Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 After Cardiac Arrest, Authorities Confirm
Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in the history of professional wrestling and a defining presence in 1980s pop culture, has died at the age of 71. Emergency responders were called to his home early Thursday morning following a suspected cardiac arrest. Paramedics from Clearwater Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Local authorities have confirmed that more details will be shared in a press conference later today.
For millions of fans across generations, Hulk Hogan was more than just a wrestling champion. He was a larger-than-life character whose energy, confidence, and charisma helped transform wrestling from a niche sport into a global spectacle. Born Terry Bollea, Hogan burst into superstardom after capturing the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984, defeating the Iron Sheik in a match that would ignite the phenomenon known as Hulkamania. With his trademark yellow gear, bandana, and mustache, he became instantly recognizable to fans of all ages and helped make wrestling a staple of mainstream entertainment.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Hogan was the face of WWF and played a central role in elevating the sport’s popularity to unprecedented heights. He headlined countless major events, including his unforgettable showdown with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III and his electrifying battle with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8. His rivalries with legends like Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior were not only dramatic but also deeply embedded in wrestling lore, shaping the storytelling of an entire generation of matches.
In a career defined by reinvention, Hogan made a dramatic shift in 1996 when he turned heel and joined WCW’s New World Order faction, adopting the persona of “Hollywood Hogan.” This unexpected transformation shocked longtime fans and breathed new life into his career, allowing him to remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry. His ability to adapt while keeping the audience invested was a rare gift, and it secured his place not only as a wrestling hero but also as a master of performance and reinvention.
Beyond the ring, Hogan found success in entertainment as well. His film debut came in 1982 in Rocky III, where he played the flamboyant Thunderlips. He went on to star in movies like Mr. Nanny and Suburban Commando, and later opened his personal life to the public in the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best, which followed his family life with then-wife Linda and their children Brooke and Nick. Whether in the ring, on screen, or in the spotlight, Hogan remained a captivating presence.
His career was not without controversy. In 2015, Hogan was temporarily removed from the WWE Hall of Fame following the release of a private recording in which he made racially offensive remarks. The fallout was significant, but in time, he was reinstated and inducted again in 2020 as a member of the NWO, recognizing his broader impact on the industry and its culture.
Despite the physical toll of decades spent in the ring, including numerous surgeries and injuries, Hogan remained active in the wrestling world. Earlier this year, he announced the launch of an amateur wrestling league called Real American Freestyle, with its first event scheduled for late August. Even in his seventies, he stayed connected to the sport that made him a legend, continuing to inspire fans and aspiring athletes alike.
Rest in peace, Hulk. You were truly one of a kind.