Wrestling World Shaken as Hulk Hogan Dies at 71—Praise and Criticism Flood In
The world of professional wrestling is mourning the death of Terry Gene Bollea, best known to millions as Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71.
The legendary wrestling icon died on July 24, 2025, at his home in Clearwater, Florida, with early reports pointing to cardiac arrest as the cause.
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The news, confirmed by multiple major outlets including CNN and NBC News, has sent shockwaves across the wrestling community and pop culture fans worldwide.
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan became a defining figure of professional wrestling’s golden era. With his towering 6’7″ frame, iconic red and yellow attire, handlebar mustache, and electrifying charisma, he turned sports entertainment into a global spectacle.
His signature catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, became a rallying cry for fans around the globe. Rising to stardom in the 1980s after joining the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1983, Hogan headlined numerous WrestleMania events and played a pivotal role in catapulting wrestling into mainstream entertainment.
His 1984 victory over The Iron Sheik marked the beginning of Hulkamania, and his first reign as WWF Champion lasted an astonishing 1,474 days. Over the years, he earned five WWF Championships and six WCW World Heavyweight titles, later reinventing himself as a villainous leader of the New World Order (nWo) during wrestling’s “Monday Night War” era in the 1990s. His achievements earned him a place in the WWE Hall of Fame twice — first in 2005, and again in 2020 as part of the nWo faction.
Outside the ring, Hulk Hogan became a household name through film, television, and business. He appeared in Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips and starred in movies like No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny, which helped cement his place as a pop culture icon beyond wrestling.
From 2005 to 2007, he opened up his private life to viewers with the reality show Hogan Knows Best, alongside his then-wife Linda Hogan, daughter Brooke Hogan, and son Nick Hogan. Hogan also dabbled in music, releasing an album titled Hulk Rules in 1995, and launched several business ventures over the years, including Pastamania, Hogan Energy drinks, and, most recently, Real American Beer in 2024.
Despite his larger-than-life persona, Hogan’s life was marked by public controversies and personal setbacks. In 2015, leaked audio featuring racially offensive comments led to his suspension from the WWE Hall of Fame, a decision that was reversed in 2018 after public apologies.
He also won a highly publicized $31 million settlement against Gawker Media in 2016 over the leak of a private tape, and previously filed a $50 million lawsuit against a medical institute over malpractice claims. Yet through it all, Hogan remained a figure who deeply resonated with fans. His 2023 baptism marked a significant spiritual turning point, which he described as a powerful reaffirmation of his faith and a catalyst for personal growth.
Hulk Hogan passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, who was not identified by name, but was mentioned as “Sky Daily,” whom he married in 2023. According to manager Chris Volo, Hogan was at peace in his final moments.
The WWE paid tribute with a heartfelt statement, calling his contributions to wrestling and pop culture “immeasurable” and extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans worldwide.
