Hulk Hogan Passes Away: Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, has died at the age of 71. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) confirmed his passing on Thursday, stating, “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 cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
The Rise of Hulk Hogan
Born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan grew up in Tampa, Florida. Before entering the wrestling world, he played bass guitar for local rock bands. His journey into wrestling began in the 1970s when he immersed himself in Florida’s vibrant wrestling scene.
Hogan’s early career was not easy. His first trainer reportedly broke his leg to test his dedication, but Hogan persevered, building his massive physique with weight training and, by his own admission, anabolic steroids. His enormous arms earned the nickname “24-inch pythons,” while the name “Hulk” came from comparisons to the TV character, The Incredible Hulk. Promoter Vincent J. McMahon added “Hogan” to give him an Irish-American ring persona, a move that would help make him a household name.
Turning Wrestling into Mainstream Entertainment
Hogan became the face of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) during the 1980s. His charisma, catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” and his heroic persona transformed wrestling into a family-friendly spectacle.
A defining moment in his career came at WrestleMania III in 1987, when Hogan body-slammed the legendary André the Giant in front of a sold-out crowd at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan. This moment symbolized the arrival of professional wrestling as a billion-dollar entertainment industry.
He also made appearances beyond the ring, starring in Hollywood movies such as Rocky III and Santa With Muscles. His crossover appeal helped WWE (then WWF) dominate pop culture, appearing alongside stars like Mr. T and on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
The Hollywood Hogan Era
In the 1990s, Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan” during his time with World Championship Wrestling (WCW). As the leader of the infamous New World Order (NWO) faction, he played a villainous role that reignited his career and kept him at the top of the wrestling world.
He later returned to WWE, where he faced Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania 18 in 2002. This match was a generational showdown, cementing Hogan’s legendary status.
Controversies and Legal Battles
Despite his success, Hogan’s career was not free of controversy. In 2015, WWE suspended him after a leaked recording revealed him using a racial slur. However, he was reinstated in 2018.
One of Hogan’s most publicized legal battles was against the gossip website Gawker, which published a private video involving Hogan. He sued for invasion of privacy and won a staggering $140 million judgment, leading to the site’s closure.
Support for Donald Trump
In 2024, Hogan made headlines by endorsing Donald Trump during the Republican National Convention. Ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump tank top, Hogan roared, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” His endorsement was a nod to Trump’s role in hosting iconic WrestleMania events during the 1980s.
Personal Life and Legacy
Hogan was married three times and had two children. He also starred in the reality TV series “Hogan Knows Best” (2005-2007) alongside his first wife, Linda, and their children.
Inducted twice into the WWE Hall of Fame, Hogan proudly referred to himself as the “Babe Ruth of Wrestling,” a testament to his unmatched influence on the sport. His legacy as one of the biggest global icons in wrestling history remains undeniable.