The wrestling world mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan, an iconic figure who transcended the sport and became a cultural phenomenon. Hogan passed away on Thursday at the age of 71, according to Florida authorities and WWE.
Clearwater, Florida police responded to a cardiac arrest call on Thursday morning. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to a police statement.
WWE, through its social media, expressed its sadness over the death of the Hall of Fame member. “One of the most recognizable figures in pop culture, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” the company stated.Hulk Hogan fue la estrella principal en siete de los primeros ocho eventos de WrestleMania y revivió el interés principal en la lucha libre en la década de 1990 con su paso a la NWO.Hogan’s real name was Terry Bollea. In recent years, he had faced health problems, including a persistent back injury suffered during his wrestling career. Although he hadn’t wrestled since 2012, Hogan remained active in the entertainment world, being the founder of the Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion and owner of a bar in New York, near Madison Square Garden, the scene of many of his most important matches.
In 1985, Hogan starred in the first WrestleMania, teaming with Mr. T to face Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. This event, held at MSG, attracted an audience of around 1 million viewers via closed-circuit television and is considered key to bringing professional wrestling, specifically the then WWF (now WWE), to national consciousness.
The match between Hogan and André the Giant at WrestleMania III marked a turning point in the wrestling industry and in Hogan’s career. Around 80,000 people filled the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan to witness the event. The rematch, months later on NBC, attracted 33 million viewers.
Hogan was the main star in seven of the first eight WrestleMania events. He became the face and hero of the wrestling world, transcending into the general realm with numerous appearances on television shows and leading roles in films, including “Rocky III”. He won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship six times, with a reign of 1,474 days. Only Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund held the belt for a longer consecutive time.
In 1996, when interest in him as a hero was beginning to wane, Hogan made the most impactful heel turn in wrestling history. Working for WCW, WWE’s competition, Hogan became a villain, leading the New World Order group. This character change revived interest in wrestling in a way that hadn’t been seen since WrestleMania I. The NWO, with “Hollywood” Hogan at the helm, revitalized the industry during the 90s, when the public demanded a darker and more adult product. Hogan helped 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. Although his character was the villainous version of the NWO, the more than 68,000 attendees cheered him, forcing him to return to his iconic red and yellow outfits.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Prominent figures in wrestling, such as Ric Flair and Triple H, reacted to Hogan’s death on social media.
Former President Donald Trump also expressed his condolences. Hogan participated in the Republican National Convention last July to support Trump’s presidential campaign.
“Today we lost a great friend, the ‘Hulkster’. Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the 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,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “He entertained fans all over the world, and the cultural impact he had was enormous. To his wife, Sky, and his family, we send our best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Donald Trump
After his retirement, Hogan was involved in some controversies. In 2015, video recordings were leaked in which he used the term “N-word” and called himself “racist to a certain extent.” WWE terminated his legends contract at the time, although they 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, the website Gawker leaked a sex tape of Hogan, who subsequently sued for defamation, loss of privacy, and emotional distress. Hogan won the case and received $115 million.
