Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71: A Titan of the Ring Passes Away
Terry Bollea, famously known to millions around the world as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71, according to a statement released Thursday by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Hogan was arguably the most iconic figure in the history of professional wrestling, instrumental in turning WWE into a global entertainment powerhouse during the 1980s and 1990s. With his booming charisma, trademark catchphrases like “Say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” and towering persona, he transcended wrestling and became a pop culture icon.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the company wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We extend our condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Officials in Clearwater, Florida, confirmed that emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s home following a cardiac arrest call. He was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. TMZ was first to report the news.
A Golden Era Icon
Hogan’s massive popularity stemmed from his unmatched charisma and legendary rivalries with wrestling icons like “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, André the Giant, and others. His “24-inch pythons” and larger-than-life persona helped define professional wrestling’s Golden Era and brought it into the mainstream.
In a move that shocked the wrestling world, Hogan left WWE (then WWF) in the mid-1990s for WCW, where his 1996 “heel turn” and transformation into “Hollywood Hogan” helped WCW dominate TV ratings for 83 consecutive weeks — a feat never repeated.
However, his run at WCW wasn’t without controversy. The infamous “Finger Poke of Doom” moment exposed the scripted nature of wrestling too blatantly, triggering a backlash that contributed to WCW’s eventual downfall and WWE’s acquisition of its rival.
Later Years and Controversy
Hogan returned to WWE in the early 2000s and delivered a legendary match against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8. Though he continued performing for a few years, he eventually joined Total Nonstop Action (TNA) in 2010 — a stint that failed to replicate his past success.
In 2015, Hogan’s image took a massive hit after a leaked sex tape revealed him making racial slurs. WWE terminated his contract and removed him from its platforms. Hogan later issued a public apology, acknowledging the offense and stating there was no excuse for his language. The same tape also led to a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker Media, resulting in a $115 million judgment that ultimately bankrupted the outlet.
Though Hogan would later be reinstated by WWE, his return was met with mixed reactions. Many wrestlers and fans never forgave the incident, and he was occasionally booed during public appearances.
A Final Venture
Before his passing, Hogan had launched a new wrestling initiative, Real American Freestyle, aimed at promoting traditional Olympic-style wrestling. The company’s debut event was scheduled for August 30, but no official statement has been released regarding the event’s status following his death.
Remembering Hulk Hogan
Despite controversies, Hulk Hogan remains one of the most influential figures in sports entertainment history. His contributions helped shape modern professional wrestling, turning it from a niche sport into a billion-dollar industry. His legacy — complex, powerful, and unforgettable — will continue to spark conversations for years to come.
