Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Legend, Dies at 71
The wrestling world mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures. Hulk Hogan, the man who brought this sport to national stardom and became the highest-grossing wrestler in history, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71, according to Florida authorities and WWE. Clearwater, Florida authorities responded to a call on Thursday morning due to cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to a police statement.WWE expressed its sadness at the passing of the Hall of Famer through its social media. WWE’s post on X said they were saddened to learn of the passing of the Hall of Famer. The image of Hulk Hogan in the main event of WrestleMania, revived interest in wrestling in the 90s with his turn to create the NWO.There were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity.
Maj. Nate Burnside
Clearwater Police Statement on Facebook
Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, had faced several health problems in recent years, including a persistent back injury stemming from his time as a wrestler. In 1985, Hogan headlined the first WrestleMania, teaming up with 80s television star Mr. T, to face Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. WrestleMania I, held at Madison Square Garden, attracted an audience of approximately 1 million people through closed-circuit television and is credited with bringing professional wrestling, specifically the then WWF (now WWE), to the national stage. The match between Hogan and André the Giant at WrestleMania III took professional wrestling and Hogan’s career to new heights. Around 80,000 people filled the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan for the match. The rematch, several months later on NBC, drew 33 million viewers. Hogan participated in the main event of seven of the first eight WrestleMania events. He was the face and hero of the wrestling world, transcending into the popular realm with numerous appearances on television shows and leading roles in films and television, including “Thunder in Paradise” in the 1990s. In 1996, with interest in him as a hero waning, Hogan made the most impactful turn in wrestling history. Working for WWE’s competition, World Championship Wrestling, Hogan became the villain, leading a group of invaders called the New World Order. This character change, 29 years ago, captured the public’s interest in a way that wrestling hadn’t achieved since WrestleMania I. The NWO, with “Hollywood” Hogan as leader, revived the wrestling industry during the 90s counterculture. Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 to face The Rock at WrestleMania 18 in Toronto. Despite his NWO villain persona, the over 68,000 attendees cheered him, forcing Hogan to bring back his red and yellow wrestling attire. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Ric Flair and Triple H were some of the wrestling icons who reacted to Hogan’s death on social media. Former President Donald Trump also reacted to the news. Trump posted on Truth Social:After his wrestling career, Hogan was involved in some controversies. In 2015, video recordings were leaked in which he used the term “N-word” and referred to himself as “racist to some extent.” WWE terminated his legends contract at that time, although it reinstated him three years later as an ambassador with infrequent television appearances. Hogan appeared on WWE’s Netflix debut show in January to promote his new Real American beer, but was booed by fans in Los Angeles. In 2015, a sex tape of Hogan was leaked by the website Gawker, and Hogan sued for defamation, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress. Hogan won the case and received $115 million.We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA in every way: strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electrifying speech at the Republican National Convention, which 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. To his wife, Sky, and his family, we send our best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!
Donald Trump
