Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dead at 71 A Legend Remembered

The world of professional wrestling has lost one of its most legendary figures.
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, has died at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed the face of sports entertainment and pop culture.

According to TMZ Sports, emergency crews were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning in response to a cardiac arrest call. Disturbing video footage from outside the residence shows paramedics performing chest compressions as Hogan was loaded into an ambulance and rushed to the hospital.

Despite the efforts of Clearwater Fire & Rescue, Hogan was pronounced dead at 11:17 AM, police confirmed in a press briefing. Authorities stated there were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity surrounding his death.

 Just Weeks After Public Denial of Health Rumors

This tragic news comes just weeks after his wife, Sky Hogan, whom he married in September 2023, publicly denied reports that the WWE legend was in a coma. At the time, she insisted that Hogan’s heart was “strong” as he continued to recover from neck surgery performed in May.

In fact, rumors had been circulating for months that Hogan was on his “deathbed,” though those close to him had dismissed the claims. Sadly, it now appears those warnings weren’t far from the truth.

 A Trailblazer Who Redefined Wrestling Forever

Few individuals have had the cultural impact that Hulk Hogan achieved. In the 1980s, “Hulkamania” took the world by storm after Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984. With his signature bandana, handlebar mustache, and larger-than-life charisma, Hogan didn’t just entertain — he transformed wrestling into a mainstream family spectacle.

He wasn’t just a wrestler; he became a symbol of strength, American pride, and resilience.

 From Hero to Hollywood Villain

In 1996, Hogan stunned the world by turning heel and launching the New World Order (NWO) as Hollywood Hulk Hogan, a bold reinvention that helped catapult professional wrestling to unprecedented heights in the late ’90s.

Throughout his career, Hogan was involved in some of wrestling’s most iconic moments:

• 💥 WrestleMania III vs. Andre the Giant

• 🔥 WrestleMania X8 vs. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

• ⚔️ Rivalries with Ultimate Warrior and “Macho Man” Randy Savage

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, removed in 2015 due to a scandal involving racist remarks, and re-inducted in 2020 as part of the NWO faction.

 A Crossover Star in Film, TV, and Politics

Beyond the ring, Hogan enjoyed success in Hollywood, first appearing in Rocky III (1982) as the unforgettable Thunderlips, then starring in cult favorites like No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny.

He also became a reality TV star with the hit VH1 series “Hogan Knows Best”, which featured his then-wife Linda, son Nick, and daughter Brooke.

Most recently, he made headlines at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he delivered an electrifying appearance that had the crowd on its feet.

 A Body Rebuilt by Surgery, But a Spirit That Never Faded

Years of wrestling took a massive toll on Hogan’s body. In a candid interview with Harvey Levin for Objectified, he admitted he had undergone dozens of surgeries and had “no original body parts left.”

And yet, his spirit remained unshaken. As recently as May, Hogan was promoting his new venture, Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league set to debut August 30 on Fox Nation.

 WWE’s Statement on Hulk Hogan’s Passing

In a statement, WWE honored his immense legacy:

“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.”

 Rest in Peace, Hulk Hogan

From the roar of the crowds to the impact he had on generations of fans, Hulk Hogan will never be forgotten.
He wasn’t just a champion in the ring — he was a symbol of courage, transformation, and unshakable showmanship.

Rest in peace, Hulk.
You body-slammed your way into history — and into our hearts. 💛❤️