The world of professional wrestling has lost one of its greatest legends. Hulk Hogan, the man who defined the golden age of wrestling and turned Hulkamania into a global movement, passed away this morning at his home in Florida after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 71 years old.
From a Humble Beginning to Global Fame
Born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan grew up a quiet, shy kid with a love for baseball and music. He played bass in local bands before discovering bodybuilding and later, wrestling. It wasn’t fame he chased—it found him.
He made his professional wrestling debut in the late 1970s, but it was in the 1980s that Hulk Hogan became a household name. With his bandana, bulging muscles, and thunderous voice, he wasn’t just a wrestler—he was a superhero in the eyes of millions.
The Rise of Hulkamania
- Hogan became the face of WWF (now WWE) during the 1980s.
- He headlined WrestleMania I through IX, with unforgettable matches like body-slamming André the Giant at WrestleMania III in front of 93,000+ fans.
- His slogans—“Say your prayers, eat your vitamins”—and red-and-yellow colors became symbols of strength, loyalty, and belief.
In the late 1990s, Hogan turned heel in WCW, reinventing himself as Hollywood Hogan and co-founding the New World Order (nWo)—a move that shook the industry and brought in a new era of wrestling storytelling.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice: first in 2005, and again in 2020 as part of the nWo.
Health Struggles and Cause of Death
Hogan’s powerful image came at a steep cost. Years of wrestling, stunts, and physical punishment took a toll:
- Multiple back, hip, and knee surgeries
- A major neck fusion surgery just weeks before his death
- Persistent chronic pain that left him walking on a cane at times
Despite showing signs of recovery, Hogan collapsed early Thursday morning due to a massive cardiac arrest. Paramedics rushed to his home but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. His wife, Sky Hogan, was by his side.
A Life of Fame, Controversy, and Redemption
While Hogan’s public life was filled with glitz and glory, behind the scenes, it was a stormy ride.
- In 2007, he went through a public and painful divorce from his first wife, Linda.
- His son, Nick, was involved in a serious car crash that drew legal and media fire.
- In 2015, a leaked tape of racist remarks nearly ended his legacy overnight. WWE cut ties, and his fans were heartbroken.
But Hogan didn’t hide. He apologized publicly, took accountability, and began rebuilding his personal and professional life. In 2023, he married Sky Daily, who brought him peace and stability in his final years.
He also worked on mending his relationship with his children—Brooke and Nick Bollea—and tried to live a quieter, more spiritual life, away from the spotlight.
The World Reacts
News of Hogan’s death hit like a thunderclap.
- WWE released an official tribute, calling Hogan “a pillar of sports-entertainment whose influence can never be measured.”
- Superstars from every generation paid tribute—from Ric Flair and John Cena to Roman Reigns and The Rock.
- Fans filled social media with memories, posters, old promos, and the chant that never died: “Hogan! Hogan! Hogan!”
Outside the WWE Universe, celebrities, athletes, musicians—even those who never watched wrestling—shared what Hulk Hogan meant to them. He was America’s muscle. A symbol of toughness. And for many, a part of their childhood.
The Man Behind the Myth
Terry Bollea was not perfect. He made mistakes—some public, some private. But he was never afraid to own them. He was more than the 24-inch pythons or the torn shirts. He was a man who fell, and kept getting back up. A man who hurt, but still tried to heal.
He is survived by:
- His wife, Sky Bollea
- His daughter, Brooke Bollea
- His son, Nick Bollea
- Millions of fans around the world who still believe in Hulkamania
What Hulk Hogan Taught the World
He taught a generation to never give up, even when life throws punches harder than any wrestler ever could.
He taught kids to stand tall, speak loud, and believe in something—whether it was yourself, your friends, or just the fight.
He wasn’t a god. He wasn’t flawless. But he was real. And for 40+ years, he was there—in our homes, in our hearts, in the ring.
Final Words
As the curtain falls, and the arena lights dim, the world says goodbye to one of the biggest icons in entertainment history.
“To all my Hulkamaniacs… I love you. Always have. Always will. And I’ll see you on the other side, brother.”
Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan.
You were more than muscle.
You were hope in human form.
And brother… Hulkamania will never die.
Terry Gene Bollea
August 11, 1953 – July 24, 2025
The Immortal. The Icon. The Man.