Pro wrestling icon Terry Gene Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, has passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday, July 24, 2025. According to multiple reports and an official statement by WWE, Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home and was later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital .
WWE expressed its sorrow, saying:
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“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. 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.”
Legacy of a Superstar
Rise to fame: Born August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan began pro wrestling in the late 1970s. His move to Vince McMahon’s WWF in 1983 sparked the “Hulkamania” phenomenon .
WrestleMania mainstay: Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and featured in eight of its first nine events, becoming the face of wrestling’s golden era .
Iconic rivalries: His legendary matches included bouts against André the Giant (notably at WrestleMania III), Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, and The Rock .
Hollywood Hogan & nWo: In 1996, Hogan reinvented himself in WCW as “Hollywood Hogan,” spearheading the New World Order (nWo), which dominated the wrestling landscape .
Hall of Fame accolades: He is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer—inducted in 2005 as an individual and again in 2020 with the nWo .
Beyond the Ring
Entertainment career: Hogan’s larger-than-life persona led to roles in Rocky III, Santa With Muscles, Mr. Nanny, Thunder in Paradise, and VH1’s reality series Hogan Knows Best .
Public controversies: His 2015 fall from grace—when footage emerged of him making racist remarks—led to WWE suspending and later reinstating him. He won a landmark $140 million lawsuit against Gawker after a privacy violation .
Friendship with Trump: Hogan supported Donald Trump, notably appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention .
Later-life ventures: In April 2025, he co-founded Real American Freestyle, aiming to spotlight collegiate and Olympic wrestlers .
Health & Family
Hogan battled multiple health issues over the years, undergoing more than 20 surgeries—including back, neck, hip, and shoulder procedures . He is survived by his third wife, Sky Daily (m. 2023), and two children, Brooke and Nick .
Reactions & Tributes
Ric Flair, UFC’s Dana White, Donald Trump Jr., and many fellow wrestlers and entertainers offered heartfelt tributes .
MMA and combat sports figures echoed the sentiment, with MMA Fighting reporting, “Hulkamania will live forever” .
Final Word
Hulk Hogan fundamentally transformed professional wrestling, turning WWE into a global entertainment powerhouse. From his electrifying matches to his enduring catchphrases ("Whatcha gonna do, brother?"), Hogan left an indelible mark on pop culture. Despite personal controversies, his impact on sports entertainment remains undeniable. He will be remembered not just as a wrestler—but as a cultural icon.