Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, recognized for his iconic horseshoe mustache, sun-kissed complexion, blonde locks, and flamboyant style of performance, passed away on Thursday, as confirmed by his manager. He was 71 years old.
Manager Chris Volo informed NBC Los Angeles that Hogan died at his Clearwater, Florida home, where he was surrounded by family.
According to a media release from the city, Clearwater Fire and Rescue responded to a call for cardiac arrest at his residence at 9:51 a.m. on Thursday. Hogan was pronounced dead at the scene, the statement indicated.
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan rose to prominence in the wrestling world during the 1980s and 1990s, becoming one of the biggest stars in WWE history, which spans over five decades. He headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and became a recurring mainstay at the event, facing opponents such as Andre The Giant, Randy Savage, The Rock, and even Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE.
He captured six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, with Sylvester Stallone presenting the honor. In an Instagram tribute, Stallone reminisced about meeting “this brilliant personality and showman” when Hogan was just 26, expressing his heartbreak over Hogan’s passing.
Hogan successfully transitioned beyond wrestling superstardom to achieve celebrity status, appearing in various films and television programs, including the VH1 reality series “Hogan Knows Best,” centered around his life.
Wrestling legend Ric Flair expressed his shock and sadness over the news, paying tribute to his “close friend” Hogan in a post on X.
In a statement, World Wrestling Entertainment expressed sorrow over the passing of WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, noting, “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan played a pivotal role in helping WWE gain global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” the post read.
Hogan won his first championship in what was then known as the World Wrestling Federation in 1984, propelling professional wrestling into newfound popularity. His fame contributed to the establishment of the WrestleMania event in 1985, where he famously teamed up with Mr. T to defeat “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff in the main event.
In 1987, he famously bodyslammed and defeated Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, further increasing the WWF’s momentum. His rivalry with the late “Macho Man” Randy Savage is regarded as one of the defining feuds in pro wrestling history.
Hogan was a key player in the Monday Night Wars, a fierce ratings battle between WWE and World Championship Wrestling in 1996. He shifted the balance in WCW’s favor with the introduction of the Hollywood Hogan character and the creation of the New World Order, a villainous faction that helped WCW take the lead in viewership.
He made a return to WWE in 2002, reclaiming his championship status. His match against The Rock at WrestleMania X8, where he was cheered despite losing as a “bad guy,” is often viewed as a significant passing of the torch moment.
Hogan was equally celebrated for his larger-than-life persona as he was for his in-ring performances, captivating fans with his promotional segments. He often engaged with his interviewers, particularly “Mean” Gene Okerlund, famously kicking off interviews with, “Well, lemme tell ya something, Mean Gene!”
Hogan also ventured into film and television, notably portraying Thunderlips in the 1982 movie Rocky III.
