Hulk Hogan: A Wrestling Legend’s Final Chapter

Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, was a towering figure in professional wrestling, whose charisma and larger-than-life persona transformed the industry into a global phenomenon. On July 24, 2025, the wrestling world was struck with profound sadness as news broke of Hogan’s passing at age 71 due to a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. This article compiles the latest updates surrounding his death, reflects on his storied career, and examines his lasting impact on wrestling and pop culture, drawing from recent reports and tributes.

The Passing of a Legend

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater Beach home at 9:51 a.m. following a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest. Despite efforts by paramedics, who were seen performing chest compressions as he was transported to an ambulance, Hogan was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital at 11:17 a.m. Clearwater Police Maj. Nate Burnside stated there were “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity,” and an investigation is ongoing.

Hogan’s family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt Instagram post, stating, “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.” The statement urged fans to reflect on his legacy and requested privacy during this time of mourning.

Prior to his death, Hogan had been battling health issues, including lingering neck and back problems from his wrestling career. He underwent neck surgery in May 2025, which his representative described as successful, though he had faced multiple surgeries over the years, totaling around 25 in the past decade. Rumors of a coma had circulated, but his wife, Sky Daily, denied these, affirming his heart was “strong” during recovery. Just days before his passing, close friend Jimmy Hart countered health concerns, stating Hogan was “doing phenomenal” after a night of karaoke with his son, Nick.

A Storied Career

Hulk Hogan, born August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, began his wrestling career in 1977 but rose to global fame after signing with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1983. His red-and-yellow gear, “Real American” entrance music, and catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” defined the 1980s wrestling boom. Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, including a legendary match against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987, which drew a record 93,173 fans. He won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship six times, with a reign of 1,474 days, one of the longest in history.

In 1994, Hogan joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, a villainous leader of the New World Order (nWo). This heel turn in 1996 revitalized his career and propelled WCW to surpass WWE in ratings for 83 weeks, cementing his influence during the “Monday Night War.”

He won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times and returned to WWE in 2002, defeating The Rock in an iconic WrestleMania X8 match. Hogan’s final wrestling stint was with Total Nonstop Action (TNA) from 2010 to 2013, though it was less successful. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and again in 2020 as part of the nWo.

Beyond wrestling, Hogan became a pop culture icon, starring in films like Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips, No Holds Barred (1989), and Mr. Nanny (1993). He appeared on TV shows like Hogan Knows Best and Thunder in Paradise and was a frequent guest on talk shows. His band, the Wrestling Boot Band, released Hulk Rules in 1995, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Top Kid Audio chart. Hogan’s charisma made him the most requested celebrity for the Make-a-Wish Foundation during his peak.

Recent Ventures and Controversies

In recent years, Hogan remained active in business and media. In April 2025, he launched Real American Beer, which secured a distribution deal with Walmart in eight states. He also co-founded Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling promotion with Eric Bischoff and Chad Bronstein, set to debut on FOX Nation in August 2025. The promotion aimed to showcase amateur wrestlers, with Hogan serving as commissioner. Former UFC star Ben Askren and Kurt Angle joined the project, with Angle as a commentator.

Hogan’s public image faced challenges, notably in 2015 when a leaked sex tape revealed him using racial slurs, leading to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame. He was reinstated in 2018 after issuing an apology. The tape, involving Hogan and the wife of friend Bubba the Love Sponge, led to a 2016 lawsuit against Gawker, funded by Peter Thiel.

Hogan won a $140 million judgment, later settling for $31 million, a case that sparked debates over privacy and press freedom. In January 2025, Hogan was booed during WWE’s RAW debut on Netflix, possibly due to his political affiliations and past controversies.

Hogan’s vocal support for Donald Trump, including a high-energy speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention where he ripped off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top, further polarized fans. He had shifted from supporting Barack Obama in 2008 to endorsing Trump in 2016 and 2020, even suggesting he could be Trump’s vice-presidential pick.

Family dynamics also made headlines. Hogan’s daughter, Brooke, estranged from both parents, accused them of disrespect in a March 2025 Instagram post. His ex-wife, Linda, called him a “complete liar” and “sex addict” in January 2025, though she later retracted some claims. Despite these tensions, Brooke expressed gratitude for a final moment to tell her father she loved him before his passing.

Tributes and Legacy

The wrestling and entertainment communities mourned Hogan’s loss with an outpouring of tributes. Vince McMahon called him “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME,” praising his grit and global impact. Ric Flair, emotional in his response, recalled Hogan’s support during personal hardships, including lending him money when Flair’s son was ill. Sylvester Stallone, Hogan’s Rocky III co-star, wrote, “His amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special. My heart breaks.” John Cena, Jake The Snake, and Marc Mero also shared heartfelt messages, with Mero highlighting Hogan’s kindness in calling a friend battling cancer.

Political figures, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, honored Hogan. Trump called him a “great friend” and “MAGA all the way,” while DeSantis noted his emotional impact on Generation X. Linda McMahon, former WWE co-founder and U.S. Secretary of Education, described Hogan as a “dear friend” whose legacy would endure.

Fans and wrestlers alike celebrated Hogan’s “Hulkamania” era, which made wrestling a mainstream spectacle. His signature moves—hulking up, the big boot, and the leg drop—along with his catchphrases and patriotic persona, inspired generations. Kane (Glenn Jacobs) shared a clip of himself imitating Hogan’s catchphrases, noting, “It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I’d practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up.”

Conclusion

Hulk Hogan’s death marks the end of an era for professional wrestling. From his early days as a heroic babyface to his revolutionary heel turn with the nWo, Hogan’s career reshaped the industry, making it a global entertainment powerhouse. His ventures into film, television, and business, coupled with his undeniable charisma, cemented his status as a pop culture icon. Despite controversies, his contributions to wrestling and his connection with fans—his “Hulkamaniacs”—remain unparalleled. As tributes continue to pour in, Hogan’s mantra of “Train, take your vitamins, and say your prayers” resonates as a final message from a man who lived larger than life. His legacy, as he often declared, will indeed “live forever.”