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Hulk Hogan, global wrestling legend, dies at 71

The wrestler who transformed WWE into a global phenomenon passed away from cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida. His achievements and influence on wrestling and entertainment will never be forgotten

Hulk Hogan, global icon of professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest. The news was confirmed by the American website TMZ Sports, which reported the prompt intervention of emergency services at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on the morning of Thursday 24 July.

According to initial reports, police and ambulances arrived at Hogan’s home, where he was transported on a stretcher, but there was nothing that could be done for him. Just a few weeks ago, his wife Sky Daily denied rumours that he was in a coma, reassuring everyone that Hogan’s heart was “strong”, despite difficulties following neck surgery last May.

Born Terry Eugene Bollea, Hogan was the man who revolutionised wrestling, transforming it from a niche sport into a global phenomenon. In the 1980s and 1990s, with his charisma, sculpted muscles and unmistakable blond moustache, Hogan was the face of WWE, bringing wrestling into the homes of millions of families around the world.

His historic rivalries with André the Giant, The Ultimate Warrior and “Macho Man” Randy Savage are unforgettable, as is his famous match with The Rock at WrestleMania X8 in 2002. In 1996, Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan”, founding the famous NWO (New World Order) stable, which relaunched American wrestling.

Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, Hogan was removed in 2015 following a scandal over racist comments, but in 2020 he was reinstated as a member of the NWO after winning a legal battle with the website Gawker.

Outside the ring, Hogan had a career in show business, appearing in the cult film “Rocky III” (1982) as Thunderlips and in other films such as “Mr. Nanny”, “Suburban Commando” and “No Holds Barred”. He also starred in the reality show “Hogan Knows Best”, which chronicled his family life.

He recently returned to the limelight as a guest of honour at the 2024 Republican Convention and launched the Real American Freestyle amateur wrestling league in May 2025, with the first event scheduled for 30 August on Fox Nation.

Despite undergoing numerous surgeries due to injuries sustained during his career, Hogan always showed self-deprecating humour, declaring that he no longer had any original body parts. His figure will forever remain etched in the memory of millions of fans who experienced the golden age of wrestling with him.

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