Hulk Hogan’s Death at 71 Sparks Widespread Tributes and Controversy

Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dies Following Cardiac Arrest in Clearwater

Clearwater, FL – On Thursday, July 24, 2025, legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died at the age of 71 following a reported cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency responders arrived at Hogan’s residence around 9:51 a.m. local time, spending 30 minutes attempting to revive him with CPR before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that morning. Authorities have stated that there is no indication of foul play, and an official investigation is underway as standard procedure.

A Titan in the Wrestling World: Hulk Hogan’s Enduring Legacy

For decades, Hulk Hogan was synonymous with professional wrestling, ascending from the regional circuits of the 1970s to the global stage of WWE (formerly WWF) and later WCW. Sporting trademark blond hair, a horseshoe mustache, and his iconic “24-inch pythons,” Hogan electrified audiences with his “Hulkamania” persona, which embodied the energy, determination, and colorful flair of 1980s sports entertainment.

Hogan became a six-time WWE champion,d eight WrestleManias—a record that stood for years—and was twice inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, once individually in 2005 and again as part of the New World Order stable in 2020. His showmanship extended beyond wrestling; he starred in films like Rocky III and Suburban Commando, and made frequent television appearances, broadening his cultural reach and ingraining the Hulk Hogan brand in American pop culture.

Historical Impact: Wrestling's Shift to Mainstream Popularity

Hulk Hogan’s influence on professional wrestling and American entertainment cannot be overstated. In the 1980s, his charisma and style played a central role in the transformation of wrestling from a niche spectacle into a global, billion-dollar industry. Hogan’s arrival in WWE (then WWF) in 1983 coincided with the emergence of cable television, and he quickly became the face of wrestling’s most successful era. “Hulkamania” swept the nation, drawing millions to live events and pay-per-views, and his catchphrases—including “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”—became part of the cultural lexicon.

Compared to other wrestling regions—such as Japan, Mexico, or the United Kingdom—Hogan’s era marked a shift from sport-based presentations to entertainment-driven performances. While Japan’s wrestling weathered cycles of popularity led by stars like Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki, the United States had yet to see an athlete reach Hogan’s level of mainstream stardom. His crossover into entertainment helped cement the U.S. wrestling industry’s dominance on the world stage—setting a template for future superstars like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena.

Outpouring of Grief and Tributes from the Wrestling Community

Reaction from former colleagues, celebrities, and fans worldwide was immediate. Many wrestling stars took to social media and news outlets to express their condolences and discuss Hogan’s tremendous impact. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson referred to Hogan as a “childhood hero”. Actor Christopher Lloyd, who co-starred with Hogan in Suburban Commando, posted a heartfelt tribute remembering their time together. Fans gathered at notable wrestling landmarks and in online forums to celebrate Hogan’s legacy, sharing stories, photos, and favorite moments from his storied career.

Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky, his former spouse Linda, and their two children, Brooke and Nick Bollea. Tributes from sports organizations and prominent figures, including those beyond the wrestling world, poured in as the news spread through international media outlets.

Public Confusion: Conflicting Reports Surrounding Hogan’s Final Days

Despite the clarity provided by official sources later, the hours following Hogan’s death were marked by confusion and speculation. Some media outlets reported that he had been in stable condition and recovering from recent neck surgery, referencing a positive update from longtime friend Jimmy Hart just days prior. Other sources suggested he was in critical condition or implied a sudden and irreversible decline. These inconsistent updates fueled debate across social media platforms, with fans and commentators questioning the accuracy of initial reports.

Such confusion is not uncommon in celebrity deaths, especially given the speed of information and the multiple parties involved. Authorities later clarified that the official cause of death was cardiac arrest, with no evidence of foul play. Law enforcement’s handling and public statements were consistent with protocols for high-profile deaths, emphasizing transparency and factual reporting.

Hogan’s Complex Personal Life and Controversial Public Persona

Hogan’s influence extended beyond the ring, but so did the controversies that shadowed his later years. A pivotal moment came in 2015 when racist remarks attributed to Hogan were publicly released, resulting in a temporary ban from WWE and removal from its Hall of Fame. The incident triggered an industry-wide conversation about race, celebrity, and accountability. WWE eventually reinstated Hogan in 2018 after a public apology and significant debate on forgiveness and legacy.

In addition, Hogan was involved in high-profile legal battles, most notably the lawsuit against Gawker Media. In 2016, he was awarded $140 million in damages by a Florida jury after the site published a sex tape without his consent. The trial not only underscored issues of privacy rights for public figures but ultimately led to the bankruptcy and sale of Gawker Media.

While these events complicated Hogan’s public perception, many within the wrestling and entertainment industries argue that his contributions to the sport and its business structure are undeniable. Fans’ responses in the wake of his death reflected this dichotomy—both admiration and unresolved controversy.

Economic Impact of Hogan’s Career on the Wrestling Industry

Hulk Hogan was more than a charismatic performer; he was an economic powerhouse. His headlining of mainstream events, from WrestleMania III’s iconic match against André the Giant to crossover appearances in film and merchandising, drove WWE’s revenues to unprecedented heights through the 1980s and 1990s. Merchandise adorned with Hogan’s image became ubiquitous, pushing wrestling into new global markets and inspiring generations of athletes and fans alike.

The “Hulkamania” brand’s success was instrumental in WWE’s expansion on the world stage—contributing to television deals, international touring, and robust licensing agreements. WWE itself has acknowledged that the company’s current financial and cultural standing would have been impossible without Hogan’s star power.

Compared to other regional sports entertainment entities, this impact is especially stark. Japan’s New Japan Pro-Wrestling achieved domestic and regional prominence, while Mexican Lucha Libre remained a cultural mainstay; both, however, continued to center their appeal around local markets and traditions. Hogan’s appeal, amplified through U.S.-based syndicated programming, created global demand for American wrestling content.

Broader Regional and Global Reactions

While Hulk Hogan's highest profile was in North America, his passing was also acknowledged by international wrestling federations and fans from Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Japanese and Mexican wrestling communities—with their own pantheon of legendary figures—paused to reflect on Hogan’s influence in globalizing the sport and fostering international crossovers.

In cities like Toronto, London, and Tokyo, wrestling events held moments of silence in his honor. Social media analysis showed trending hashtags and tributes in languages ranging from Spanish to Japanese, illustrating the extent of his global reach.

Looking Ahead: A Lasting Legacy

Though opinions on his personal conduct remain divided, Hulk Hogan’s legacy as a transformative figure in professional wrestling is secure. His innovations in marketing, performance, and brand-building shaped the blueprint for the modern wrestling superstar. As fans continue to mourn and celebrate his remarkable life, the industry he helped build moves forward—with Hogan’s mark on wrestling as vivid and complicated as the man himself.

As the investigation closes and plans for memorials move forward, the sport's future generations will continue to reckon with the lessons—both triumphant and troubled—of the era of Hulkamania.