Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestler whose popularity spanned across pop cultured, has died at the age of 71.
According to TMZ, “medics were dispatched to the 71-year-old WWE legend’s Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning, with operators stating it was regarding a ‘cardiac arrest.’”
Hogan was reportedly taken from his home on a stretcher, with an ambulance transporting him to a nearby hospital where he died.
Rumors around the wrestling legend’s health had been swirling recently, including unconfirmed reports that he had been in a coma following neck surgery in May.
“WWE is saddened to learn 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,” the company said in a post on X. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
The Rise of Hulkamania
Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, initially emerged as a star in the late 1970s. At the time, wrestling was a niche form of entertainment, but his dynamic “Hulkamania” persona and natural charisma helped the sport reach mainstream appeal.
With Hulk as its star, the WWE – then known as the WWF – became a national powerhouse. His battles against the likes of Andre the Giant and Rowdy Roddy Piper are the things of wrestling legend. Hogan’s popularity also broadened into movies, TV shows and extensive merchandising. Hogan memorably played Thunderlips in 1982’s Rocky III – a role which actually got him fired from the WWF for a few years.
“Back then, ‘78, ‘79, if you were a wrestler, you didn’t do TV. You didn’t go do a movie,” Hogan once explained. “If you’re a wrestler, you’re a wrestler.”
Hulk was welcomed back to wrestling in the ‘80s and continued to enjoy success both in the ring and on the big screen. His further films included No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny.
Hogan also parlayed his popularity into a brief music career. In 1995 he released Hulk Rules, an album that found him backed by the Wrestling Boot Band. Despite skathing reviews, it enjoyed some commercial success, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Top Kid Audio chart. Hulk’s further musical highlights included collaborations with Green Jelly, Dolly Parton and rapper Belly. Of course, Hulk will always be most associated with his famous wrestling theme song, Rick Derringer’s “Real American.”
Hulk was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice – first in 2005, and again in 2020 as a member of NWO. His life was not without scandal – Hogan admitted to steroid use, became embroiled in a notorious sex tape scandal and came under fire for racist remarks. Regardless, his popularity endured. He is remembered as the greatest professional wrestler in history – a star who changed his industry forever.
