Hulk Hogan, wrestling legend, dies at 71 years old

Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Legend, Passes Away

The wrestling world mourns the loss of one of its most emblematic figures. Hulk Hogan, who brought this sport to 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 police responded to a call on Thursday morning due to cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to an official statement. Major Nate Burnside stated that no signs of violence or suspicious activity were found.

Clearwater Police Statement

WWE expressed its sorrow at the death of the Hall of Fame member through its social media.

WWE’s post on X

One of the most recognizable figures in pop culture, Hogan helped WWE achieve worldwide recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.

WWE

Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, had dealt with several health problems in recent years, including a persistent back injury stemming from his days in wrestling. Although he hadn’t wrestled since 2012, he remained in the public eye as the founder of the wrestling promotion Real American Freestyle and the owner of a bar in New York, near Madison Square Garden, the scene of many of his most important matches. In 1985, Hogan headlined the first WrestleMania, teaming with 80s television star Mr. T, to face Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. WrestleMania I, at MSG, drew an audience of around 1 million people via closed-circuit television and is credited with bringing professional wrestling, specifically the then WWF (now WWE), to national awareness. The match between Hogan and Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III took wrestling and Hogan’s career to new heights. Nearly 80,000 people filled the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan for the event. The rematch, months later on NBC, drew 33 million viewers. Hogan was the main event in seven of the first eight WrestleMania events. He was the face and hero of the wrestling world, transcending into the mainstream with numerous appearances on television shows and leading roles in films, including the third installment of “Rocky”, where he faced the main character played by Sylvester Stallone, and on television, including “Thunder in Paradise” in the 1990s. Hogan won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship six times, including a reign of 1,474 days. Only Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund held the belt for more consecutive days. In 1996, with interest in him as a hero waning, Hogan starred in the biggest villain turn in wrestling history. Working for World Championship Wrestling, WWE’s competition, Hogan became a villain, leading a group of invaders called the New World Order. This change, 29 years ago, captured public interest in a way that wrestling hadn’t achieved since WrestleMania I. The NWO, with “Hollywood” Hogan as its leader, wearing black and white instead of his signature red and yellow, breathed new life into the wrestling industry during the 90s counterculture, when the public demanded a darker, more adult product. Hogan rose to the challenge, helping WCW surpass WWF in television ratings for 83 consecutive weeks starting in 1996. Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 to face The Rock at WrestleMania 18 in Toronto. His character was the villainous version of the NWO, but the more than 68,000 attendees were not interested in booing Hogan. They cheered him over The Rock, the then “good guy” WWE’s biggest, forcing Hogan to return to Florida that weekend to recover his old red and yellow wrestling shirts and trunks. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Ric Flair and Triple H were some of the wrestling figures who reacted to Hogan’s death on social media.

Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan. A true legend and icon. pic.twitter.com/wR0f73mS4V

— Triple H (@TripleH) April 18, 2024

RIP Hulk Hogan! I’m so saddened to hear of the loss of my friend. I love you and will miss you brother. Thank you for all the great memories. 🙏❤️

— Ric Flair (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 18, 2024

Former President Donald Trump also reacted to the news. Hogan gave a speech at the Republican National Convention last July to support Trump’s presidential campaign. Trump posted on Truth Social: “Today we lost a great friend, 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 whole 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!” After his wrestling career, Hogan found himself embroiled in some controversy. In 2015, video recordings were leaked in which he used the “N” word and referred to himself as “racist to a certain degree.” WWE terminated his legends contract at the time, although they rehired 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. A sex tape with Hogan was leaked by the website Gawker in 2015, and Hogan subsequently sued for defamation, invasion of privacy, and emotional distress. Hogan won the case and was awarded $115 million.