Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 After Cardiac Arrest
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment history, has passed away at the age of 71, TMZ Sports has confirmed.
Emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning following a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest. Disturbing footage from the scene shows paramedics frantically trying to resuscitate the WWE Hall of Famer as he was rushed into an ambulance.
@crissyglass19 Hulk being removed from his home this morning. 😢😭🥺Something isn’t right.#hulkhogan #wweupdate #wrestling #prowrestling #goingringside #hulk #wwefan
Authorities from Pinellas County Fire and EMS arrived at the residence around 9:51 AM. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, was treated on-site by Clearwater Fire & Rescue before being transported to a nearby hospital. Despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at 11:17 AM.
During a press conference later that day, Clearwater Police Major Nate Burnside confirmed there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding Hogan’s death.
Just weeks prior, Hogan’s wife, Sky Daily—whom he married in September 2023—had denied rumors that the wrestler was in a coma, assuring the public that he was recovering well from a recent surgery and that his heart was “strong.”
Last month, TMZ reported speculation that Hogan was on his “deathbed” following complications from a neck procedure he underwent in May. However, sources at the time claimed he was simply dealing with post-surgical symptoms.
A Legacy Larger Than Life
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hulk Hogan revolutionized professional wrestling. His flamboyant charisma, unmatched stage presence, and signature look—including his bandana, handlebar mustache, and ripped yellow shirts—transformed wrestling into a pop culture spectacle that reached audiences of all ages.
Hogan’s career skyrocketed in 1984 when he defeated The Iron Sheik to win the World Heavyweight Championship, igniting the “Hulkamania” phenomenon. His catchphrases, energetic persona, and larger-than-life feuds turned wrestling into a mainstream entertainment juggernaut.
In 1996, Hogan reinvented himself by turning heel and co-founding the iconic faction New World Order (NWO), adopting the persona “Hollywood Hulk Hogan.” The move not only shocked fans but also redefined professional wrestling during the “Monday Night Wars” era.
He headlined countless legendary matches, including the unforgettable showdown against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, and the electrifying clash with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in 2002. His rivalries with The Ultimate Warrior, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and Ric Flair remain some of wrestling’s most memorable storylines.
Honors, Controversy, and Redemption
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. However, he was removed a decade later after a sex tape surfaced, in which he was heard making racist comments. The tape, leaked by Gawker, led to a highly publicized lawsuit that Hogan won. He was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020, this time as a member of the NWO.
Despite numerous injuries and surgeries over the years—so many, in fact, that he once said he had “no original body parts left”—Hogan remained active in the entertainment world. He recently launched Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league set to debut its first event this August on Fox Nation.
Beyond the Ring
Hogan’s fame wasn’t limited to the squared circle. He made his Hollywood debut in Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips and went on to star in films such as No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny, and Suburban Commando. He also appeared in the VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best, which followed his life with wife Linda and their children, Brooke and Nick.
Just last week, Hogan made headlines for his dramatic appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he delivered a fiery performance that drew widespread attention.
WWE’s Statement
WWE released a heartfelt statement following Hogan’s death:
“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.”
Hulk Hogan leaves behind a towering legacy—one filled with triumph, transformation, controversy, and redemption. He was a man who defied the limits of the wrestling ring and became a true American icon.
Rest in peace, Hulkster.