Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 — A Final Bell for an Icon
Early Thursday morning, tragedy struck the world of wrestling as emergency responders rushed to the Clearwater, Florida home of Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea. According to official reports, the reason for the 911 call was cardiac arrest. Despite medical efforts, the WWE Hall of Famer passed away at 71.
His wife, Sky Daily, had dismissed rumors weeks earlier that Hogan was in a coma, assuring the public that he was recovering well from neck surgery and that his heart was “strong.” Sadly, those reassurances were followed by news no fan wanted to hear.
The Rise of Hulkamania: A Hero for a Generation
In the 1980s, Terry Bollea became a global superstar as Hulk Hogan, transforming professional wrestling into a pop culture juggernaut. He wasn’t just a performer—he was a phenomenon. With his signature red-and-yellow attire, mustache, and powerful charisma, Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias and drew record-breaking TV ratings.
He became a household name, not just in the U.S. but around the world. Wrestling had never seen anything like Hulkamania—and hasn’t since.
The NWO Era: From Hero to Villain
In 1996, fans were stunned when Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan,” co-founding the legendary New World Order (NWO) faction in WCW. The move changed wrestling forever, ushering in a new era of reality-based storytelling and blurred moral lines.
His turn from hero to heel brought him back to the top, cementing his place not just as a wrestling legend—but a revolutionary force in the industry.
Hall of Fame Honors and Hollywood Stardom
In 2005, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and again in 2020 as a member of the NWO. Outside the ring, he transitioned into acting, most memorably in Rocky III as Thunderlips, and starring in films like No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny.
Controversy and Redemption
His legacy, however, wasn’t without blemishes. In 2015, Hogan was removed from WWE after a leaked video revealed him using racist language. The scandal led to a years-long legal battle against Gawker, which Hogan ultimately won. In the years that followed, he returned to the public eye with more humility and a renewed sense of purpose.
Final Project: Giving Back Through Wrestling
In early 2025, Hogan surprised fans once more by launching Real American Freestyle, a new league dedicated to spotlighting amateur athletes and their stories. It was his way of giving back—to wrestling, to underdogs, and to the fans who made him who he was.
Tributes and Final Goodbyes
WWE aired a 10-bell salute in Hogan’s honor during SmackDown. The show featured a moving video tribute narrated by Triple H. Fellow legends like The Rock, Ric Flair, and Stone Cold Steve Austin shared emotional memories.
His wife Sky wrote on social media:
“He was my Terry, not just Hulk Hogan. I thought we had more time.”
Legacy of a Giant
Hogan leaves behind two children, Brooke and Nick, and an unshakable legacy. He turned wrestling from a niche sport into family entertainment. He inspired kids to say their prayers, eat their vitamins, and believe in something bigger than themselves.
His life had ups and downs—but Hulk Hogan remained, always, larger than life.
Rest In Power, Hulkster
“We’re all Americans, brother.” — Hulk Hogan
1953 – 2025
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