The announcement of Hogan’s death comes after weeks of swirling rumors about his health, particularly following a neck surgery in May 2025. His wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in September 2023, had recently taken to Instagram to dispel claims that Hogan was in a coma, asserting, “His heart is strong.” Despite these assurances, posts on X from sources like TheBubbaArmy suggested Hogan was struggling, unable to speak due to complications from his surgery. While these claims were unverified, they underscored the concern among fans and peers about the toll of his numerous surgeries—over 25 in the past decade, including back, knee, hip, and shoulder procedures. The physical demands of his wrestling career, coupled with recent health challenges, culminated in the cardiac arrest that claimed his life on July 24, 2025, at 11:17 a.m., as confirmed by Clearwater authorities.

Tributes have poured in from wrestling legends, celebrities, and political figures alike. Ric Flair, a longtime friend, shared an emotional post on X, writing, “Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!” Sylvester Stallone, who worked with Hogan in Rocky III, praised his professionalism, noting how his precise yet powerful performance elevated the film. President Donald Trump, whom Hogan endorsed at the 2024 Republican National Convention with a shirt-ripping reveal of a Trump-Vance T-shirt, called him “MAGA all the way—strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.” The WWE, where Hogan won six championships, mourned his loss, stating, “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.” Even those outside wrestling, like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, reflected on Hogan’s impact, noting, “He was a major icon for anybody in GenX.”

Hogan’s legacy, however, was not without controversy. His 2015 dismissal from the WWE Hall of Fame after a leaked video revealed him using racial slurs sparked widespread criticism, though he was reinstated in 2018. His $140 million lawsuit against Gawker, funded by Peter Thiel, over a published sex tape further highlighted his complex public persona. Yet, for many, these moments were overshadowed by his contributions to wrestling, from his heroic “Hulkamania” era to his villainous “Hollywood Hogan” run with the New World Order in WCW, which redefined the industry in the 1990s. His recent ventures, including Real American Beer and the upcoming Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion, showed his enduring passion for the sport.

As fans grapple with this loss, Hogan’s influence remains undeniable. From inspiring wrestlers like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to shaping the modern WWE, his fingerprints are everywhere. The family’s statement concluded, “May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades.” For now, the wrestling world pauses to honor a man who, love him or hate him, was truly larger than life.