban Commando (1991) and Mr. Nanny (1993), and headlined Hogan Knows Best (2005–2007), alongside roles in Thunder in Paradise and voice work for Robot Chicken and China, IL Wikipedia.

• Business ventures: He endorsed products from grills to energy drinks, launched restaurants (like Pastamania), hosted web services, and introduced Real American Beer in 2024 Wikipedia.

• Political involvement: Last year, he surprised audiences by speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention—a notable crossover into civic life VGWikipedia.

Controversies & Health Battles

• Setbacks: Hogan faced backlash after racist comments leaked in 2015, resulting in a temporary Hall of Fame removal. He later apologized and was reinstated VG.

• Health issues: He underwent multiple surgeries in recent years, including neck and spinal procedures. Despite his wife Sky stating his heart was strong during rehab, he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest on July 24, 2025 

A Lasting Legacy

Hulk Hogan wasn't just a champion—he was the champion who turned wrestling into a global pop-culture force. From his vibrant persona and catchphrases to his trailblazing media presence, he inspired countless fans and wrestlers.

He leaves behind his wife, Sky Daily, and two children. Though his life encompassed triumph, controversy, and health struggles, his impact on wrestling—and entertainment as a whole—will forever resonate.

My deepest condolences to his family and the worldwide “Hulkamaniacs.” His larger-than-life spirit and iconic “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” will echo for generations.