Terry Gene Bollea, better known to the world as Hulk Hogan, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. The man whose iconic mustache, bandana, and booming charisma helped launch professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment died of cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. Emergency personnel arrived just before 10 a.m. and attempted to revive him for over thirty minutes before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No foul play is suspected.
For over four decades, Hogan was synonymous with wrestling. He wasn’t just a performer—he was the face of an era. Rising to prominence in the 1980s during his tenure with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), Hogan became the central figure in what would be known as the “Golden Era” of professional wrestling. His persona, dubbed “Hulkamania,” captivated millions. With his signature red-and-yellow gear, Herculean physique, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” he electrified crowds and brought pro wrestling out of smoke-filled arenas and into living rooms around the world.
Hogan’s popularity soared as he headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985, a risky pay-per-view event that ultimately changed the face of the industry. His matches against the likes of Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and the Ultimate Warrior became part of wrestling folklore. He held the WWF Championship multiple times and became a household name far beyond the squared circle.
In the 1990s, as the wrestling landscape evolved, so did Hogan. He shocked fans by turning heel—wrestling jargon for becoming a villain—and launched the New World Order (nWo) alongside Kevin Nash and Scott Hall in World Championship Wrestling. The move was revolutionary. Hollywood Hogan, clad in black and white, brought an edgy realism to professional wrestling that drew record-breaking ratings and solidified WCW’s dominance during the famed Monday Night Wars.
Outside the ring, Hogan found success in entertainment. He starred in films such as Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and Mr. Nanny, and led the hit reality show Hogan Knows Best with his then-wife Linda and their two children, Brooke and Nick. His fame extended beyond wrestling and made him one of the most recognizable pop culture figures of the late 20th century.
Yet, Hogan’s journey wasn’t without controversy. A leaked recording in 2015 led to widespread criticism over racist remarks, prompting his temporary removal from WWE’s Hall of Fame and a tarnished public image. He later returned to the organization and was reinstated, though the incident remained a stain on an otherwise legendary career. Hogan also famously sued gossip website Gawker for releasing a private video, ultimately winning a $140 million judgment that led to the company’s bankruptcy.
Even into his seventies, Hogan remained active. Just weeks before his death, he was working on a new wrestling venture, “Real American Freestyle,” aimed at mentoring amateur wrestlers and fostering the next generation of talent. Despite mounting health issues—including multiple back and hip surgeries—he never stepped away from the spotlight.
Tributes poured in within hours of his death from across the wrestling world. Fellow legends, colleagues, and fans mourned the loss of a man who helped shape the very fabric of sports entertainment. WWE hailed him as “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures,” while fans around the globe remembered the man who taught them to believe in heroes.
Hulk Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily, daughter Brooke, and son Nick. Though his mortal journey has come to an end, the immortal legacy of Hulkamania will live on in arenas, memories, and the hearts of fans who grew up cheering as he slammed giants and flexed his way into history.