Sports (Commonwealth Union) _ A towering force who helped transform professional wrestling into an international spectacle, Hulk Hogan, has passed away at the age of 71. Terry Bollea, known as the WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, passed away on Thursday morning, July 24, due to what reports indicate was a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
It was reported that paramedics were sent to the location where Hogan was discovered unresponsive. As per reports, he was transported via ambulance but could not be resuscitated. His death marks the end of an exceptional career that significantly influenced the evolution of pop culture.
Usually striding into the ring dressed in red and yellow, sporting his distinct handlebar moustache, Hogan was iconic for using catchphrases such as “What you gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”. He was an embodiment of the spirit of professional wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s and became a symbol of the American hero for an entire generation of fans.
The American wrestler played a crucial role in WWE’s success and headlined landmark events such as the first WrestleMania, body-slamming legends like Andre the Giant in memorable moments that are now etched in the history of sports entertainment. Hogan’s visibility increased significantly after his transition to WCW in the mid-’90s, where he formed a group with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall called the New World Order.
Hogan achieved multiple world championship titles during his career and received an Emmy nomination for his work on wrestling-related programs. He had a brief stint in Hollywood cinema, featuring in movies like Rocky III with Sylvester Stallone. The actor was also among those who paid tribute, and called him “absolutely wonderful”, crediting his skill for making Rocky III special.
Several tributes have poured in from across the wrestling and entertainment world. WWE co-founder Vince McMahon referred to Hogan as “the greatest WWE Superstar of all time” and a “global phenomenon.” Fellow legend Ric Flair responded, stating that Hogan’s friendship “meant the world” to him.
Donald Trump, who has been a long-time ally of Hogan, also expressed his condolences, saying Hogan was “Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
Despite his immense contributions to the industry, Hogan’s post-ring life was fraught with controversy. A recording that was leaked in 2015 showed the wrestler making racist comments, resulting in his brief removal from the WWE Hall of Fame, accompanied by significant backlash. Hogan eventually expressed regret, yet numerous fans and professionals in the industry remained critical of his behaviour.
His political affiliations also gained significant attention due to Hogan aligning himself with Donald Trump and making a statement as a vocal supporter of the president’s MAGA movement. His involvement also indirectly contributed to the dismantling of Gawker Media, a case he won with a $140 million jury award, later settled privately.
Hogan is survived by his children, Nick and Brooke Hogan, both of whom appeared alongside him in the reality show Hogan Knows Best. Recently, Hogan had been allegedly dealing with several health issues, including surgeries for chronic back and neck pain. Just weeks before his death, rumours had been circulating online about his deteriorating condition, but they were initially dismissed.
With Hogan’s demise marking the end of a significant chapter in professional wrestling that shaped a generation, Terry Bollea’s influence on wrestling, pop culture, and television remains undeniable.
