The wrestling world and countless fans around the globe are mourning the loss of Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, who passed away at age 71 on July 24, 2025, after suffering cardiac arrest at his Clearwater Beach, Florida home. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts that lasted over 30 minutes, Hogan was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital at 11:17 a.m. local time. Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play
The Rise of Hulkamania
Hogan was the face of professional wrestling’s global boom in the 1980s and 1990s. With his signature red-and-yellow gear, handlebar mustache, and catchphrases like “Train. Say your prayers.”, he headlined early editions of WrestleMania and helped turn WWE into a mainstream entertainment juggernaut
A Career Defined by Reinvention
Hogan dominated WWE as a heroic figure before making history with one of wrestling’s most famous character shifts—becoming “Hollywood Hogan,” the ruthless leader of WCW’s New World Order (nWo). This heel turn revitalized an entire promotion and ushered in the Monday Night Wars era
A Life Beyond the Ring
Technically retired from the ring since 2012, Hogan stayed in public life through acting (notably in Rocky III), reality TV (Hogan Knows Best), and his Real American Freestyle wrestling venture launched in April 2025. He also launched Real American Beer and stayed politically active, even speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention
Tributes from Fans & Legends
Wall-to-wall tributes poured in from WWE, fans, and fellow icons like Vince McMahon (who called Hogan the “greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME”), Ric Flair, The Undertaker, and even President Donald Trump—who remembered him as a cultural powerhouse and close friend
Legacy & Controversy
Hogan’s legacy is complex. While celebrated as a pioneering entertainer, he also faced backlash for controversies including past racist remarks and lawsuits—most notably against Gawker. Despite this, WWE ultimately reinstated him into its Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing his lasting impact on wrestling and entertainment
Final Thoughts
From launching Hulkamania to shaping modern sports entertainment and pop culture, Hogan’s influence was enormous. Even amid controversies, he remained one of wrestling’s most recognizable personalities. His death marks the end of an era but Hulkamania lives on.
