Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestling icon, has died at the age of 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home on Thursday morning, July 24, 2025. Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan was rushed to Morton Plant Hospital after emergency crews responded to a 9:51 a.m. 911 call but was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m., according to the Clearwater Police Department. Maj. Nate Burnside confirmed there were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity, urging respect for the family's privacy during this difficult time.
Hogan's passing marks the end of an era for professional wrestling and sports entertainment. He was a towering figure who helped propel WWE (formerly WWF) into a global phenomenon during the 1980s and 1990s. WWE paid tribute to Hogan as "one of pop culture's most recognizable figures," noting his role in helping the company achieve worldwide recognition. The organization extended condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans.
Hogan's career skyrocketed after joining the WWF full-time in 1983. He captured his first WWF Championship on January 23, 1984, by defeating The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden, a victory that ignited the legendary "Hulkamania" phenomenon. This cultural wave pushed professional wrestling into the mainstream and made Hogan the face of the sport. His early championship reign lasted an unprecedented 1,474 days, solidifying his dominance.
One of Hogan's most unforgettable moments came at WrestleMania III in 1987, when he body-slammed the 520-pound André the Giant before a crowd of over 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome. This feat, known as "the body slam heard around the world," remains a defining moment in wrestling history and symbolized the sport's rise to prominence.
Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, including teaming with Mr. T to defeat "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff in the inaugural 1985 event. His intense rivalry with "Macho Man" Randy Savage carried wrestling to new heights, and his later transformation into "Hollywood Hogan" with the New World Order (nWo) in WCW in 1996 shifted the Monday Night Wars in favor of WCW for a time.
Returning to WWE in 2002, Hogan again became champion and engaged in a historic WrestleMania X8 match with The Rock, widely seen as a passing of the torch moment. Throughout his career, Hogan won at least six WWE Championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was also inducted again as part of the nWo in 2020.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan was a pop culture icon. He appeared in films like "Rocky III" (1982) as Thunderlips and starred in family-friendly movies including "No Holds Barred," "Suburban Commando," and "Mr. Nanny." His VH1 reality show "Hogan Knows Best" introduced his family to millions of viewers. Hogan's signature red and yellow gear, horseshoe mustache, and "24-inch pythons" became instantly recognizable worldwide.
Hogan's personal life included three marriages: to Linda Bollea (1983–2009), Jennifer McDaniel (2010–2021), and Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023. He is survived by Sky and his two children from his first marriage, Brooke and Nick Hogan. Brooke gave birth to twins in January 2025, becoming Hogan's first known grandchildren.
His health had been a concern in recent years. Hogan underwent over 25 major surgeries on his back, neck, hips, shoulders, and knees, battling chronic pain and nerve damage. He had a four-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion spinal surgery in May 2025, from which he was recovering. His wife Sky Daily denied rumors that he was in a coma, affirming his heart was "strong." Hogan candidly discussed his struggles with prescription painkiller addiction and alcohol, crediting CBD use and sobriety for his improved health.
Hogan's legacy is complex, marked by both triumphs and controversies. In 2012, Gawker Media published a leaked sex tape of Hogan without his consent, leading to a landmark privacy lawsuit. In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan $140 million, later settled for $31 million, which contributed to Gawker's bankruptcy and sparked debates over privacy and press freedom.
Hogan openly admitted to steroid use during the 1980s and early 1990s, stating it was medically supervised and legal at the time. His testimony in the 1994 federal trial of WWE chairman Vince McMahon was instrumental in McMahon's acquittal. Hogan's actions in the mid-1980s also influenced wrestling labor relations; he informed McMahon about Jesse Ventura's attempt to unionize wrestlers, effectively ending that effort.
Politically, Hogan was a prominent supporter of Donald Trump. At the 2024 Republican National Convention, he passionately endorsed Trump, urging the crowd to "let Trumpamania run wild." Trump called Hogan a "great friend" and praised his "absolutely electric" speech. The White House shared a photo of the two men playfully arm wrestling, highlighting their longstanding friendship that dates back decades.
Wrestling peers and celebrities flooded social media with tributes. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson recalled their first meeting in 1984 and their iconic WrestleMania X8 match. WWE Hall of Famers Torrie Wilson, Kane, Brutus Beefcake, and Kevin Nash honored Hogan's impact. Ric Flair, Hogan's close friend, praised his unwavering support during personal hardships. Charlotte Flair shared memories of Hogan's kindness during her father's health crisis. Actor Sylvester Stallone remembered their collaboration on "Rocky III." NFL legend Troy Aikman and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul also paid homage.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called Hogan a "major icon" and "superhero" from the Tampa Bay area. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed condolences. British journalist Piers Morgan described Hogan as a "far gentler, charming, intelligent man" behind his bombastic persona.
Hogan's manager Linda Bose expressed heartbreak over the loss, calling him a "great human being and friend." Hogan's cousin Michael Bollea spoke of the immense pain Hogan endured yet noted how the "Hulk magic" always shone through.
Hogan's net worth was estimated at $25 million at the time of his death, shaped by decades of earnings, legal settlements, and financial setbacks. His extravagant lifestyle and a costly divorce in 2007 significantly impacted his fortune.
Hulk Hogan's influence on professional wrestling is immeasurable. He was the archetype of the modern wrestling superstar, a global sensation who transcended the sport to become a cultural icon. His charisma, larger-than-life personality, and unforgettable moments helped define WWE and inspired generations of fans and wrestlers alike.
As the wrestling world mourns the loss of Terry Bollea, the immortal Hulk Hogan, his legacy will live on in the countless memories, matches, and moments that shaped sports entertainment history.
