Icon of professional wrestling and ‘global sensation’ Hulk Hogan dies, age 71

The wrestling world has lost one of its most iconic figures.

Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life superstar who helped launch professional wrestling into mainstream pop culture, has sadly passed away at the age of 71.

Born Terry Bollea, Hogan was more than just a wrestler — he was a phenomenon. With his booming voice, unmistakable look, and boundless energy, he became the face of wrestling’s golden era in the 1980s and remained a household name for decades.

Authorities in Clearwater, Florida, confirmed that emergency crews responded to a medical call on Thursday, July 24. Hogan was reportedly suffering from cardiac arrest and was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he later passed away. Police say there was no foul play involved.

His death was confirmed by the WWE, who posted a statement on X.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the statement said.

“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.”

The legendary Hulk Hogan ❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/3daG7IDznf

— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025

Hogan rose to fame after joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1983, where his all-American hero persona helped ignite a wrestling boom. He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, held the WWF Championship five times—including a record-setting 1,474-day reign—and was the first to win back-to-back Royal Rumbles in 1990 and 1991. His 1988 match against André the Giant still holds the record for the most-watched wrestling match on U.S. television.

In 1994, Hogan moved to World Championship Wrestling (WCW), capturing the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times. Reinventing himself as the villainous “Hollywood” Hogan, he led the New World Order (nWo) and became a key figure in the industry’s resurgence during the “Monday Night War” era.

He returned to WWE in 2002, briefly capturing the Undisputed Championship, and was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—once individually in 2005 and again as part of the nWo in 2020.

Beyond the ring, Hogan appeared in films like Rocky III, No Holds Barred, and Suburban Commando, and starred in TV shows such as Hogan Knows Best and Thunder in Paradise.

He also dabbled in music and video games, cementing his status as a pop culture phenomenon.

News of Hogan’s passing sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and beyond, prompting an outpouring of emotion from fellow superstars and celebrities.

I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When… pic.twitter.com/rOWLakMjr4

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 24, 2025

WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea.

He was the archetype of what it meant to be a “Superstar” – a global sensation that inspired millions to work… pic.twitter.com/wXpgFvAhHA

— Triple H (@TripleH) July 24, 2025

HULK HOGAN – THE GREATEST OF ALL

Can’t thank you enough for all that you did for me and for wrestling fans all over the world. I loved you and I will miss you.

My friend, Terry Bollea, RIP pic.twitter.com/DoM4tGaRHT

— Sting (@Sting) July 24, 2025

They say you should never meet your idols, but meeting Hulk Hogan made me admire him even more. He was so generous with his time and an inspiration not only as an athlete and entertainer, but also as a human being. He will be missed by us all.
RIP Hulk Hogan 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ABpP4sksDu

— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) July 24, 2025

RIP Hulk Hogan – the most iconic wrestler in history, a wonderful character, and in person, a far gentler, charming, intelligent man far removed from his snarling beast ring (and Rocky movie!) persona. Sad news. pic.twitter.com/z3lT5gJgFk

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 24, 2025

Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, and by his two children, Brooke and Nick, from his previous marriage to Linda Hogan.

-with PA.