Faith Nyasuguta
Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic faces in professional wrestling and pop culture history, has died at the age of 71. Born Terry Bollea, Hogan passed away on Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to local police.
Standing tall at 6’7” (two meters), with his trademark blond handlebar mustache, bandana, and ripped physique, Hulk Hogan was the larger-than-life hero who transformed professional wrestling from a niche spectacle to a global entertainment powerhouse.
Hogan first stepped into the ring in 1979 with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE, but his true rise to superstardom came in the mid-1980s. With his all-American persona, booming charisma, and catchphrase “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” he captivated millions of fans worldwide. He headlined countless main events alongside other wrestling legends like Andre the Giant and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.
WWE paid tribute to Hogan shortly after his death, saying, “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan’s impact wasn’t limited to the ring. He crossed over to mainstream entertainment, appearing in blockbuster movies like Rocky III – where he fought Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa – and starring in films such as No Holds Barred and shows like Baywatch. Stallone mourned his friend, saying, “He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special. My heart breaks.”
Hogan’s journey to fame started far from the spotlight. Born on August 11, 1953, in Georgia, he grew up in Florida after his family moved south when he was a toddler. Dropping out of university, Hogan was spotted at a local gym and drawn into wrestling by chance. He earned the nickname “Hulk” because his powerful frame reminded people of Marvel’s Incredible Hulk.
Over the years, Hogan’s star power earned him a place in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Fellow Hall of Famer Ric Flair said, “Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!” Olympic champion Kurt Angle added, “R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening doors for so many people in the business, including myself.”
But Hogan’s legacy wasn’t without controversy. In 2012, a sex tape scandal erupted when a video of him with a woman who wasn’t his wife leaked online. He sued Gawker Media for invasion of privacy and won a massive $140 million judgment, later settling for $31 million. The case ultimately bankrupted Gawker, partly because billionaire Peter Thiel secretly funded Hogan’s lawsuit to take down the outlet.
In 2015, Hogan was engulfed in further scandal when recordings surfaced of him using racist language. WWE fired him and scrubbed him from its Hall of Fame, but he was later reinstated after apologizing.
Outside the ring, Hogan was also known for his vocal support of President Donald Trump. At the 2024 Republican National Convention, Hogan made headlines when he dramatically tore off his shirt onstage to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top. Trump posted after his death: “We lost a great friend today, the Hulkster. Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way – strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
Hogan’s wrestling career took a toll on his health. He endured countless injuries and admitted under oath in the 1990s that he had used anabolic steroids during his peak years in the ring. Despite his health struggles, Hogan remained a fixture in American pop culture until his final days.
Hogan was married three times and had two children with his first wife, Linda. His larger-than-life persona, signature moves, and “Hulkamania” spirit made him a hero for millions – and his legacy as the man who brought wrestling into the mainstream will live on.
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