Hulk Hogan, one of WWE’s most iconic figures, has died at the age of 71 due to cardiac arrest.
Hulk Hogan, the iconic wrestler and a controversial figure in pop culture, has passed away at the age of 71.
Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital in Florida less than 90 minutes after medics arrived at his home to answer a morning call about a cardiac arrest, police said.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, redefined WWE history, ushering it into the mainstream. Over his 45-year-long wrestling career, Hogan won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2025.
“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” WWE said.
Hogan’s ascent in the wrestling world captured the attention of everyone. In the mid-1980s, Hogan leveraged his notoriety and “Hulkamania” energy to propel wrestling into the mainstream.
Not only was Hogan renowned for his skill as a wrestler, but his instantly recognisable appearance also captured audiences’ attention.
The wrestler’s horseshoe moustache, red and yellow gear, massive arms he called his “24-inch pythons”, and his penchant for calling everyone “brother” made him not just a celebrity in the wrestling world, but a pop culture icon.
Hogan would go on to make a variety of movies and television series, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including Rocky III, Suburban Commando, Gremlins, and more. The wrestler would also star in a reality show about himself, called Hogan Knows Best.
However, the late wrestler’s career would be marred by controversies later in life.
In 2012, Hogan would find himself in a massive scandal after a sex tape of his leaked. In the tape, Hogan repeatedly used the N-word and racially charged comments about his daughter’s dating life. Hogan would go on to launch a lawsuit against Gawker Media a year later for spreading parts of the tape.
Two years after the lawsuit was lodged, official court transcripts would be published by the National Enquirer, revealing Hogan’s racially charged language. As a result, the WWE terminated Hogan’s contract.
In 2016, Hogan would win his case against and was awarded $US115 million ($174 million AUD) in his sex tape lawsuit against Gawker Media and then added $US25 million ($37 million AUD) in punitive damages.
He contended the post violated his privacy, later settling the case for millions less after Gawker filed for bankruptcy. Hogan would also be reinstated into the WWE in 2018, three years after the case settled.
Hogan would also enter politics last year, appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention in support of US President Donald Trump, shouting, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother! Let Trumpamania rule again! Let Trumpamania make America great again!”
Shortly after Hogan’s death was announced, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to remember Hogan for being “strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart”.
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,” he wrote.
“To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Another former wrestling giant, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts, wrote: “It’s hard to put into words what Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea meant to professional wrestling and entertainment.
“He may be gone, but his memory and legacy will live forever. RIP Hulkster.”
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