CLEARWATER, Fla. – July 24, 2025 — The world of professional wrestling is mourning the loss of one of its most legendary figures. Terry Gene Bollea, universally known as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
Emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s residence just before 10 a.m. Thursday morning. According to officials, paramedics performed more than 30 minutes of CPR before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital. Despite extensive life-saving efforts, Hogan was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play.
A Transformative Force in Wrestling
Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling is immeasurable. Rising to prominence in the 1980s, he became the face of “Hulkamania,” a phenomenon that propelled WWE (then WWF) into mainstream culture. Known for his charisma, signature poses, and catchphrases like “Train, say your prayers, and take your vitamins,” Hogan helped turn pro wrestling into a global, billion‑dollar spectacle.
He headlined countless pay‑per‑view events, including the historic WrestleMania III where he famously body‑slammed André the Giant, and his electric match against The Rock at WrestleMania X‑8. Over his career, he earned 12 world championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—once in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the New World Order (nWo).
Beyond the Ring
Hogan was more than a wrestling star. He crossed into Hollywood with appearances in films such as Rocky III and Mr. Nanny and became a household name through his reality series Hogan Knows Best. His towering persona and colorful bandanas made him one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment history.
Controversy and Resilience
Hogan’s career was not without turbulence. A 2015 scandal over racially insensitive remarks led to his temporary removal from WWE’s Hall of Fame. In 2016, he famously won a high‑profile privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media. By 2018, WWE reinstated him, acknowledging his contributions and influence on the industry.
An Outpouring of Tributes
WWE issued a statement Thursday afternoon calling Hogan “one of the most beloved and influential performers in WWE history.”
Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon praised him as “the greatest Superstar of all time.” Fellow legends, including Ric Flair and The Undertaker, shared memories of his friendship and larger‑than‑life presence.
Even outside the wrestling world, public figures expressed their sorrow. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a longtime friend, posted: “Hulk Hogan was larger than life and had the biggest heart. He was truly one of a kind.”
Remembering a Legend
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, his daughter Brooke, and son Nick. Family members and close friends have asked for privacy as they grieve.
For millions of fans, Hulk Hogan was not just a wrestler—he was a hero, an entertainer, and a pioneer who helped define an era. His legacy will live on in every chant of “Hulkamania” and every child who believed that saying their prayers and taking their vitamins could make them strong.
Rest in peace, Hulkster.
