Hulk Hogan, the legendary WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. The wrestling icon, whose real name was Terry Bollea, suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Medics were dispatched following a 9:51 a.m. emergency call and tried desperately to save him en route to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His death sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and beyond, with WWE issuing a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of a man who helped elevate the sport to global prominence in the 1980s.
While Hogan’s career was marked by electrifying performances and a larger-than-life persona, his personal life was not without struggles. In fact, in a candid revelation shared during his lifetime, Hogan disclosed a harrowing period in 2009 when he was so overwhelmed by despair that he contemplated ending his life. This dark chapter coincided with his divorce from his first wife, Linda Claridge, and the serious car accident involving his son, Nick Hogan, which left a friend with permanent brain damage. The combination of these events plunged Hogan into a deep depression, casting a shadow over his public success.
It was during this bleak time that a surprising figure emerged as a lifeline: Laila Ali, the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali and an accomplished athlete in her own right. Hogan credited Laila Ali with saving his life, recounting on the Today show how her unexpected phone call “talked me off the ledge.” He described her intervention as “divine intervention” that pulled him back from the brink of suicide. Laila Ali’s calls offered words of inspiration and support, providing Hogan with a crucial connection when he needed it most.
Laila Ali herself spoke about her relationship with Hogan in interviews, recalling their time working together on the set of “American Gladiators.” She remembered that Hogan was going through a particularly hard time during their collaboration and that she would call him periodically to offer encouragement. Reflecting on Hogan’s character, Ali said, “He’s a very nice, down-to-earth guy – he turns it on for the show, and that’s why he reminds me of my father. Because he’s very different on camera than he is off camera. I think the core of him is just a very good, honest, loving man.”
Ali also shared how she introduced Hogan to a church she had attended since childhood, Agape in Los Angeles, led by Reverend Michael from “The Secret.” Hogan embraced the spiritual community, attending regularly, which Ali believed was part of his healing process. “He loved it, he kept going. I remember I ran into him there,” she said.
Despite Hogan’s public persona as a wrestling superstar and Hollywood personality—he appeared in movies and reality shows like “Hogan Knows Best”—he was no stranger to vulnerability. In addition to his emotional battles, Hogan faced significant health challenges in the months before his passing. In May 2025, he underwent a neck procedure, and shortly thereafter, he had a “pretty serious” heart surgery, according to reports from Us Weekly. These health issues underscored the physical toll of his decades-long career and personal hardships.
Hogan’s personal life was complex and marked by multiple marriages. He was married three times: first to Linda Claridge from 1983 until their divorce in 2009, then to Jennifer McDaniel from 2010 to 2021, and most recently to Sky Daily in 2023. He is survived by two children, who, along with his extended family and legions of fans worldwide, mourn his loss.
The wrestling world paid tribute to Hogan’s enduring legacy and impact. WWE’s official X account expressed sorrow, 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. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hulk Hogan’s story is one of triumph, struggle, and resilience. From his rise to fame as a charismatic wrestling icon to his candid admissions of personal darkness, his life was a tapestry woven with both public spectacle and intimate battles. The intervention of Laila Ali during his darkest hour is a poignant reminder of the unexpected ways support can arrive and the profound impact it can have.
As fans and colleagues remember Hogan, they reflect not only on the man who electrified arenas but also on the human being who fought to overcome his demons. His legacy will live on, not just in wrestling history but in the hearts of those who witnessed his courage both inside and outside the ring.
