Terry Bollea, famously known to wrestling fans around the world as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed on Thursday.
Hogan, regarded as the most iconic figure in professional wrestling history, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Local authorities said emergency services were dispatched to his residence following the distress call.
He was treated on the scene by fire and rescue crews before being transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Celebrity news outlet TMZ was the first to report the development.
Hogan rose to prominence in the 1980s with his larger-than-life persona, cementing his place as a global superstar through legendary feuds with wrestling giants like “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, André the Giant, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage. His charisma, catchphrases like “say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” and signature boasts about his “24-inch pythons” made him a cultural icon.
Beyond the wrestling ring, Hogan became a mainstream celebrity, appearing in films, television, and commercials, helping to elevate WWE into a multi-billion-dollar entertainment empire.
However, his legacy was not without controversy. In 2015, Hogan faced widespread backlash after being caught on tape making racial slurs, which led to his temporary removal from WWE programming and the Hall of Fame.
He was later reinstated. Hogan also made headlines for a legal battle with media outlet Gawker over the unauthorized release of a sex tape. The $115 million verdict in his favor led to the company’s bankruptcy and significantly altered the landscape of media law.
Despite the controversies, Hulk Hogan’s contributions to professional wrestling remain monumental. He leaves behind a legacy that defined a generation and helped shape the sport into a global spectacle.