Hulk Hogan, one of the most popular professional wrestlers of all time who helped make WWE a juggernaut, died on Thursday, WWE confirmed.
He was 71.
A “cardiac arrest” call was placed and medics were sent to Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Fla., according to TMZ.
He was stretchered into an ambulance.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.” WWE wrote on X. “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 underwent a neck procedure in May, TMZ reported at the time. US Weekly reported last month that he then underwent a “pretty serious” heart procedure.
Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, began his wrestling career in Florida in the 1970s and rose to prominence in the 1980s with his All-American “Hulkamania” persona and helped transform WWE, then known as the WWF, into a national powerhouse.
He captivated audiences with his flamboyant promos in which he’d brag about his “24 inch python” biceps, his constant use of “brother” and his signature line “What’cha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!”
He became WWF’s top attraction as Vince McMahon launched WrestleMania, which has became the biggest annual wrestling event in the world.
The first WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden became a pop-culture phenomenon, as Hogan teamed with Mr. T to defeat Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper in the main event.
During WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome in front of approximately 78,000 fans, Hogan bodyslammed Andre the Giant in one of the signature moments in wrestling history.
Hogan’s fame helped him cross over into movies and television. His first major film role came in “Rocky III,” where he portrayed the wrestler Thunderlips, who faced Rocky Balboa in an exhibition.
His other movie appearances include “No Holds Barred” and “Mr. Nanny.”
He was the centerpiece of the “Thunder in Paradise” television show in 1994 and made appearance on “The A-Team” and “Baywatch.”
Hogan and his family were also the subjects of a VH1 reality show, “Hogan Knows Best,” in the mid-2000s.
Born in Augusta, Ga. in 1953, Hogan had two children, Brooke and Nick, with his first wife, Linda.
After Linda filed for divorce in 2007, Hogan married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010. They got divorced in 2022.
Hogan then got married to Sky Daily in 2023.
Hogan appeared at the Republican National Convention in July 2024 in support of Donald Trump’s run for president.
His last appearance on WWE programming came during Raw’s Netflix debut on Jan. 6.
New York Post
