Terry Eugene Bollea, famously known as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71, according to a statement released by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on Thursday.
The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of the man who revolutionised professional wrestling and brought it to mainstream global audiences.
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WWE wrote in a heartfelt message on X:
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Circumstances Surrounding His Death
Hogan was pronounced dead after paramedics responded to a cardiac arrest emergency at his Clearwater, Florida residence. The city’s authorities confirmed that emergency personnel attempted to revive him before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was declared deceased. There were no indications of foul play, though investigations continue. TMZ was the first outlet to break the story.
The Man Behind the Muscle: Early Life and Family Background
Terry Bollea was born on 11 August 1953 in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida. His father, Peter Bollea, was a construction foreman, and his mother, Ruth Bollea, worked as a dance teacher. From a young age, Terry showed a strong interest in sports, particularly baseball, and later, bodybuilding.
He adopted the persona “Hulk Hogan” in the late 1970s after being compared to Lou Ferrigno, the actor who played “The Hulk” on television. This new identity would go on to become one of the most recognised names in wrestling and global pop culture.
A Wrestling Titan and 1980s Pop Icon
Hogan’s popularity exploded in the 1980s as the face of WWE (then WWF) during its so-called “Golden Era”. He wasn’t just a wrestler—he was an icon. With his bulging “24-inch pythons” and famous catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, he captivated millions.
His intense feuds with wrestling giants like André the Giant, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, and Rowdy Roddy Piper defined an era.
Hogan’s presence turned the WWE into a billion-dollar empire, and he became the first wrestler to transcend the sport, featuring in films, music videos, and TV shows.
WCW Defection and the ‘Hollywood’ Turn
In the 1990s, Hogan shocked fans by joining WWE’s then-rival, WCW. His notorious “heel turn” in 1996, when he reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan” and formed the nWo (New World Order), turned the wrestling world on its head. WCW overtook WWE in ratings for a record 83 weeks, until its eventual decline—partly triggered by Hogan’s infamous “Finger Poke of Doom” incident.
Reality TV Fame and Family Spotlight
In 2005, Hogan introduced the world to his personal life via VH1’s reality series, “Hogan Knows Best”, alongside his then-wife Linda, son Nick, and daughter Brooke. The show was successful and spawned a spin-off, “Brooke Knows Best.”
Controversy and Downfall
Despite his towering fame, Hogan’s legacy took a massive hit in the 2010s. A private sex tape featuring Hogan and a racist rant surfaced, leading to WWE cutting all ties with him in 2015. Fans were outraged that a man who once claimed to “fight for the rights of every man” could utter such offensive words.
In addition, a landmark lawsuit against Gawker Media over the leaked tape—which Hogan won with the backing of billionaire Peter Thiel—further placed his private life under scrutiny.
Though he made a public apology, several WWE stars remained unconvinced. Titus O’Neil openly criticised Hogan’s apology, calling it “insincere and uncomfortable,” while Seth Rollins said Hogan became “a victim of his own ego.”
Brief Political Stint and Final Public Appearance
Hogan re-entered the public stage in 2024 with a dramatic appearance at the Republican National Convention, ripping off his shirt to reveal a red “Trump-Vance” vest. In his brief speech, he hailed Donald Trump as a “hero” and said it was time to “bring America back together.”
This political endorsement was among his last major appearances before his death.
Legacy: A Giant With Cracks in His Armour
Despite his controversies, Hulk Hogan’s influence on the world of professional wrestling is undeniable. From sold-out arenas to blockbuster movie roles, from shaping sports entertainment to ushering in the reality TV era for wrestling stars—his mark was everywhere.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—once in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo.
Yet, he leaves behind a complicated legacy: beloved by millions, scorned by many. His rise, fall, and attempt at redemption make him one of the most polarising figures in sports entertainment history.
