- Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, passed away on July 24 at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
- As the prominent figure of the WWF (now WWE) during the 1980s and early 1990s, Hogan headlined eight out of the first nine WrestleManias, notably body-slamming André the Giant at WrestleMania III.
Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, passed away on July 24, 2025 at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Emergency services transported him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was declared dead.
His passing occurred months after he had spinal surgery that resulted in severe complications that affected his mobility and breathing.
Hogan, recognized globally for his signature blond handlebar moustache, bandanas, and flamboyant personality, played a pivotal role in transforming professional wrestling into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
As the prominent figure of the WWF (now WWE) during the 1980s and early 1990s, Hogan headlined eight out of the first nine WrestleManias, notably body-slamming André the Giant at WrestleMania III. He was a six-time WWE Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on two separate occasions.
Beyond WWE, Hogan redefined his persona in WCW as "Hollywood" Hogan, spearheading the rebellious New World Order (nWo) faction that contributed to the wrestling boom of the 1990s.
His appeal transcended wrestling, leading to roles in films such as Rocky III and the reality show Hogan Knows Best.
Health issues and controversy marked the latter part of Hogan's life. In 2015, he faced criticism after recordings containing racial slurs were leaked, resulting in a temporary removal from the Hall of Fame. He made a return in 2018.
Earlier this year, he underwent a complicated four-level cervical spinal fusion that harmed his vocal cords and necessitated the use of a cane.
Numerous tributes emerged from the wrestling community, with fellow legends Ric Flair, The Undertaker, and Triple H paying homage to him as one of the sport's most significant figures. Hogan is survived by his spouse, Sky Daily, as well as his two children, Brooke and Nick.
Despite facing personal challenges, Hogan's legacy endures: he helped transform professional wrestling from a specialised sport into mainstream entertainment, creating an icon recognised well beyond the wrestling ring.
Famous for his catchphrases, such as "Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?" his influence on popular culture is unparalleled.
A new wrestling league, Real American Freestyle, which he was set to debut next month, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the sport until his final days.
