Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 Following Cardiac Arrest in Florida
Pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, has died at the age of 71. He passed away early Wednesday morning in Clearwater, Florida, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence. Paramedics responded to an emergency call shortly before 10 a.m., and Hogan was later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.
Hogan was one of the most recognizable figures in the history of professional wrestling. Rising to fame in the 1980s with his larger-than-life persona and unmatched charisma, he helped catapult the WWE (formerly WWF) into mainstream popularity. Known for his signature “Hulkamania” catchphrases and powerful in-ring presence, Hogan became a household name through historic matches, including his unforgettable body slam of André the Giant at WrestleMania III.
He held the WWF/WWE Championship six times and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—once individually in 2005, and again as part of the New World Order (nWo) in 2020. Hogan also played a key role in the success of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s during the famed “Monday Night Wars.”
Outside the ring, Hogan made a successful transition into pop culture with acting roles in films such as Rocky III and Suburban Commando. He also starred in his own reality TV series, Hogan Knows Best, which aired in the mid-2000s.
Despite his fame, Hogan’s career was not without controversy. In recent years, he faced criticism over leaked audio involving racist comments and was embroiled in a high-profile legal battle against media outlet Gawker. Nevertheless, he remained a prominent and polarizing figure in both wrestling and entertainment.
In May 2025, Hogan underwent serious neck surgery, and though his wife, Sky Daily, assured the public that he was recovering, reports indicated he had ongoing health struggles, including mobility issues from decades of physical wear and tear.
Hogan is survived by his wife Sky, his daughter Brooke, and son Nick. Tributes from across the wrestling world have poured in, honoring a man whose impact on the sport was unparalleled. For millions of fans around the world, Hulk Hogan was more than just a wrestler—he was a cultural phenomenon.
