The wrestling world has lost one of its most iconic supernovas, Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, the muscle-bound megastar who turned professional wrestling into prime-time theatre.
He died at 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida, home on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
The Final Bell
At 9:51 a.m., emergency responders arrived at Hogan’s residence after a 911 call reported him unresponsive. Paramedics and police worked swiftly, but the legend was later declared dead at Morton Plant Hospital. His passing was confirmed by WWE and local authorities, ending a saga that spanned five decades.
Hulkamania: More Than a Movement
Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler—he was the face of wrestling’s golden age. From body-slamming giants like André the Giant in front of 93,000 fans at WrestleMania III to leading the New World Order (nWo) revolution in WCW, Hogan dominated not only the ring but the cultural landscape.
He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, won six WWE Championships, and was the first to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles. Drenched in yellow and red, with his signature “Real American” entrance music and unforgettable charisma, Hogan turned sports entertainment into spectacle.
His legend earned him two WWE Hall of Fame inductions—in 2005 as a solo performer, and again in 2020 as part of the nWo faction that shook wrestling to its core.
Beyond the Ring
The Hulkster’s legacy stretched beyond ropes and turnbuckles. He starred as Thunderlips in Rocky III, headlined reality TV with VH1’s Hogan Knows Best, and dabbled in politics, even delivering remarks at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler—he was a pop culture phenomenon.
A Warrior’s Wounds
Behind the fame lay a battered body. Years of intense performance took their toll—back surgeries, hip replacements, shoulder reconstructions. Yet just days before his death, close friend Jimmy Hart insisted Hogan was in “phenomenal shape.” His sudden passing left fans stunned, proving even legends aren’t invincible.
Wrestling World in Mourning
From Ric Flair to Dana White, tributes have poured in from fans and peers alike: “Absolutely shocked… An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!” — Ric Flair
WWE remembered Hogan as: “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures… A WWE Hall of Famer whose influence is eternal.”
Even political figures like Donald Trump Jr. and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna acknowledged the star’s cultural imprint.
The Immortal Legacy
Whether locking up in the ring, flexing on-screen, or inspiring a generation of fans with his signature catchphrases—“Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins”—Hogan redefined what it meant to be larger than life.
His death isn’t just the end of a career. It’s the final curtain call for an era, one built on charisma, courage, and showmanship.
Hulk Hogan may be gone, but Hulkamania? That lives forever.
Rest in power, Hulkster. The ring is dimmer without you.
