-
-
Legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71 following a reported cardiac arrest at his Clearwater home, as confirmed by TMZ Sports.
Emergency medical personnel responded to a 911 call around 9:51 AM Thursday morning and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, as reported by the international media.
Born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan became one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling history.
Debuting in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979, he rose to superstardom with his bold persona, electrifying presence, and the famous catchphrase: “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”
Hogan’s victory over the Iron Sheik in 1984 launched the Hulkamania era, turning wrestling into mainstream family entertainment.
He headlined numerous WrestleMania events and was pivotal in WWF’s transformation into a global brand. His battles with icons like Andre the Giant, Ultimate Warrior, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson remain legendary.
In 1996, Hogan shocked fans by turning heel, forming the New World Order (NWO) as “Hollywood Hogan,” which helped revolutionize wrestling’s modern era.
Outside the ring, Hogan starred in films like Rocky III, No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He later gained reality TV fame with “Hogan Knows Best”, showcasing his family life.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice – first in 2005 as an individual, and again in 2020 as part of the NWO faction.
Despite past controversies, including his 2015 WWE removal over leaked racist comments, Hogan remained a symbol of wrestling’s golden age. He had recently announced Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league set to debut in August.
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his children Nick and Brooke.
His death marks the end of an era, with fans and wrestlers worldwide paying tribute to the larger-than-life superstar who forever changed professional wrestling.
This is a developing story, and more details will be provided as they become available.
