WWE Legend, Hulk Hogan Dies At 71

Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling and a driving force behind WWE’s global success, has died at age 71, the organization confirmed Thursday.

According to TMZ, a “cardiac arrest” call was made from Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida, and he was transported by ambulance. Hogan, born Terry Bollea, had recently undergone neck surgery in May and a “serious” heart procedure in June, per US Weekly.

“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company wrote on X.

“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”

Hogan rose to superstardom in the 1980s as the face of “Hulkamania,” helping transform WWE—then known as WWF—into a mainstream phenomenon. He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985, teaming with Mr. T to defeat Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. His legendary match with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III remains one of wrestling’s most iconic moments.

Outside the ring, Hogan found success in Hollywood with roles in Rocky III, No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny, and the 1990s TV series Thunder in Paradise. He also made guest appearances on Baywatch, The A-Team and starred in VH1’s reality series Hogan Knows Best.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1953, Hogan had two children, Brooke and Nick, with his first wife, Linda. The couple divorced in 2007. He later married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010; they divorced in 2022. In 2023, Hogan married Sky Daily.

In July 2024, Hogan made headlines for appearing at the Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, famously tearing off his shirt at the event.