Clearwater, Florida — The world of professional wrestling is mourning the loss of a true icon. Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life figure who transformed the landscape of sports entertainment and became a global cultural phenomenon, has died at the age of 71.
According to official reports, Hogan — born Terry Gene Bollea — suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater early Thursday morning. First responders arrived at the scene at 9:51 a.m. local time and performed CPR for more than 30 minutes. Despite their best efforts, the wrestling legend was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital shortly after.
Authorities have confirmed there was no sign of foul play, and his death is being treated as a medical emergency with routine investigation procedures.
💪 From Venice Beach to Global Stardom
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler. He was a symbol of the golden age of professional wrestling — a charismatic titan who inspired millions around the world with his larger-than-life persona, signature yellow-and-red attire, and unforgettable catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”
Rising to fame in the 1980s, Hogan was the driving force behind the WWF’s (now WWE) explosion into mainstream entertainment. He headlined the first eight WrestleManias, brought pro wrestling into pop culture, and became a household name far beyond the ring.
Over his legendary career, Hogan:
🟢 Won six WWE Championships
🟢 Captured the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times
🟢 Was the first wrestler to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches (1990 & 1991)
🟢 Was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice — once individually (2005) and again with the nWo (2020)
🎬 Beyond the Ring
Outside the squared circle, Hogan ventured into Hollywood with roles in films like No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and the reality series Hogan Knows Best. His name became synonymous with ‘80s and ‘90s pop culture, merchandise, and mainstream fame.
However, his legacy also faced controversy. In later years, Hogan was embroiled in legal and personal battles — most notably a $140 million lawsuit against Gawker Media over a leaked private video, and public backlash after racist comments surfaced in 2015. Despite this, Hogan later apologized and gradually re-emerged in WWE programming and fan events.
💔 A Flood of Tributes
News of Hogan’s death sent shockwaves across the wrestling and entertainment communities.
🟢 Vince McMahon, WWE founder, wrote: “Without Hulk Hogan, there would be no WrestleMania. He was the foundation.”
🟢 The Undertaker shared: “You were my inspiration, my rival, my brother in the business. Rest in power.”
🟢 John Cena, who followed in Hogan’s footsteps as WWE’s face, posted: “The Hulkster was the first superhero I ever believed in.”
Even former President Donald Trump, a longtime associate of Hogan during his WrestleMania appearances, called him “a real American who lived the American dream.”
Fans worldwide have taken to social media using the hashtag #ThankYouHogan to express their love, share memories, and mourn the loss of their childhood hero.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Hulk Hogan’s story is one of meteoric rise, complex turns, and a legacy that will echo through generations. For many fans, he wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a childhood hero, a source of inspiration, and the face of an era when professional wrestling became larger than life.
He may be gone, but the echoes of Hulkamania will never fade. As he often said:
"Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself."
Words that still resonate today.
Rest in peace, Hulkster. The ring will never be the same.
🕯️ Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea)
August 11, 1953 – July 24, 2025
Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest
Place of Death: Clearwater, Florida
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