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Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Icon and Pop Culture Phenomenon, Dies at 71

Jomanda Heng
Jul 25
3 min read

Wrestling has lost one of its greatest and most influential figures. Terry Gene Bollea, better known around the world as Hulk Hogan, passed away at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater Beach, Florida. First responders reportedly performed CPR for over 30 minutes before Hogan was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital. Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play.

For decades, Hulk Hogan was synonymous with professional wrestling, mainstream entertainment, and American pop culture. His booming voice, iconic handlebar moustache, and trademark phrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” cemented him as a household name through the 1980s and 1990s.

The Birth of Hulkamania

Hogan's rise to fame began in the early 1980s after signing with WWF (now WWE). He captured the world’s attention with his charisma and unmatched physicality, becoming a six-time WWE Champion and headlining eight of the first nine WrestleManias. Hulkamania wasn’t just a character—it was a cultural movement.

In 1996, he reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan in WCW, where he co-founded the infamous New World Order (nWo) alongside Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. The move shocked fans and revitalized his career, making him the central figure in the legendary "Monday Night Wars" between WCW and WWE.

Hogan’s popularity extended beyond wrestling. He starred in films such as Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and Mr. Nanny, and even had his reality show, Hogan Knows Best. He was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—once in 2005 as an individual and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo.

However, Hogan’s legacy wasn’t without controversy. In 2015, he faced immense backlash after leaked audio revealed him making racist comments. WWE terminated his contract and removed him from its Hall of Fame. He was later reinstated in 2018 after issuing multiple public apologies.

In 2016, he also won a high-profile invasion-of-privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media after a sex tape was leaked online, ultimately leading to the media company’s bankruptcy.

Business Ventures and Political Leanings

Even after stepping out of the ring, Hogan remained active. He launched Real American Beer and, earlier this year, co-founded Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling promotion where he served as commissioner. His final appearance was during the promotion’s inaugural event in April 2025.

He was also known for his political views, having endorsed Donald Trump in multiple elections and speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention. His political stances, while polarizing, reflected his continued involvement in American public life.

An Outpouring of Tributes

Following news of his death, tributes poured in from celebrities, wrestlers, and fans worldwide. WWE issued an official statement: “WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of Hulk Hogan. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”

Wrestling legends like Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H shared their memories of Hogan’s impact on the business. Even Bollywood star Varun Dhawan paid tribute, stating that Hogan "inspired an entire generation of fans."

Hulk Hogan's death marks the close of a powerful chapter in sports entertainment history. Despite personal scandals, he remains one of the most transformative figures in the wrestling world. His blend of showmanship, strength, and charisma created a legacy that will continue to shape future generations of wrestlers and fans alike.

As Hogan himself once said, “Train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins.” His message—and his legend—live on.

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