Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life wrestling icon born Terry Gene Bollea, has died aged 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, according to TMZ Sports and confirmed by multiple sources.
Hogan rose to international fame in the 1980s as the face of “Hulkamania,” starring in legendary matches, most notably against André the Giant, and headlining numerous WrestleMania events. He claimed 12 world championship titles across WWF and WCW, and became the first wrestler to win back-to-back Royal Rumble tournaments. His record 1,474-day reign as WWF Champion remains one of the sport’s most enduring landmarks.
Beyond the ring, Hogan branched into film and television, with roles in “Rocky III” and his reality show “Hogan Knows Best.” He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo stable.
However, Hogan’s legacy was not without controversy. He openly admitted to extensive steroid use to maintain his physique, a revelation that formed part of the WWE’s McMahon-era drug investigations in the early 1990s. In recent years, his health became a concern: following multiple neck and back surgeries, totalling more than two dozen from 2014 to 2024, he even required a cane and lost sensation in his legs.
A recent Netflix documentary chronicling his life and health struggles further brought public attention to his physical and emotional challenges, though details remain pending.
Politically, Hogan courted debate by endorsing former President Donald Trump and appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention, an alignment that drew both support and criticism as he embraced a symbolic version of American patriotism.
His death marks the passing of a figure who shaped professional wrestling’s rise to global mainstream success. Despite the shadows of scandal, Hogan’s emblematic role in 1980s and 1990s pop culture, defined by his iconic look, signature catchphrases, and “invincible” persona, cements his status as one of sports entertainment’s most influential figures.
He is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, and his two children from his first marriage.
