Professional wrestling icon Terry Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, has passed away at the age of 71, as confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
A Giant in the Wrestling World
Hogan was a larger-than-life figure who revolutionized professional wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s. Known for his charismatic persona, trademark mustache, and catchphrases like “say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” Hogan became a household name across the world.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away... Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the organization said in an official post on X.
Emergency Response at Clearwater Home
The City of Clearwater, Florida, reported that emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s residence following a cardiac arrest call. He was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was declared dead. TMZ was the first outlet to report the news.
Wrestling’s Golden Era Icon
Hogan played a vital role in bringing professional wrestling into the mainstream. His rivalries with legends like André the Giant, Roddy Piper, and Randy Savage helped build wrestling into a global billion-dollar industry.
His boast of having “24-inch pythons” and his presence in both the ring and Hollywood made him a transcendent star of his era.
From WWE to WCW: A Shocking Move
In a move that shocked fans, Hogan left WWE in the mid-1990s to join World Championship Wrestling (WCW). His transformation into the villainous “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan and formation of the New World Order (nWo) led WCW to dominate TV ratings for 83 weeks — the only time WWE trailed another promotion.
However, his infamous “Finger Poke of Doom” moment in WCW damaged the company’s credibility, paving the way for WWE’s ultimate takeover of its rival.
An Iconic Return & Controversies
Hogan returned to WWE in the 2000s, most notably facing The Rock at WrestleMania X8 in one of the most electric matches in history.
Later, he joined TNA Wrestling but failed to revive the brand. In 2015, a leaked video capturing Hogan making racial slurs led to WWE terminating his contract and scrubbing mentions of him online.
Though he apologized publicly and privately to the locker room, many wrestlers and fans never fully forgave him.
Just Talked To Hulk Hogan. He Is Alive And Well. Don’t Know How This Rumor Got Started!
Legal Battles and Redemption Attempts
The same sex tape that revealed his racist comments became the center of a high-profile legal battle against Gawker Media, resulting in a $115 million judgment that ultimately shut down the outlet.
Hogan later resumed occasional appearances on WWE programming starting in 2019 but was often met with a mixed crowd reaction.
Plans for a New Wrestling Venture
Just weeks before his passing, Hogan was preparing for the debut event of his new promotion, Real American Freestyle, a company aimed at promoting Olympic-style wrestling. The event was scheduled for August 30, but the promotion has yet to comment on the tragedy.
A Legacy That Transcends Wrestling
Despite the controversies later in his life, Hulk Hogan remains a foundational figure in professional wrestling. His impact on pop culture, sports entertainment, and millions of fans around the world is undeniable.
Our thoughts are with the Bollea family, friends, and the countless fans who grew up idolizing the Immortal Hulk Hogan.
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