Hulk Hogan, the charismatic professional wrestler who became a household name in the 1980s, passed away at the age of 71, according to his manager and multiple sources.
The WWE Hall of Famer died at his home in Florida, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest.
Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was a towering figure in the world of professional wrestling, known for his 6’7″ physique, signature bandana, and iconic blond handlebar mustache.
He rose to fame in the 1980s, transforming the sport into mainstream family entertainment and attracting millions of viewers.
His magnetic personality and wrestling skills made him a fan favorite, and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Beyond the ring, Hogan’s brand of “Hulkamania” transferred to the small and big screens, with roles in films such as “Rocky III” and TV’s “Baywatch.”
He became an avid supporter of US President Donald Trump, memorably appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Hogan’s life was not without controversy, however. He was embroiled in a scandal involving an intimate video leak, which led to a $US140 million lawsuit award that bankrupted Gawker Media.
He also faced criticism for using racist language, resulting in his firing from WWE in 2015. He later apologized and was reinstated to the WWE Hall of Fame.
In a statement, WWE expressed sadness at Hogan’s passing, remembering him as “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” who helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” the organization said.
Fans and fellow wrestling legends paid tribute to Hogan on social media, remembering him as a true icon in the world of professional wrestling.
As US President Donald Trump posted, “He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week.
He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive.”