The wrestling world, and indeed the entire pop culture landscape, has just become a little less vibrant with the news that Terry Bollea, better known to millions as Hulk Hogan, has passed away at the age of 71.
It was Thursday when the news broke, leaving fans and fellow wrestlers in a state of shock. Reports started trickling in, first from TMZ, then confirmed by the WWE themselves, that emergency personnel had been dispatched to Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida, after he suffered a cardiac arrest. He was rushed to Morton Plant Hospital, but sadly, it was too late. The man who exhorted us all to “say your prayers and eat your vitamins” had fought his final battle.
The Phenomenon of Hulkamania
Now, it’s hard to overstate just how massive Hulk Hogan was. In the 1980s, he was more than just a wrestler; he was a phenomenon. Think about it – those yellow and red colours, that tearing shirt, the “24-inch pythons” flex, and of course, the signature leg drop. He was truly the face of the WWE (then WWF), leading what was famously known as “Hulkamania.” This wasn’t just a wrestling fad; it was a cultural movement that transcended the squared circle. Kids wanted to be him, adults admired his larger-than-life persona, and he brought professional wrestling into mainstream living rooms like never before.
He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, which is truly remarkable when you consider the longevity and impact that represents. Who can forget that epic body slam of André the Giant at WrestleMania III? It’s etched into the minds of wrestling fans globally, drawing an astounding 33 million viewers on television! And his feuds? Legendary. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, André, “Macho Man” Randy Savage – these were rivalries that fueled the “golden era” of wrestling and turned it into the multibillion-dollar industry we know today.
But beyond the ring, Hogan was a genuine crossover star. He appeared in movies like “Rocky III” and had his reality show, “Hogan Knows Best,” becoming a pop culture icon recognised worldwide. For a while there, you couldn’t turn on a TV without seeing the Hulkster.
A Legacy of Highs and Lows
Now, let’s be honest, Hulk Hogan’s journey wasn’t always smooth. In fact, it was often quite turbulent. There were those deeply regrettable racial slurs that came to light in 2015, a moment that really tarnished his legacy for many. WWE even distanced itself for a time, removing him from its Hall of Fame before eventually reinstating him. And then there was that incredibly public and high-stakes lawsuit against Gawker over a leaked sex tape, a legal battle that not only saw him awarded $115 million but ultimately led to the bankruptcy of the website and became a landmark case in media law. These controversies undoubtedly cast a shadow, but they also highlighted the complex nature of a man living under intense scrutiny for decades.
In recent years, it was known that Terry Bollea had faced numerous health battles, undergoing multiple surgeries for his back, hips, and knees—the brutal toll of a career spent bodyslamming and being bodyslammed. While his immediate cause of death is reported as cardiac arrest, it’s clear that his body had been through a tremendous amount. Just recently, he had been promoting his new beer brand, “The Real American Beer,” and even had a new wrestling venture in the works. It seemed like the Hulkster, even at 71, was always looking for the next big thing.
🚨 BREAKING: According to this man, Hulk Hogan went in for surgery and came out brain dead.
Now, just days later, TMZ confirms: Hulk Hogan is DEAD at 71.
What really happened in that hospital? pic.twitter.com/E3YX2JKvPT
— HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) July 24, 2025
Tributes Pour In
Tributes are pouring in from all corners of the wrestling world and beyond. Fellow legends, fans, and celebrities are sharing their memories and expressing their sadness. Ric Flair, a longtime friend and rival, expressed his shock, calling Hogan an “incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father.” It’s a testament to the immense impact he had on so many lives.
🚨 BREAKING: According to this man, Hulk Hogan went in for surgery and came out brain dead.
Now, just days later, TMZ confirms: Hulk Hogan is DEAD at 71.
What really happened in that hospital? pic.twitter.com/E3YX2JKvPT
— HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) July 24, 2025
As we reflect on the life of Hulk Hogan, it’s a mix of incredible highs, undeniable influence, and some very human lows. But one thing is for sure: you can’t tell the story of professional wrestling without Terry Bollea. He was a pioneer, a superstar, and for a generation of fans, he was “The Immortal One.”
Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan. Whatcha gonna do now, brother, when Hulkamania runs wild in the great big ring in the sky? The ring here on Earth will certainly be a little quieter without you.
