Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died Thursday, July 24 at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
Hulk Hogan, the charismatic wrestler who transformed professional wrestling into a global spectacle, died Thursday, July 24 at his home in Clearwater, Florida, at the age of 71. The cause of death was cardiac arrest, according to TMZ, which first reported the news, with emergency responders dispatched to his residence at 9:51 a.m. following a 911 call.
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, was a towering figure in sports entertainment, whose “Hulkamania” phenomenon redefined wrestling in the 1980s and left an indelible mark on American culture. His passing, confirmed by WWE, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, wrestlers, and public figures. Hogan’s legacy—marked by triumphs, controversies, and resilience—continues to spark reflection on his enduring influence.
Hogan’s rise to fame began in 1977, but it was his 1983 signing with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) that launched him into stardom. With his signature yellow bandana, red-and-yellow gear, and catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, Hogan became the face of wrestling’s golden era.
He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, including the iconic 1987 match against Andre the Giant, where he body-slammed the 520-pound giant before 93,173 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome. “Hulk Hogan is to pro wrestling what Babe Ruth was to baseball,” Sports Illustrated noted in a 2025 retrospective, crediting him with turning WWE into a multi-billion-dollar industry. His crossover appeal extended to Hollywood, with roles in Rocky III (1982) and Mr. Nanny (1993), and reality TV with Hogan Knows Best (2005–2007), making him a household name far beyond the ring.
Hogan’s later years were marred by health struggles and controversies that tested his legacy. He underwent over 25 surgeries in the past decade, including a cervical fusion procedure in May 2025, which sparked rumors of his decline. “I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last ten years. 10 of them were back surgeries,” he told Jake Paul in September 2024. Just weeks before his death, his wife, Sky Daily, refuted claims of a coma, saying, “there’s no need for the drama or panic some people try to stir up.” A 2015 scandal involving a leaked sex tape with racist remarks led to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame, though he was reinstated in 2020. “I have a ton of scars,” Hogan told the Los Angeles Times in 2019. “I’m not perfect, but it’s about standing up, owning it and moving forward.” His resilience resonated with fans, even as critics debated his flaws.
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