Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life wrestling superstar who helped catapult professional wrestling into mainstream culture during the 1980s and beyond, has died at the age of 71.
Authorities in Clearwater, Fla., responded to a call Thursday morning about a cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said in a statement on Facebook.
WWE posted a note on X saying it was saddened to learn the WWE Hall of Famer had 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.”
Born Terry Gene Bollea, he rose to international fame under the bright lights of the WWF (now WWE). He became known for his trademark handlebar mustache, red-and-yellow ring gear, and booming battle cry of “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?“
Hogan evolved into a star in the 1980s, headlining multiple editions of WrestleMania and starring in Hollywood films, including Rocky III (1982), as well as comedies such as Suburban Commando (1991), Mr. Nanny (1991), and Spy Hard (1996).
After his initial run with WWE, Hogan played a pivotal role in the rise of WCW during the 1990s, where he reinvented himself as a villainous leader of the nWo (New World Order) faction—one of the most iconic wrestling storylines of all time. He returned to WWE and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame individually in 2005 and as a member of the nWo in 2020.
Hogan underwent numerous spinal surgeries, with reports in recent years indicating he had over a dozen back operations. He was involved in a lawsuit against a Florida-based spine centre, alleging that botched surgeries contributed to his long-term physical decline.
In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan $115 million in his sex tape lawsuit against Gawker Media. Hogan sued Gawker in 2012 after it posted a video of him having sex with his former best friend’s wife. Hogan contended the post violated his privacy.
Hogan had two children, Brooke and Nick Bollea, and was married three times to Linda Claridge, Jennifer McDaniel and most recently to Sky Daily.
With files from The Associated Press