Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71
1. Announcement and Cause of Death
- Legendary professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at age 71 on July 24, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency services were dispatched at 9:51 a.m. local time; after more than 30 minutes of CPR, Hogan was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital at 11:17 a.m. ET New York Post + 15 People.com + 15 The Guardian + 15.
- Authorities confirmed that no foul play was suspected, and the death remains under routine investigation (New York Post).
2. Iconic Career and Cultural Impact
- Hogan emerged during the 1980s as perhaps the most recognisable face of professional wrestling, headlining multiple WrestleManias and driving WWE toward global mainstream fame, as noted by ESPN.com, The New York Post, and other sources.
- He held the WWF/WWE World Heavyweight Championship six times, including an unprecedented 1,474-day reign—second only to Bruno Sammartino (Business Insider+7, ESPN.com+7, and New York Post+7).
- His turn in 1996 to “Hollywood Hogan” as a founding member of the New World Order (NWO) in WCW marked one of professional wrestling’s most sensational storyline shifts.
3. Beyond the Ring—Entertainment & Ventures
- Hogan crossed into pop culture with memorable roles, including Thunderlips in Rocky III, and starred in films such as No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny, and the TV series Thunder in Paradise, Indiatimes+2, The Guardian+2, and TMZ+2.
- In 2024, he launched Real American Beer, and in April 2025, partnered on Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling promotion he helped found and served as commissioner until his death [Wikipedia+4][Wikipedia+4] [Business Insider+4.
4. Controversies and Political Voice
- In 2015, Hogan was embroiled in a scandal after racist remarks from a leaked recording led to his removal from WWE’s Hall of Fame. He later issued a public apology and was reinstated in 2020. People.com+8The Guardian+8Indiatimes+8.
- His political affiliations evolved: from endorsing Barack Obama in 2008 to vocally supporting Donald Trump, even delivering a high-energy speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where Trump praised him as a close friend and patriot (Business Insider).
5. Tributes from Fans, Peers, and Public Figures
- Vince McMahon, former WWE chairman, called Hogan “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME” and a trailblazer who helped elevate wrestling as global entertainment, Indiatimes+3, Sun+3ABC News+3.
- Wrestling luminaries such as Ric Flair, The Undertaker, and Triple H expressed heartfelt condolences, remembering his talent, friendship, and profound influence inside and outside the ring (The Sun).
- Donald Trump authored a tribute on Truth Social, calling Hogan “MAGA all the way,” lauding his patriotism, and thanking him for delivering an “electric speech” at the RNC ESPN.com+2The Sun+2ABC News+2.
6. Health Challenges and Final Days
- In the weeks before his death, Hogan reportedly dealt with several health complications, including a “weak heart” and recovery from neck surgery. His wife had earlier stated he was recovering well, though his overall condition remained fragile. The Guardian + 9TMZ + 9 New York Post + 9.
- Emergency responders performed more than 30 minutes of CPR as they attempted to stabilise him before his hospital arrival; despite these efforts, he passed away shortly thereafter.
7. Legacy and Enduring Influence
Hulk Hogan was much more than a wrestler—he was a cultural phenomenon. With his signature catchphrases (“Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”), red-and-yellow gear, and unmistakable charisma, he transformed wrestling into mass global entertainment. His legacy remains alive in the industry he helped build, the fans he inspired, and the countless performers who followed in his path.
Summary Table: Key Facts
| Area | Highlights |
| Death | July 24, 2025 – cardiac arrest at home; CPR and hospital arrival unsuccessful |
| Age | 71 years old |
| Wrestling Legacy | Six‑time WWE Champion, central figure in Hulkamania and NWO eras |
| Pop Culture Impact | Film roles (Rocky III, Thunder in Paradise), reality TV, and business ventures |
| Political Activity | Obama endorsement (2008) → Trump supporter, RNC speaker (2024) |
| Controversies | Sex tape lawsuit, racist remarks scandal in 2015 |
| Tributes | From wrestling peers (Flair, Cena, Undertaker), Trump, McMahon, and fans globally |
Closing Thoughts
Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea lived larger than life. His arrival propelled pro wrestling into the mainstream, and his presence transcended the ring into entertainment, business, and cultural conversation. Despite personal controversies and evolving political views, fans and colleagues alike remember him for his showmanship, influence, and enduring impact.
Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan—a true icon of professional wrestling and pop culture.
