WWE icon Hulk Hogan dies at 71 from cardiac arrest

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71, WWE announced on Thursday. Emergency responders were called to his Clearwater, Florida home early in the morning after reports of a cardiac arrest.

In a statement, World Wrestling Entertainment said it is “saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.”

Describing Hogan as “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures”, it says “Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s”.

“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” the post concludes.

Who was Hulk Hogan?

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was one of the most influential figures in the history of professional wrestling. He helped transform the sport from a niche entertainment into a mainstream global phenomenon. With his trademark bandana, handlebar moustache, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, Hogan became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s.

Before Hogan, wrestling largely appealed to a limited audience. But his magnetic showmanship and family-friendly image drew in children and their parents, turning wrestling into a prime-time spectacle. His popularity soared, making him the face of WWE (then WWF) and a cultural icon.

In 1996, Hogan reinvented himself by turning heel — wrestling lingo for a villain — and co-founding the notorious faction NWO (New World Order), becoming “Hollywood Hulk Hogan.” This shift only boosted his fame further, especially during wrestling’s “Monday Night Wars” era.

Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. However, he was removed in 2015 following a scandal involving racist remarks made in a secretly recorded tape. After suing Gawker, which published the clip, he won the lawsuit. He was re-inducted in 2020 as part of the NWO.

Beyond the ring, Hogan made a successful foray into film and television. He debuted on the big screen in 1982 as “Thunderlips” in Rocky III, followed by lead roles in No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also starred in the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best with his then-wife Linda and their children Nick and Brooke.

In 2024, Hogan made headlines once again when he brought his signature flair to the Republican National Convention.