Terry Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan in the wrestling ring, passed away on Thursday at age 71, World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed.
His name is widely known among wrestling lovers and beyond, as he played a crucial part in building WWE into the global powerhouse it is today. During the 1980s and 1990s, his larger-than-life persona both inside and outside the ring made him a household name, leading him into movies and gaining worldwide recognition.
WWE released a statement expressing sorrow over his death and noting his status among the most recognisable figures in pop culture. The organisation offered its condolences to his friends, family, and followers worldwide.
It was reported by the city of Clearwater, Florida, that emergency services responded to a report of cardiac arrest at Bollea’s residence. Firefighters and rescue personnel attempted to revive him before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where his death was confirmed. The news was first published by TMZ.
Police later stated there were no signs of foul play, and they confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to fully understand the circumstances surrounding Bollea’s death.
Career Highlights and Wrestling Influence
During the peak of wrestling’s golden age in the 1980s, Bollea became famous for flexing his “24-inch pythons” and encouraging his followers with lines like “say your prayers and eat your vitamins.” His feuds with opponents such as Roddy Piper, André the Giant, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage helped transform wrestling into a business worth billions.
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In the mid‑1990s, he made a bold decision to leave the WWF for World Championship Wrestling (WCW). His turn as the villain “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan created shockwaves in wrestling and helped WCW surpass WWF in television ratings for 83 weeks—the last time WWE trailed another company by traditional audience measures.
That era eventually fell apart when Bollea participated in the infamous “Finger Poke of Doom” incident, which publicly highlighted the scripted nature of professional wrestling. The event damaged WCW’s credibility so much that WWE eventually acquired it for a small sum.
Returns, Controversies, and Legacy
In the early 2000s, Bollea returned to WWE and had a highly celebrated match against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X‑8, generating massive attention at Toronto’s SkyDome (now Rogers Centre).
Following that return, he joined Total Nonstop Action (TNA) in 2010, though his role there did not replicate earlier success. Senior stars overshadowed emerging talent, leading to disillusionment within the roster, and Bollea left TNA after three years without the impact he had during his WCW run.
Bollea’s reputation suffered a major blow in 2015 when a video resurfaced showing him using racial slurs during an unauthorised recording. WWE terminated its relationship with him and largely removed his presence from its platforms.
He later issued a public apology, acknowledging that his language was “unacceptable” and expressing regret. Despite his apology, many fellow wrestlers and followers never forgave him entirely. When he returned for appearances from 2019 onward, he was met with mixed reactions and sometimes outright boos.
Lasting Impact and New Endeavour
Just a little over a month before the scheduled debut of his new wrestling venture, Real American Freestyle, Bollea’s passing deeply affected the promotion. CEO Chad Bronstein remembered him as a friend and a guiding spirit, and said the project aimed to showcase traditional Olympic-style wrestling, with Bollea at its heart.
Changing the Pro Wrestling Game
Professional wrestling’s mainstream breakthrough is often credited to Hulk Hogan in the 1980s. At that time, the scene was dominated by regional promotions and predictable storylines. Wrestlers wore dark trunks and had limited movement.
Bollea broke that mold. With his powerful build, energetic gestures, and iconic yellow‑and‑red attire, he brought charisma that made him a favourite. His career began in the American Wrestling Association before blossoming on Hollywood’s radar through “Rocky III,” and finally, his move to the WWF made him immortal.
His role in transforming WWE from a regional brand to a global phenomenon cannot be overstated. He starred in history‑making events such as body‑slamming André the Giant at WrestleMania III, forming the Mega Powers alliance with Savage, and becoming a major figure for Vince McMahon’s wrestling empire.
Bollea extended his reach through a Saturday morning cartoon, “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling,” which aired on CBS and turned him into a cultural figure for all ages. His merchandise, animated series, and numerous action figures produced by Hasbro and Mattel have become collector items.
The Rise and Fall of WCW Stint
As his character “Real American” began to lose appeal over the years in WWE, Bollea made a high‑profile switch to WCW. There, he became part of the New World Order (NWO) storyline in the summer of 1996 with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. This era dominated WCW’s programming, pushing WCW to dominance and inspiring WWE to launch its Attitude Era.
But Bollea’s involvement in the scripted “Finger Poke of Doom” led to a collapse in viewership and storyline credibility for WCW. Mismanagement and overspending contributed heavily to WCW’s demise and eventual sale to WWE.
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Return and Further Career Events
After WWE acquired WCW, Bollea returned to WWE and regained his former glory. A second WrestleMania headline match with The Rock, another title run, and induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 reaffirmed his status.
He then took part in VH1’s reality series “Hogan Knows Best,” which featured his family and ran for two seasons. A spin‑off starring his daughter, Brooke, also aired for two seasons.
Controversy and Final Years
The racial incident of 2015 altered Bollea’s public image, and the subsequent lawsuit against Gawker exposed private aspects of his life. Backed by Peter Thiel, the lawsuit resulted in a $115 million judgment that bankrupted the media site.
His later WWE appearances were often met with negative reactions. Fellow stars like Seth Rollins and Titus O’Neill expressed discomfort with his apology and questioned his sincerity.
One of Bollea’s final high‑profile moments came at the Republican National Convention, where he publicly endorsed Donald Trump while wearing a Trump‑Vance tank top. His political statements generated controversy and reflected a change from earlier parts of his career.
Upon hearing of his death, Donald Trump expressed deep sorrow, calling him a friend and praising him as a symbol of strength and loyalty. Vice President J.D. Vance also offered condolences and shared a personal memory with Bollea, calling him a true American icon.
