Wrestling world mourns loss of Hulk Hogan

Florida – July 25: The wrestling world and beyond are in mourning today following the news of the passing of legendary WWE Hall of Famer, Hulk Hogan, at the age of 71. The larger-than-life icon, whose real name was Terry Bollea, reportedly died on Thursday, July 24, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Florida home.
Emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater residence early Thursday morning following a distress call. Despite immediate medical attention, Hogan was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Officials have stated there were no signs of foul play.
WWE confirmed the somber news with a statement: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era defined by his unparalleled charisma, iconic catchphrases, and a presence that transcended the squared circle. Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan rose to global superstardom in the 1980s as the face of the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF). His “Hulkamania” phenomenon, characterized by his signature red and yellow attire, flexing “24-inch pythons,” and the exhortation to “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!”, captivated millions and propelled professional wrestling into the mainstream.
His victory over The Iron Sheik for the WWE Championship in 1984 ignited a cultural sensation that led to main eventing the first WrestleMania and countless sold-out arenas worldwide. Hogan’s impact extended beyond wrestling, with appearances in films like “Rocky III” and his own reality show, “Hogan Knows Best.”
In the mid-1990s, Hogan shocked the wrestling landscape by turning villain and forming the groundbreaking New World Order (nWo) in WCW, a move that revitalized his career and further cemented his legendary status.
While his career was marked by incredible highs, Hogan also faced controversies, including a leaked sex tape and past racist remarks that led to a temporary suspension from WWE and removal from the Hall of Fame, from which he was later reinstated after apologizing.
In recent years, Hogan had battled numerous health issues stemming from his demanding wrestling career, undergoing over 25 surgeries in the past decade, including multiple procedures on his back, hips, knees, and neck.