Hulk Hogan Dies at 71: Wrestling’s Greatest Showman Leaves Behind a Legacy of Power, Pop Culture, and Controversy

WWE Hall of Famer and global wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan was more than a wrestler—he was a cultural force who redefined sports entertainment and helped transform the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) into a billion-dollar empire.

Hogan’s rise began in the late 1970s, but it was the explosion of “Hulkamania” in the 1980s that catapulted him into superstardom. With his trademark yellow bandana, red-and-yellow gear, and bulging 24-inch pythons, Hogan embodied the heroic “babyface” archetype. His catchphrase—“Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”—became a rallying cry for fans worldwide. He headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and went on to dominate eight main events, including the unforgettable WrestleMania III, where he bodyslammed the 7’4” André the Giant in front of 93,000 fans—a moment still hailed as “the bodyslam heard around the world.”

Outside the ring, Hogan’s charisma translated seamlessly to Hollywood. He appeared in Rocky III as Thunderlips, starred in Mr. Nanny, and led the short-lived action series Thunder in Paradise. His reality show Hogan Knows Best offered a glimpse into his personal life, further cementing his status as a household name.

But Hogan’s legacy wasn’t without turbulence. In the 1990s, he reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan,” turning heel and leading the rebellious New World Order (nWo) faction in WCW—a move that revolutionized wrestling storytelling. Later, his career was marred by scandals, including a sex tape lawsuit against Gawker (which resulted in a $140 million jury award, later settled for $31 million), and a leaked recording of racist remarks that led to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame. Despite these setbacks, Hogan was reinstated in 2018 and continued to make appearances, including hosting WrestleMania 37.

In recent years, Hogan remained active in the wrestling community, co-founding Real American Freestyle, a new amateur wrestling league, and launching a beer brand. He also made headlines for his political endorsements, notably appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention to support Donald Trump.

Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily and two children, Brooke and Nick. Tributes have poured in from across the globe—wrestlers, celebrities, and fans alike mourning the loss of “The Immortal One.” Ric Flair, his longtime friend and rival, called him “an incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father.”

From the roar of the crowd to the silver screen, Hulk Hogan’s legacy is etched into the DNA of modern wrestling. He wasn’t just a performer—he was a phenomenon. And though the ring may be quieter now, the echoes of Hulkamania will never fade.