Legendary professional wrestler, Terry Gene Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71.
Reports from TMZ and other sources confirmed that Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest early Thursday at his residence in Clearwater, Florida.
Emergency medics were said to have responded swiftly, placing him on a stretcher and transferring him into an ambulance. However, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Although there had been recent concerns about his health—especially after undergoing a neck procedure earlier this year—his wife, Sky, had assured the public that his heart remained “strong.”
Hogan rose to global fame in the 1980s, becoming a household name during his time with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now WWE. His charisma, energy, and showmanship helped turn professional wrestling into a mainstream spectacle.
He was a six-time WWF Champion and became even more controversial and popular with his 1996 heel turn as “Hollywood Hogan” during the nWo (New World Order) storyline in WCW.
In its official statement, the WWE said, “We are saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Beyond wrestling, Hogan starred in several Hollywood films including Rocky III as “Thunderlips,” No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny, and Suburban Commando. His influence transcended the ring, making him a symbol of pop culture for decades.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—first as an individual in 2005, and again in 2020 as part of the nWo faction.
Hulk Hogan is survived by his wife, children, and a legacy that left a lasting mark on sports entertainment.