Sad News: Hulk Hogan Passes Away – A Tribute to the Greatest Wrestling Legend

The world of professional wrestling has been struck by an immense loss that reverberates far beyond the squared circle. Terry Gene Bollea, better known to millions as Hulk Hogan, has passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed the landscape of sports entertainment. According to reports from US Weekly, confirmed by Hogan’s tearful family, the iconic wrestler took his last breath following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on July 24, 2025. The wrestling world, along with fans across generations, is grappling with the profound sorrow of losing one of its most towering figures—a man whose charisma, strength, and larger-than-life persona made him a global phenomenon. As tributes pour in, the sentiment is clear: the era of “Hulkamania” may have ended, but its impact will endure for eternity.

Hulk Hogan was not just a wrestler; he was the embodiment of a cultural movement. Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977, but it was his arrival in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1983 that catapulted him to superstardom. With his trademark blond mustache, red and yellow bandana, and rippling physique, Hogan became the face of the 1980s wrestling boom. His catchphrases, like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” and his encouragement to “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins,” resonated with fans of all ages, turning wrestling into a family-friendly spectacle. Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, with his iconic body slam of the 520-pound André the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987 etching his name into wrestling lore. This moment, witnessed by a record-breaking crowd of 93,173 at the Pontiac Silverdome, remains one of the most defining images in sports entertainment history.

Beyond his in-ring heroics, Hogan’s influence extended into popular culture. He starred in films like Rocky III as Thunderlips, alongside Sylvester Stallone, and later in No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. His reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which aired from 2005 to 2007, offered a glimpse into his family life with his then-wife Linda, daughter Brooke, and son Nick. Hogan’s larger-than-life persona made him a fixture on television, from guest appearances on The Love Boat to presenting at the 1985 Grammy Awards with Cyndi Lauper. His “Real American” theme song became synonymous with patriotism and showmanship, blaring through arenas as he ripped his shirt to the delight of roaring crowds. Hogan’s ability to transcend wrestling made him a pop culture icon, a figure whose influence reached far beyond the ring.

However, Hogan’s career was not without controversy. In 1996, he reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, leading the villainous New World Order (nWo) faction in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This transformation revitalized his career and sparked the “Monday Night War,” a period of intense competition between WCW and WWF that elevated wrestling’s popularity to new heights. Yet, off-screen challenges tested Hogan’s legacy. In 2015, WWE terminated his contract after a leaked recording surfaced of him using racial slurs, leading to a three-year suspension from the organization. Hogan issued a public apology, acknowledging his mistake, and was reinstated in 2018 after extensive community work. Additionally, his 2016 lawsuit against Gawker, funded by Peter Thiel, over a leaked sex tape resulted in a $140 million judgment, ultimately leading to Gawker’s bankruptcy. These incidents, while tarnishing his image for some, did not erase the indelible mark he left on wrestling.

Hogan’s health struggles in recent years were well-documented. He underwent over 25 surgeries in the last decade, including 10 back operations, knee and hip replacements, and a neck procedure in May 2025. Despite rumors of a dire condition, his wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, and his representatives consistently assured fans that he was recovering. Tragically, these efforts were not enough to overcome the cardiac emergency that claimed his life. The Clearwater Police Department reported that first responders arrived at Hogan’s home at 9:51 AM, attempting to save him before he was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital. The wrestling community, led by WWE’s heartfelt statement, mourns the loss of a man who “helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”

Hogan’s legacy is one of transformation and resilience. He turned wrestling from a niche spectacle into a global phenomenon, paving the way for future stars like The Rock and John Cena. His “Hulkamania” movement inspired millions, with fans donning bandanas and mimicking his ear-cupping gesture. Tributes from peers, such as Ric Flair, who called Hogan “an incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father,” highlight the personal impact he had. Donald Trump Jr. also paid homage, reflecting Hogan’s recent alignment with Republican politics, including his appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention. As the wrestling world sinks into mortality, as US Weekly poignantly noted, fans and wrestlers alike are left to reflect on a man who was larger than life in every sense.

Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his children, Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage to Linda Claridge. His passing marks the end of an era, but the spirit of Hulkamania—rooted in charisma, perseverance, and showmanship—will continue to inspire. The wrestling world may be in mourning, but Hulk Hogan’s legacy will forever run wild in the hearts of fans worldwide.