The Wrestling World Is Mourning: Hulk Hogan Dies

At the age of 71, WWE legend Hulk Hogan passed away. During his illustrious career, Hogan—whose actual name is Terry Bollea—won six WWE Championships. In 2005, Sylvester Stallone inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame.

TeBollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, has been receiving a ton of tributes.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the WWE wrote on social media.

“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 added.

Authorities responded to a call regarding a cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday morning. According to a Facebook announcement from the police, Hogan was declared deceased at a hospital.

Among the most recognizable figures in the sport was Hogan. In 2005, he was admitted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Tributes:

Retired WWE great Ric Flair was among those to pay tribute to Hogan on social media.

“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”

WWE icon The Undertaker wrote on X:

“The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”

Former WWE wrestler Triple H also wrote on social media in a tribute to Hogan:

“He was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world.”

Hogan established himself as one of the biggest names in the history of wrestling with his distinguished blonde hair, horseshoe moustache and red and yellow outfit.

“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon,” said US vice-president JD Vance on X. “One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”

In 1984, Hogan won his first title in the World Wrestling Federation, and pro wrestling quickly gained popularity. Because of his success, the annual WrestleMania event was created in 1985. In the main event, he and Mr. T defeated “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.

At WrestleMania III in 1987, he slammed and defeated Andre the Giant, and the WWF took off. Pro wrestling was further advanced by his fight with the late “Macho Man” Randy Savage, who was arguably his fiercest opponent.

With the creation of the New World Order, a villainous stable that helped WCW dominate the ratings, and the emergence of the Hollywood Hogan character, Hogan swung the odds in WCW’s favor.

In 2002, he rejoined the WWE and won another title. Fans cheered for his “bad guy” persona during his loss to The Rock in their match at WrestleMania X8, which was perceived as a passing of the torch.

He got active in politics in recent years, most notably by endorsing President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention in 2024.

He was beloved for his “promos,” hype sessions he used to draw fans into matches. He often would play off his interviewer, “Mean” Gene Okerlund, starting his interviews off with, “Well, lemme tell ya something, Mean Gene!”

Hogan was also able to transcend his “Hulkamania” fanbase to become a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, “Hogan Knows Best”.

Among his noteworthy film roles are those of Shep Ramsey in Suburban Commando and Thunderlips in Rocky III.

He made an appearance at the Republican National Convention in 2024 to support Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

Hogan claimed that after witnessing the Republican candidate’s belligerent, fist-pumping response to an attempted assassination during the campaign, he decided to back him.

Trump paid his own tribute, writing on social media that Hogan was “strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart”.

Although it was by no means his only problem, Hogan’s endorsement of Trump did not sit well with all wrestling fans.

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In 2012, a video showing him having sex with the wife of his former best buddy was published on the gossip website Gawker. Hogan filed a lawsuit for privacy.

Hogan was suspended by the WWE a year prior after it was discovered that he had used a racial slur in another covert recording. In 2018, Hogan was reinstated after expressing regret.

WWE co-founder and close friend Vince McMahon said Hogan was “the greatest WWE superstar of all time”.

“His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled”, he added. “He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved.”

Hogan was married three times and had two children.