Legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, real name Terry Gene Bollea, has passed away at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home on Thursday morning, July 24. WWE confirmed the news following reports by TMZ that medics were dispatched early in the day. A Swedish outlet reports how Hogan collapsed after undergoing multiple recent surgeries.
He was hoisted into an ambulance by Clearwater Fire & Rescue around 9:51 a.m., then driven to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Local authorities confirm this heartbreaking end after decades in the spotlight.
“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures… extends condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan wasn’t just a wrestling powerhouse—he was a cultural icon. Beginning his televised career in 1979, he dominated the ring with dramatic flair, headlining eight of the first nine WrestleMania events and winning twelve world titles. People outlines his championship reigns and influence.
His signature look—blond horseshoe mustache, bandana, ripped shirt—along with the roar of “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” became synonymous with the 1980s wrestling boom. ESPN reflects on his ring presence and how he helped raise WWE to global fame.
His career also saw a bold reinvention in the ’90s as “Hollywood Hogan” of the New World Order in WCW, re-energizing the sport during Monday Night Wars. His evolution is chronicled in wrestling histories.
“He took wrestling mainstream—no one moved the needle like Hogan.”
Hogan also braved Hollywood, with roles in *Rocky III*, *Mr. Nanny*, and TV shows like *Hogan Knows Best* and *Thunder in Paradise*, mixing muscle with media savvy. The Guardian catalogues his filmography and crossover appeal.
His health declined over recent years, with more than 20 surgeries to repair back, hips, and joints. A May neck operation raised alarms—though his wife Sky Daily insisted he was in “phenomenal shape.” TMZ notes that Sky had denied coma reports just days earlier.
On July 22, entertainer Jimmy Hart tweeted Hogan was healthy, enjoying karaoke—moments before tragedy struck. People highlights that sudden turn, underscoring how quickly health can unravel.
WWE has twinned condolences with a statement praising Hogan’s global impact and extending sympathies to his loved ones. ABC News shares the WWE message.
Tributes from wrestling legends poured in: Ric Flair called Hogan a real-life superhero; Charlotte Flair and countless others remembered his mentorship and charisma. A sports outlet highlights heartfelt messages.
Even political figures mourned—Hogan, a vocal Trump ally and speaker at the 2024 RNC, left political as well as pop-culture legacies. HuffPost notes his political involvement and polarizing stances.
“Hulkamania lived forever—and he lived large,” noted one fan.
Performance-after-performance, Hogan sold out arenas and courted controversy—from steroid suspensions to a racially charged scandal that saw him briefly stripped of his Hall of Fame status. Still, he was reinstated in 2020, showing both rupture and redemption in his story. Guardian dives into his highs and lows.
In recent years, Hogan launched *Real American Freestyle*, a freestyle wrestling league, alongside Eric Bischoff—boasting new ventures beyond the ring. Details reveal his evolving legacy.
He leaves behind a blended family: wife Sky, ex-wives Linda and Jennifer, children Brooke and Nick. They now face life without the man who popularized wrestling and became a symbol of rugged spectacle. Norwegian news summarizes his personal loss.
Hogan’s impact spans generations—he appeared on *Saturday Night Live*, starred as Thunderlips in *Rocky III*, and hosted WrestleMania. He was a pioneer of merchandise and media, making wrestling into entertainment. CBS News revisited his cultural dominance.
Now, the world is left with televised matches frozen in time, echoing chants and yellow bandanas. As tributes race across social feeds, his legacy remains dual: a hero to fans and a lightning rod for critics. But one truth is plain: wrestling will never feel the same without him.
