WWE legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71.
Medics were reportedly called to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida, home Thursday morning. A cause of death hasn’t been revealed, though TMZ reported he experienced “cardiac arrest.”
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s, bringing professional wrestling into the mainstream. He went on to become an eight-time WrestleMania headliner and six-time World Wrestling Entertainment champion, in addition to an actor and reality television personality.
Hogan was also embroiled in controversy throughout his career. A sex tape scandal and racist remarks clouded his reputation and left him asking fans for forgiveness.
The former wrestler also became a fixture during President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign, appearing at the Republican National Convention to appeal to voters.
Survived by wife Sky, ex-wife Linda, and children Brooke and Nick, Hogan has been mourned by the WWE, fellow wrestlers, and political figures.
MAGA tributes pour in for shirt-ripping RNC star Hulk Hogan
In the wake of Hogan’s death, Donald Trump and his supporters have paid their respects to the WWE icon.
The president called the wrestling icon a ‘great friend’ and hailed his ‘massive’ cultural impact over the years
Inga Parkel24 July 2025 19:26
John Cena honors Hogan
John Cena honored Hogan on Instagram with a captionless photo of the WWE legend fighting André the Giant.
Inga Parkel24 July 2025 19:23
President Donald Trump says Hogan was ‘MAGA all the way’
Donald Trump has honored loyal supporter Hogan on Truth Social.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” the president wrote.
“He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week,” he added.
Hogan infamously ripped off his shirt while speaking at the 2024 RNC in support of Trump’s re-election campaign.
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,” Trump noted. “To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Inga Parkel24 July 2025 19:10
Wrestling star is born
Hogan joined WWE (then known as World Wrestling Federation) on a full-time basis in 1983. He won his first WWF championship from The Iron Sheik, the following year.
For much of the next decade, Hulkamania — the term given to define the popularity surrounding Hogan — ran wild, as wrestling fans everywhere became enchanted by the blonde behemoth’s signature red and yellow costume, impossible build, and magnetic personality. He main-evented a string of WrestleManias, including the iconic WrestleMania III, which saw the Hulkster body slam long-time rival Andre the Giant in front of a crowd of around 80,000 in the Pontiac Silverdome.
Inga Parkel24 July 2025 18:50
Hulk Hogan: The controversial wrestling legend who helped launch a global industry
Were it not for Hulk Hogan, who died today at the age of 71, it is unlikely that professional wrestling would be the multibillion-dollar entertainment powerhouse it is today, Ryan Coogan writes in a special tribute for The Independent.
The charismatic strongman who helped form WWE into the multibillion-dollar juggernaut it is today, and whose later life was marred by controversy, has passed away at 71, writes Ryan Coogan
Inga Parkel24 July 2025 18:46
WWE’s Kane declares Hogan ‘a true legend’
Retired WWE star Kane has also honored Hogan on X, declaring him a “true legend.”
“I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one,” the 58-year-old wrestler and politician added on X. Alongside his message, he included an old clip of him in the locker room with Hogan and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, impersonating the former’s signature pose.
“It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I’d practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up,” Kane said.
Inga Parkel24 July 2025 18:42
Fellow WWE legend Jake Roberts says Hogan’s legacy will ‘live forever’
Retired WWE legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts, whose career coincided with Hogan’s, paid tribute on Instagram, writing: “It’s hard to put into words what Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea meant to professional wrestling and entertainment.
“He may be gone, but his memory and legacy will live forever. RIP Hulkster,” the 70-year-old retired wrestler said, next to a picture of the two of them in their famous WWE ring gear.
Inga Parkel24 July 2025 18:29
Sylvester Stallone remembers first time meeting ‘brilliant personality and showman’ Hogan
Sylvester Stallone remembered meeting Hogan for the first time when he was just 26.
“I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old,” the Hollywood star wrote on Instagram, alongside an old black-and-white picture of the 6’7” Hogan towering over him in the ring.
“He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky 3 incredibly special. My heart breaks,” Stallone added.
Hogan starred in the 1982 sports action movie as Thunderlips.
Inga Parkel24 July 2025 18:22
Hulk Hogan celebrated Father’s Day with son Nick weeks before death
Last month, Hulk Hogan celebrated Father’s Day with his son, Nick.
The 34-year-old posted a sweet throwback photo of himself and his father to mark the occasion.
“Had a great Father’s Day with the goat! Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome dads!” he said on Instagram.
Inga Parkel24 July 2025 18:13
Hogan’s Florida Representative says, ‘legend of Hulkamania will run wild forever’
Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna, who governed his district of FL-13, also paid her respects.
“RIP to the great Hulk Hogan, who lived right here in FL-13. It was an honor to be your Representative,” Luna said on X, alongside a clip of his infamous shirt-ripping stunt at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
“Gone, but the legend of Hulkamania will run wild forever,” she added.
Inga Parkel24 July 2025 18:06