Hulk Hogan, one of America’s best-known wrestling stars, has died at the age of 71.
The star, born Terry Gene Bollea and known for his flowing blond hair and iconic handlebar moustache, died at his home in Florida on Thursday.
Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977 but shot to fame after signing with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF)—as it was known before becoming World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)—in 1983.
He became one of the most prominent figures during wrestling’s surge in popularity and later gained further recognition through his reality show Hogan Knows Best, which aired on VH1 from 2005 to 2007.
Hogan’s manager, Chris Volo, said the wrestler suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, and died surrounded by his family.
More recently, Hogan had been a vocal supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a post on his social media site Truth Social, Trump wrote that he had “lost a great friend today,” referring to the “Hulkster.”
“Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention that was one of the highlights of the entire week,” Trump wrote, referencing his slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
The WWE star had undergone neck surgery in May and heart surgery in June.
In a post on Instagram, Hogan’s family wrote that they had “lost a legend.”
“May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades,” they wrote. “He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Police officials said on Thursday that emergency services responded to a medical call at 10:00 EST (15:00 BST), where they found Hogan experiencing a serious medical issue. He was taken to a hospital, where he died at 11:17 a.m. An investigation will be conducted, but authorities said there is no suspicious activity surrounding his death.
In a statement, WWE said it was “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.”
Hogan’s larger-than-life personality and talent in the ring helped make professional wrestling more accessible to the mainstream public.
He won six WWE championships and headlined WrestleMania—WWE’s signature event—eight times.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Hogan’s iconic opponents included Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, and Andre the Giant.
Wrestling legend Ric Flair said he was “absolutely shocked” to hear about Hogan’s death.
“An incredible athlete, talent, friend and father,” Flair wrote in a post on X. “Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me, even when I didn’t ask for him to be.”
Fellow legend The Undertaker also paid tribute:
“The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable, and for that, I am appreciative.”
Donald Trump Jr. shared a selfie with Hogan from 2024, writing: “RIP to a legend.”
Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, wrote on X:
“We all have fond memories of Hulk Hogan. From my childhood in the ’80s to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life.”
Carlos Silva, president of wrestling brand Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, said:
“Hogan’s name was synonymous with professional wrestling, transcending the industry to become an American pop culture fixture.”
Born in the U.S. state of Georgia in 1953, Hogan became one of the most iconic names in professional wrestling history.
His “Hulk” nickname came from comparisons to the comic book hero portrayed on television at the time, while “Hogan” was the creation of promoter Vince McMahon, who wanted Irish representation in the WWF.
Hogan first competed in the WWF in 1979, but became a fan favourite in the mid-1980s, alongside stars like Andre the Giant and ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper.
He headlined the first WrestleMania in New York in 1985, teaming with Mr. T to defeat Piper and Paul Orndorff.
In the ring, Hogan’s character embodied the all-American hero. His magnetic charisma attracted millions of fans and helped turn professional wrestling into a multibillion-dollar industry.
His brand of “Hulkamania” extended beyond the ring, with roles in Rocky III, No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, Mr. Nanny, Santa with Muscles, and a 1996 episode of Baywatch.
Actor Sylvester Stallone said on Instagram that Hogan was “absolutely wonderful, and his amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special.”
Hogan also appeared as himself in The A-Team, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Spy Hard, and Muppets from Space, and voiced characters in Robot Chicken and American Dad!
In 1985, he became the star of his own animated CBS series, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ’n’ Wrestling.
Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 but was removed in 2015 after a tape emerged of him using a racist slur.
Three years earlier, the gossip website Gawker posted a video of him having an affair.
Hogan sued the website for invasion of privacy, won $140 million (£103 million), and effectively forced it out of business in 2016.
In 2018, WWE reinstated him, stating that he deserved a second chance. However, some WWE superstars, including The New Day and Titus O’Neil, expressed discomfort, saying it would be “difficult to simply forget” his past remarks.
In recent years, Hogan appeared at Trump rallies and on the U.S. election campaign trail.
He made headlines at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he tore off his shirt—his signature move—to reveal a “Trump 2024” T-shirt.
Hogan was booed during his most recent WWE appearance in January, when he appeared on Monday Night Raw to promote his beer brand.
He endured several health challenges in later years, many stemming from his decades in the ring.
“I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last 10 years,” he said in an interview with YouTuber and wrestler Logan Paul in 2023. “Ten back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders — everything.”
Hogan was married three times and had two children with his first wife, Linda.
Paying tribute, retired WWE star Kane described Hogan as a “true legend” in a post on X.
Another wrestling icon, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts, wrote:
“It’s hard to put into words what Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea meant to professional wrestling and entertainment.
He may be gone, but his memory and legacy will live forever. RIP Hulkster.” (BBC News)
