Hulk Hogan, Wrestling’s Ultimate Showman, Dies at 71

Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, the towering figure whose blond moustache and signature bandanas defined an era of sports entertainment, passed away today at his Clearwater, Florida home. Emergency responders arrived just before 10 a.m. local time (3 p.m. UK) after Bollea collapsed from cardiac arrest. Despite their efforts and a swift hospital transfer, he was pronounced dead around 11:15 a.m. local time.

From Small-Town Georgia to Global Phenomenon

Born in Augusta, Georgia, in August 1953, Bollea first chased dreams of rock stardom as a bass guitarist in local bands. By the late 1970s, he had traded six-string riffs for wrestling rings in Florida, where his bulging “24-inch pythons” and larger-than-life persona earned him the “Hulk” nickname—complete with Marvel Comics royalties for the borrowed title. In 1983, WWF owner Vince McMahon rechristened him “Hogan,” aiming to inject Irish flair into a roster of heavyweights.

Defining WrestleMania and “Hulkamania”

Hogan’s breakout moment came in 1984, when he dethroned the Iron Sheik for his first WWF World Championship. A year later, he headlined the inaugural WrestleMania, igniting “Hulkamania” and transforming professional wrestling into must-see family entertainment. Over the next decade, he amassed a total of six world titles and battled legends from André the Giant and “Macho Man” Randy Savage to The Rock and even Vince McMahon himself. His contributions earned him a place in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, inducted by Sylvester Stallone.

Tributes Pour In

WWE issued a statement this evening:

“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.”

Wrestling peers took to social media to share memories. Ric Flair tweeted that Hogan had been “by my side since we started in the wrestling business,” calling him an “incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father.” Vince McMahon praised him as “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME,” recalling Hogan’s motto: “Train, take your vitamins, and say your prayers.” The Undertaker labeled him a “true legend,” while Triple H dubbed Hogan “the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar.’”

Beyond the Ring

Hogan’s reach extended far beyond wrestling. He starred as Thunderlips in Rocky III, led his own VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best, and made cameos in films like Suburban Commando. In July 2024, he stormed the Republican National Convention stage, ripping off his shirt to reveal a “Trumpamania” tank top as he endorsed Donald Trump—prompting plaudits on Truth Social and sparking debate among fans.

Controversies and Comebacks

Hogan’s career weathered its share of storms. A 2012 sex-tape scandal led to a landmark $140 million privacy judgment. A year earlier, he was suspended by WWE after racist remarks surfaced on a secret recording; he was fully reinstated in 2018.

Final Moments and Family Support

Clearwater Police Major Nate Burnside confirmed at 1:47 p.m. local time that there were “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity.” He added that support services are assisting Hogan’s family through this difficult time. Bollea is survived by his wife Sky and their two children.

Whether electrifying crowds in Madison Square Garden or delivering movie-theater cameos, Hulk Hogan’s blend of spectacle and sincerity left an indelible mark on pop culture. He will be remembered as much for his tenacious spirit as for his iconic catchphrases—“Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”—that inspired generations to embrace their own inner champions.