Professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71, multiple sources including TMZ Sports confirm. The WWE legend, whose real name was Terry Bollea, passed away early Thursday morning following a suspected cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home.
Emergency services were reportedly called to the scene shortly before dawn, responding to a distress call that described a critical medical emergency. Witnesses in the area observed several police and emergency medical vehicles outside the Hogan residence. The wrestling legend was seen being transported on a stretcher before being taken away in an ambulance.
Just weeks earlier, Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily Hogan, had publicly denied social media rumors claiming the former WWE superstar was in a coma. At the time, she reassured fans that his heart was “strong” and that he was recovering steadily from multiple surgeries.
Born Terry Eugene Bollea on August 11, 1953, Hulk Hogan became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s and 1990s, transforming professional wrestling into a global entertainment empire. Known for his red-and-yellow gear, handlebar mustache, and signature catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, Hogan helped build WWE into a mainstream powerhouse.
He gained worldwide fame as the face of WWE during its golden era, headlining multiple WrestleMania events and drawing record-breaking television audiences. Hogan’s charisma and larger-than-life persona turned wrestling into a family-friendly spectacle, appealing to millions across all age groups.
In 1996, Hogan shocked fans by turning heel (villain) and forming the legendary New World Order (NWO) faction under the name Hollywood Hogan. This bold reinvention re-energized both his career and the wrestling industry, ushering in the wildly successful “Monday Night Wars” between WWE and rival WCW.
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Hogan’s legacy was further solidified with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. However, controversy struck in 2015 when he was removed from the Hall of Fame after the leak of a video containing racist comments. He later won a major legal battle against the now-defunct Gawker Media over the leaked footage. WWE eventually reinstated him in 2020, recognizing him again as part of the NWO faction.
Beyond wrestling, Hulk Hogan also made a lasting mark in Hollywood. His film debut came in 1982 with a memorable role in Rocky III as Thunderlips. He went on to star in popular titles such as No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny, and Suburban Commando. In the early 2000s, Hogan ventured into reality television with VH1’s Hogan Knows Best, which documented the daily lives of his family — including then-wife Linda, son Nick, and daughter Brooke.
Despite controversies, Hogan remained a central figure in the evolution of modern sports entertainment. His influence is still visible today in the branding, storytelling, and spectacle of professional wrestling globally.
Hulk Hogan Cause of Death.
Hulk Hogan’s cause of death was reported as cardiac arrest. He passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 71.
Tributes Pour In for Hulk Hogan
As news of Hulk Hogan’s passing spreads, fans and fellow wrestlers across the world are sharing tributes online, remembering his contributions both inside and outside the ring. WWE is expected to release an official statement and tribute in the coming hours.
Hulk Hogan’s life, marked by fame, reinvention, controversy, and cultural impact, leaves behind a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.
