Pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, known for his blond locks and mustache and his penchant for tearing away his “Hulkamania” sleeveless T-shirts before his matches, died Thursday at age 71.
TMZ first reported his death, saying paramedics responded to Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida, on reports of a patient suffering from cardiac arrest.
World Wrestling Entertainment mourned Hogan’s death on X, posting, “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.”
TMZ reported last month that Hogan was seriously ill following the neck surgery he underwent in May.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, was born in Georgia and skyrocketed to fame with the World Wrestling Federation in the early 1980s with his flamboyant personality that helped power a resurgence of wrestling’s popularity. He won multiple WWF championships.
A decade later, Hogan reinvented his wrestling persona, returning to the ring under the moniker Hollywood Hulk Hogan, and leading the bad-guy group of grapplers known as the “New World Order.”
Hogan also appeared in numerous films, including a small part in “Rocky III,” in which he tossed around Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa character in an exhibition match.
“I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old,” Stallone wrote on Instagram Thursday, adding a photo of Hogan towering over him in a shot from the film. “He was absolutely wonderful, and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks.”
Hogan’s other film credits include “Mr. Nanny” and “No Holds Barred.” In 2005, he also starred in a VH1 reality program titled “Hogan Knows Best,” following him and his wife, Linda, and children Brooke and Nick.
Hogan was mired in controversy in later life with the leak of a 2007 sex tape in which Hogan was heard making racist comments, including the use of the N-word. The scandal tarnished Hogan’s reputation and prompted World Wrestling Entertainment to sever ties with him for several years. Hogan later sued Gawker Media over the release of the tape and was awarded $140 million by a jury in Florida.
Vice President JD Vance was among those paying tribute to Hogan Thursday.
“Hulk Hogan was a great American icon,” Vance wrote. “One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him, we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”
Wrestling legend Ric Flair also took to social media to offer his praise.
“I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @hulkhogan,” Flair wrote. “Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father! Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me, even when I didn’t ask for him to be. He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside. Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace, my friend!”
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky, and his two children.
Updated at 11:15 a.m. July 24, 2025
–City News Service
