Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dead at 71 After Reported Cardiac Arrest

Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dead at 71 After Reported Cardiac Arrest

Thursday, July 24, 2025 — Tampa, Florida

The world of professional wrestling and pop culture is in mourning today following the heartbreaking news that wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. TMZ was the first to report that emergency medics were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida, home early Thursday morning after the legendary wrestler reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite lifesaving efforts, Hogan was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.

Born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan grew up in Tampa and began his wrestling career in the late 1970s. He quickly rose to prominence in the 1980s, becoming a central figure in transforming Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) into a global entertainment juggernaut. With his trademark handlebar mustache, red-and-yellow attire, rip-away tank tops, and booming charisma, Hogan defined a generation of wrestling.

“Hulkamania” wasn’t just a catchphrase — it was a cultural phenomenon. His larger-than-life persona, backed by the “say your prayers and take your vitamins” mantra, turned him into a hero for millions of fans across the globe. Whether it was body-slamming André the Giant at WrestleMania III or trading blows with Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, or Ric Flair, Hogan consistently headlined and sold out arenas for decades.

Hogan’s mainstream appeal extended well beyond the squared circle. He became a household name through television and film appearances, including Thunder in Paradise, Suburban Commando, and frequent spots on talk shows. He was also among the first wrestlers to cross over into mainstream pop culture, setting the blueprint for future stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena.

A 12-time world champion — six-time WWE Champion and six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion — Hogan’s accolades are virtually unmatched. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice: first in 2005 as an individual, and again in 2020 as part of the nWo, the infamous New World Order faction that revolutionized wrestling during the Monday Night Wars of the 1990s.

Yet Hogan’s life was not without controversy. His career suffered significant blows in the 2010s after a leaked tape featuring racist language led WWE to distance itself from him. Though Hogan later issued multiple public apologies and was eventually reinstated to the WWE Hall of Fame, the incident cast a lasting shadow over his legacy.

In recent years, Hogan had remained a visible presence at wrestling conventions, autograph signings, and WWE appearances. Fans were struck by his visibly declining health — multiple back surgeries had taken a toll, and he walked with assistance in his final years. Still, he remained a symbol of resilience to many, often sharing messages of positivity with his fans through social media.

News of Hogan’s death has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. Fellow wrestlers, past and present, flooded social media with tributes. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote:
“The man who made me fall in love with wrestling. Without Hulk Hogan, there’s no Rock. Rest easy, brother. I’ll never forget what you did for all of us.”

Triple H, current WWE Chief Content Officer, said in a statement:
“Hulk Hogan didn’t just define an era — he was the era. WWE wouldn’t be what it is today without him. He brought our industry to the mainstream, and he’ll forever be remembered as one of the greatest.”

Fans worldwide have also begun gathering outside Hogan’s Beach Shop in Clearwater and at WWE headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, leaving flowers, bandanas, and heartfelt notes of gratitude.

Hogan is survived by his children, Brooke and Nick, and his wife, Sky Daily Hogan. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but sources close to them say plans for a public memorial service are underway.

While Terry Bollea may be gone, Hulk Hogan — the immortal, the larger-than-life superhero of the 1980s and beyond — will live on in the hearts of generations of fans. His impact on professional wrestling, pop culture, and millions of childhoods can never be overstated.

As the wrestling world bows its head in sorrow, the words that once rallied an army of Hulkamaniacs now echo with finality:

“Whatcha gonna do… when Hulkamania runs wild in the sky?”

Rest in power, Hulk Hogan.