Hulk Hogan Dead at 71: Wrestling Legend and Cultural Icon Passes Away

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Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, a key figure in wrestling’s storied past, passed away at the age of 71.

Early Thursday morning, emergency medical services were dispatched to Terry (Hogan)’s residence in Clearwater, Florida due to a cardiac arrest incident. He was carried outside on a stretcher and then transported via ambulance for further treatment.

Recently, Sky, Hogan’s wife, dismissed speculations about him being in a coma, assuring that his heart was robust during his recovery from recent operations. The legendary WWE figure had undergone a neck operation in May and was apparently experiencing lasting side effects, yet earlier reports of him being on his deathbed were debunked by close sources.

The Man Who Made Wrestling Mainstream

Terry Bollea, who is popularly known as Hulk Hogan, was instrumental in professional wrestling gaining widespread acceptance as part of mainstream pop culture during the 1980s. His captivating personality, imposing physique, and extraordinary talent for performance played a significant role in turning the WWE (originally WWF) into a worldwide sensation.

Hogan’s triumph over The Iron Sheik in 1984 ignited Hulkamania, a wave that captivated countless young fans with its encouragement to “pray and take vitamins.” His distinctive yellow and red attire quickly became iconic, and he attracted an astonishing crowd of 93,173 spectators to the Pontiac Silverdome for his legendary WrestleMania III bout against Andre the Giant.

A Star On and Off the Mat

Besides wrestling, Hogan gained widespread recognition through his roles in movies, TV shows, and various media appearances. From “Rocky III” to “Mr. Nanny,” and the reality show “Hogan Knows Best” on VH1, he significantly expanded the WWE brand’s reach beyond the wrestling ring.

In 1996, he surprised fans by switching sides and creating the evil NWO (New World Order) group in WCW, which ignited the Monday Night Wars and temporarily gave WCW a ratings edge over WWE. Later, Hogan rejoined WWE, regaining fan affection and eventually claiming his sixth WWE Championship in 2002.

A Complicated Legacy

Twice has Hogan been honored by the WWE Hall of Fame: initially as an individual inductee back in 2005, and subsequently as a member of the NWO group in 2020. However, his recognition was temporarily withdrawn in 2015 due to a controversy surrounding offensive comments that were recorded on tape. Later on, Hogan emerged victorious in a significant lawsuit against Gawker for broadcasting those remarks.

Regardless of any disputes or debates, Hulk Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling continues to be unprecedented. He played a pivotal role in shaping the WWE, and his name stands out prominently among the most iconic figures in sports-entertainment lore.

Final Public Appearance and Legacy

The most recent significant announcement from Hogan was made in May when he was gearing up for the premiere of Real American Freestyle, a new amateur wrestling league, which was scheduled to air on Fox Nation starting August 30th.

Over the course of his professional life, Hogan persevered despite enduring numerous operations and wounds. He became well-known for stating that he no longer possessed any of his original body parts. Remarkably, he managed to engage fans from various age groups.

Recently, Hogan has been representing the genuine taste of Real American Brew. It was a delightful encounter when we met him in February.

Stepping into the electric atmosphere of the wrestling ring or leaping onto our TV screens during weekend mornings, Hulk Hogan’s charisma elevated each instant to an extraordinary level. He transcended the realm of professional wrestling, becoming more than just a sports entertainer – he was an unparalleled phenomenon.

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2025-07-24 19:01