Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Legend Known for "Hulkamania," Dies at 71

Clearwater, FL – July 24, 2025 – Hulk Hogan, the iconic professional wrestling superstar whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Hogan, whose career not only reshaped professional wrestling but also propelled it to international recognition, was declared dead at a local hospital at 11:17 AM, according to officials and WWE statements.

Remembering the Rise of a Wrestling Icon

Hogan’s career began in regional wrestling promotions in the late 1970s, but it was his arrival in the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) during the 1980s that made him a household name. As the face of "Hulkamania," Hogan’s magnetic personality, signature catchphrase ("Whatcha gonna do, brother?"), and memorable red-and-yellow persona helped cement his place as arguably the most popular wrestler in history.

Hed eight WrestleMania main events, including the historic 1987 match at WrestleMania III against Andre the Giant—a bout widely considered one of the sport’s most pivotal moments. His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame not once, but twice, reflected his enduring influence and widespread respect in the wrestling community.

Hulk Hogan and the Transformation of WWE

In the 1980s, professional wrestling shifted from regional entertainment to a global phenomenon, and no one was more central to that transformation than Hulk Hogan. Under Vince McMahon’s leadership, and with Hogan’s charisma at its forefront, WWE expanded its reach, broadcast deals, and live events to an international audience. His appeal drew mainstream attention, turning pro wrestling into a family-friendly spectacle that rivaled other entertainment genres in ratings and cultural impact.

WWE credited Hogan with helping the company gain global recognition. "One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s," WWE stated, underscoring his legacy in both the sport’s expansion and its influence on generations of performers.

Achievements Across the Ring and Screen

Beyond his six reigns as WWE Champion, Hogan had a pivotal run in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he reinvented himself as "Hollywood" Hogan and led the notorious New World Order (nWo) faction. This turn revitalized his career and precipitated a wrestling boom known as the "Monday Night Wars," ushering in a new era of edgy, competitive sports entertainment that influenced regional and international promotions.

Outside the ring, Hogan parlayed his celebrity into roles in major motion pictures, such as Rocky III and No Holds Barred, and starred in the popular VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best. His mainstream exposure helped bridge the gap between wrestling and popular culture, making him a familiar face even to those with little knowledge of the sport.

Tributes and Reactions Pour In

Tributes to Hogan’s life and career began to flood social media and news outlets as word spread of his passing. Fellow wrestlers, celebrities, and fans recounted his influence and larger-than-life persona. Tributes came from many prominent figures, such as Donald Trump Jr. and Vice President JD Vance, highlighting Hogan’s crossover appeal as not only a sports figure but a pop culture mainstay.

WWE issued an official statement offering condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans. The outpouring of public grief and reflection on his legacy underscores the deep connection Hogan formed with millions of fans across decades.

Historical Context: The Legacy of Hulkamania

To understand Hulk Hogan’s singular impact, it is important to recognize the state of professional wrestling before his ascent. Prior to the 1980s, pro wrestling was largely considered a local attraction, with regional stars and limited television exposure. Hogan’s ascendancy coincided with—and helped propel—McMahon’s vision for national syndication, pay-per-view events, and product merchandising.

Hogan’s “take your vitamins and say your prayers” catchphrase and superhero-like persona captivated children and families, differing markedly from the shaded personas common in rival wrestling territories. His influence extended to merchandise sales, animated series, and a global marketing presence that few wrestlers have ever matched.

Over the years, pro wrestling evolved, with international counterparts like New Japan Pro-Wrestling or Mexico’s Lucha Libre rising in parallel but never matching the broad mainstream appeal or economic stamp of “Hulkamania.” Even as regional favorites and alternative promotions found loyal followings, Hogan remained the gold standard for breaking through to the mainstream.

Economic Impact: Hulk Hogan’s Lasting Influence on Wrestling and Beyond

Hogan’s era with WWE saw unprecedented growth. From the mid-1980s to the early 2000s, the wrestling industry’s overall value surged, with Hogan-driven events drawing record crowds and television deals fueling WWE’s transformation into a publicly traded juggernaut. Industry analysts have frequently cited Hogan’s name when explaining the sector’s growth in merchandising, live event attendance, and pay-per-view buys.

Further illustrating the depth of his influence, Hogan’s move to WCW in the 1990s contributed to a fiercely competitive landscape, spurring innovation in programming and production that raised standards—and revenues—across the wrestling sector. In regional comparisons, neither the UK’s World of Sport, Canadian Stampede Wrestling, nor Japan’s leading promotions matched WWE’s global reach or economic muscle during Hogan’s peak years.

Even after retirement, Hogan’s name and image remained valuable assets for licensing, endorsements, and nostalgia-driven ventures. The resurgence of classic wrestling programming and growth of streaming archives have ensured that new generations continue to encounter and celebrate his career.

Controversies and Complicated Legacy

No recounting of Hogan’s life is complete without addressing the difficulties that marred his later years. In 2015, Hogan was embroiled in a scandal involving racist remarks, which briefly led to his removal from WWE programming. However, he eventually reconciled with the company and many fans, returning to the Hall of Fame and participating in special events.

Hogan’s unquestionable charisma and the affection carried by generations of “Hulkamaniacs” helped blunt—though not erase—the impact of these controversies on his overall legacy. WWE and others have acknowledged both his contributions and his complexities, reflecting broader societal conversations about fame, responsibility, and redemption in celebrity culture.

Public Reaction and Cultural Mourning

As news of Hogan’s death reverberated through media outlets and social platforms, fans gathered online and, in some cases, spontaneously at wrestling venues and memorabilia sites to share memories, photos, and tributes. Many remembered his motivational promos, memorable rivalries, and the optimism he projected through his public persona. Some cited the sense of loss as akin to the passing of a generational touchstone—a figure whose presence marked the childhood and adolescence of millions.

Sports broadcasters, including ESPN and NBC, ran extended segments revisiting Hogan’s most iconic moments and interviewing colleagues about his work ethic, showmanship, and personal kindness. Analysts noted that, in professional wrestling, few could ever hope to emulate the sheer breadth of Hogan’s reach.

Global Comparisons and International Impact

While American professional wrestling dominates the global landscape, Hulk Hogan’s influence was particularly resonant compared to international stars. Japan’s Antonio Inoki, Mexico’s El Santo, and Canada’s Bret “Hitman” Hart each left indelible marks within their regions and internationally, but Hogan’s combination of marketability, accessibility, and adaptability allowed him to reach audiences worldwide.

His appearances in the UK, Europe, and Australia drew massive crowds and were instrumental in establishing WWE’s international tours as highly sought-after entertainment events. In the modern era, wrestling promotions have increasingly pursued global audiences, building on groundwork laid by Hogan and his contemporaries.

Hogan’s Enduring Place in Cultural Memory

Terry Gene Bollea’s passing marks the end of a chapter not just in wrestling history, but in global pop culture. He is survived by his wife Sky, his children Brooke and Nick, and millions of fans who will remember him not just as a showman, but as the man who told a generation of children they could achieve anything if they believed in themselves.

Though professional wrestling is no stranger to larger-than-life characters, no one embodied the “superhero” ideal quite like Hulk Hogan did in the eyes of the world. His legacy, marked by triumph, reinvention, and resilience, endures in the hearts of those who grew up watching the rise of “Hulkamania”—and in the continued growth of an industry he helped shape.