Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan

Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, has died at 71 due to cardiac arrest, officials confirmed Friday morning.

Emergency responders were called to his Clearwater, Florida home and treated him on-site before he was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, Hogan was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Hogan was one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling history. Recognizable for his blonde mustache, bandanas, and larger-than-life persona, he played a key role in making wrestling a global pop culture phenomenon in the 1980s.

WWE released a statement expressing their sorrow, saying, “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hogan’s career took off in 1983 after joining the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He headlined WrestleMania eight times and was the company’s main face for many years, helping establish WWE as a worldwide entertainment powerhouse.

Although Hogan faced controversy that temporarily removed him from the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015, he was reinstated and honored again in 2020. He remained active in the wrestling world, with his last WWE appearance as recent as January this year.

Speculation about Hogan’s health had circulated recently, though his wife reassured fans that he was recovering and in strong condition. His passing has deeply affected the wrestling community and fans worldwide, cementing his legacy as both a wrestling legend and cultural icon.