Professional wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71, TMZ Sports has confirmed. Emergency medical teams were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater home early Thursday morning following reports of a cardiac arrest.
Authorities said the call was received at 9:51am, and first responders from Clearwater Fire & Rescue arrived promptly. Multiple police vehicles and ambulances were seen outside the residence. Hogan was reportedly taken out on a stretcher and transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police officials stated they would release further details at a press conference scheduled later on Thursday.
The news comes just weeks after Hogan’s wife, Sky, had publicly denied rumours that the WWE Hall of Famer was in a coma, insisting at the time that his heart was strong as he recovered from recent surgeries. In May, Hogan underwent a neck procedure, and while some reports claimed he was on his "deathbed," close sources said he was simply managing post-operative symptoms.
Legacy larger than life
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan was more than just a wrestler — he became a pop culture phenomenon who revolutionized professional wrestling. His rise began in 1984, when he defeated the Iron Sheik to win the World Heavyweight Championship, launching the era of "Hulkamania." His charismatic persona, signature bandana, and iconic handlebar moustache made him a fan favourite across generations.
In 1996, Hogan made a dramatic career pivot by turning heel and forming the New World Order (NWO) as "Hollywood Hogan," which further elevated his stardom and reshaped the wrestling industry.
Over his decades-long career, Hogan delivered countless unforgettable matches, including his legendary bout against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, and his showdown with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in 2002. He also had memorable rivalries with legends like Randy Savage and The Ultimate Warrior.
Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but was removed in 2015 following a scandal involving racist remarks that were caught on a secretly recorded video. He later won a legal battle against Gawker, which published the clip. Hogan was re-inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020 as part of the NWO faction.
Beyond the ring
Hogan also found success in Hollywood, debuting in 1982 as Thunderlips in Rocky III. His other film credits include No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He later starred in the VH1 reality show “Hogan Knows Best”, which featured his then-wife Linda and their children, Nick and Brooke.
Remarkably, Hogan endured numerous surgeries throughout his life due to injuries sustained in the ring. He once stated in an interview that he had "no original body parts left."
Despite health challenges, Hogan remained active. In May, he announced the launch of a new amateur wrestling league, Real American Freestyle, with its first event set for August 30 on Fox Nation.
Hogan also made headlines in 2024 when he delivered a fiery appearance at the Republican National Convention, once again commanding the spotlight.
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