Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71 Following Heart Attack Months After Public Baptism

Hulk Hogan Passes Away at Age 71

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died on Thursday at the age of 71 from cardiac arrest. Reports indicate that paramedics were summoned to his home in Clearwater, Florida, but he was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital.

This news was confirmed by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), stating that Hogan played a pivotal role in elevating the company’s profile throughout the 1980s.

The WWE expressed its sorrow through a tweet, mentioning that Hogan, being one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, significantly contributed to the global recognition of WWE during that era.

Authorities are expected to provide further details at a press conference on Thursday.

Just prior to his death, Hogan’s wife, Skye, dismissed rumors about him being in a coma and claimed he was recovering strongly after surgery.

Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan was instrumental in making professional wrestling a mainstream entertainment spectacle. His iconic matches and rivalries, particularly with The Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage, remain etched in the memories of fans.

Among his most memorable moments was the infamous body slam of André the Giant at WrestleMania III.

In the mid-1990s, Hogan made headlines again when he transitioned from a fan-favorite to a villain as part of the New World Order (NWO) faction in WCW, alongside stars like Kevin Nash and Scott Hall.

He returned to WWE in 2002 for a historic match against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8. Although he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, he was removed in 2015 after a controversial video surfaced. However, he was re-inducted in 2020 as a member of the NWO and held the title of WWF/WWE Champion six times.

Hogan publicly embraced Christianity, being baptized alongside his wife in December 2023. In a heartfelt interview, he described the experience as a crucial turning point in his life, expressing how significant it was for him personally.

Outside of wrestling, Hogan enjoyed a successful film career, appearing in movies such as Rocky III as Thunderlips, as well as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, showing his support for then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Aside from his wrestling and film career, Hogan was featured in a popular VH1 reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which documented his family life with his first wife, Linda, and their children, Nick and Brook, from 2005 to 2007.