Remembering Hulk Hogan: A Wrestling Legend’s Legacy at 71

On July 24, 2025, the world of professional wrestling and pop culture was shaken by the heart-wrenching announcement from the family of Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, confirming his passing at the age of 71. The news, first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by the Clearwater Police Department and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has left fans worldwide in a state of shock and mourning. Hogan, a larger-than-life figure who transformed professional wrestling into a global phenomenon, passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, following a cardiac arrest. As tributes pour in from fans, fellow wrestlers, and public figures, we reflect on the legacy of the man who embodied “Hulkamania” and inspired millions over his four-decade career.

Hulk Hogan’s family shared a poignant statement on his official Instagram account, expressing their deep sorrow: “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones.” The statement urged fans to honor his memory by reflecting on the countless moments of joy and inspiration he brought to their lives. “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,” they wrote. The family requested privacy during this time of grief, a sentiment echoed by the wrestling community and beyond.

Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida, Hogan’s journey to stardom was anything but conventional. As a young man, he faced bullying for his size, weighing 195 pounds at age 12, and was hesitant to enter the wrestling world, fearing its tough reputation. However, his passion for the sport, sparked by watching wrestlers like Dusty Rhodes, led him to a local wrestling gym. Under pseudonyms like “Terry Boulder” and “The Super Destroyer,” Hogan honed his craft in small venues across the Southeast before breaking into the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in the late 1970s.

Hogan’s rise to fame in the 1980s marked a turning point for professional wrestling. With his signature red-and-yellow gear, handlebar mustache, and the iconic entrance theme “Real American,” Hogan became the face of the WWF. His charisma, theatrical shirt-ripping entrances, and catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” captivated audiences. His matches followed a simple yet effective formula: overcoming adversity, “hulking up,” and triumphing against villains like the Iron Sheik, whom he defeated for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1984. This victory sparked the “Hulkamania” craze, turning wrestling into family entertainment and making Hogan a household name.

Perhaps his most iconic moment came at WrestleMania III in 1987, when Hogan faced André the Giant at the Pontiac Silverdome. The image of Hogan body-slamming the 520-pound André remains one of wrestling’s most unforgettable moments, cementing his status as a cultural icon. His role in popularizing wrestling extended beyond the ring, with appearances in films like Rocky III (1982), where he played Thunderlips, and TV shows like The Tonight Show and Saturday Night Live. Hogan’s larger-than-life persona made him a pop culture staple, with his reality show Hogan Knows Best offering a glimpse into his family life with his then-wife Linda and children, Brooke and Nick.

In the 1990s, Hogan reinvented himself by joining World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and making a shocking “heel turn” in 1996. As “Hollywood” Hogan, clad in black and leading the New World Order (nWo) faction alongside Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, he transformed from a heroic figure to a villain, captivating a new generation of fans. The nWo storyline became a pop culture phenomenon, helping WCW surpass WWF in television ratings for 83 weeks. Hogan’s ability to adapt and remain relevant showcased his unparalleled influence on the industry.

Hogan’s later years were not without controversy. In 2015, leaked recordings of him using racial slurs led to WWE terminating his contract, though he was later reinstated as an ambassador. His outspoken support for political figures, including Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he famously ripped off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance T-shirt, also sparked debate. Despite these moments, Hogan’s contributions to wrestling and his connection with fans remained undeniable.

Tributes have flooded social media from wrestling legends and public figures. Kevin Nash, a close friend and nWo co-founder, wrote on X, “I lost another brother. Icon doesn’t even touch it. Rest in power my friend. NWO 4 Life… and beyond.” Ric Flair and Triple H also shared heartfelt messages, with Triple H noting, “WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea.” President Donald Trump, a longtime friend, called Hogan “MAGA all the way” and praised his “electric speech” at the RNC. Sylvester Stallone, who worked with Hogan on Rocky III, expressed his grief, recalling their first meeting when Hogan was just 26.

Hogan’s recent ventures included launching Real American Freestyle, a wrestling promotion aimed at reviving traditional wrestling, and Real American Beer. Chad Bronstein, CEO of Real American Freestyle, mourned Hogan’s loss, stating, “We lost our Commissioner. We lost a friend. And the sport of wrestling lost one of its greatest champions, not just in the ring, but in spirit.”

Hogan’s passing at 71, surrounded by loved ones, including his wife Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, marks the end of an era. His health struggles, including a recent neck procedure and lingering injuries from his wrestling career, were no secret, but his resilience shone through until the end.

As fans worldwide mourn, Hulk Hogan’s legacy as a pioneer, entertainer, and cultural icon endures. From sold-out arenas to Hollywood screens, he showed the world what it meant to be a superstar. His mantra of “training, prayers, and vitamins” inspired generations, and his impact on wrestling and pop culture will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Hulkster—Hulkamania will live forever.