Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. Emergency responders rushed to Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning after receiving a call about a suspected cardiac arrest. Police officers and EMTs were seen outside the residence, and medics transported Hogan to the hospital on a stretcher.
Hogan’s representatives are yet to make a statement.
Hogan’s wife, Sky, had recently denied rumors that he was in a coma, assuring the public that his heart remained strong as he recovered from surgery. Last month, it was speculated that Hogan was on his “deathbed,” but sources at the time said he was simply managing complications from a neck procedure he had in May.
Hulk The Legend
Born Terry Bollea, he revolutionized professional wrestling, transforming it from a niche sport into a mainstream, family-friendly spectacle. His charisma, over-the-top theatrics, and larger-than-life persona drew in fans of all ages and helped turn wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon.
Hogan entered the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. However, WWE removed him in 2015 after leaked footage revealed him making racist remarks during a secretly recorded private encounter. Hogan later sued Gawker, which had published the footage, and won the case. WWE reinstated him in 2020, this time inducting him as a member of the legendary NWO (New World Order) faction.
In 2024, Hogan made headlines once again as a show-stealing presence at the Republican National Convention, where his trademark flair electrified the audience.
Beyond Wresting
Beyond wrestling, Hogan also enjoyed a successful acting career, making his big-screen debut in 1982’s Rocky III as Thunderlips. He went on to star in a string of family-friendly action films, including No Holds Barred and Suburban Commando. He also led the hit VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best, alongside his then-wife Linda and children, Nick and Brooke.
In 1996, Hogan shocked fans by reinventing himself as a villain. He co-founded the nWo and adopted the “Hollywood Hulk Hogan” persona. This avatar pushed his fame and wrestling’s popularity to new heights.
Hogan launched Real American Freestyle, a new amateur wrestling league, on April 30. The first event is scheduled to air on Fox Nation on August 30.
Rest in peace, legend.
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