Hulk Hogan, Iconic Wrestling Legend, Passes Away at 71

Hulk Hogan's contributions to professional wrestling and pop culture will be remembered long into the future.

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea and an emblem of American wrestling, passed away at the age of 71 at his home in Clearwater, Florida, after suffering a cardiac arrest. The news was confirmed following medical responses to a call on Thursday, after which he was transported to a local hospital but could not be revived. His family called him a "legend," and tributes have poured in from across the wrestling community and beyond.

Hogan's professional journey began in 1977, but it was in 1983 with the WWF (now WWE) that he ascended to stardom. Over the years, his charismatic persona with his flowing blonde locks and handlebar mustache made him a household name and a pivotal figure in wrestling's evolution into a mainstream spectacle. He is perhaps best known for his appearances at WrestleMania and his reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best.

In the wake of Hogan's death, public figures including former President Donald Trump described him as a cherished friend, underscoring Hogan’s profile as a vocal supporter of Trump's presidency. Hogan was known for headlining multiple WrestleManias, capturing six WWE championships, and frequently appearing at major events throughout the 1980s and '90s.

Hogan faced health challenges in his later years, including neck and heart surgeries. Despite these struggles, he remained active in wrestling, most recently participating in the Republican National Convention where he exhibited his signature move by ripping off his shirt to reveal Trump 2024 apparel.

WWE expressed its sorrow for Hogan's passing, acknowledging his monumental impact on the sport's global recognition. Fellow wrestlers including Ric Flair and The Undertaker also shared their condolences, reflecting on Hogan's contributions and shared camaraderie in the wrestling realm.

Hogan's storied career spanned various media, with appearances in films such as Rocky III and his animated series, Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling. Over his four-decade career, he not only became a wrestling icon but imprinted himself as a defining figure in American pop culture. Even amidst controversies, such as being removed from the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 and later reinstated, Hogan's legacy continues to resonate with fans and fellow wrestlers alike.

The wrestling world bids farewell to a man whose larger-than-life character transformed an industry, with many declaring Hogan's story as one that will "live forever."