WWE legend and pop culture icon Hulk Hogan has tragically passed away at 71 years old following a cardiac arrest, TMZ Sports has confirmed. The shocking death of the wrestling icon has sent waves across the globe, with fans, celebrities, and fellow wrestlers pouring out tributes in honor of one of the most beloved figures in sports entertainment history.
???? Medics Rush to Hogan’s Florida Home
Emergency services were dispatched to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida residence early Thursday morning after a 911 call reported a cardiac arrest.
According to Clearwater Police, the call came in at 9:51 AM, and Clearwater Fire & Rescue arrived on the scene promptly. A chilling video taken outside the residence shows paramedics performing chest compressions as Hulk Hogan—real name Terry Gene Bollea—was rushed into an ambulance.
Despite the swift response, Hogan was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:17 AM.
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“There were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity,” said Clearwater Police Major Nate Burnside during an afternoon press conference.
???? Just Weeks Ago, His Wife Denied Health Rumors
Hogan’s passing comes as a devastating shock to fans—especially after his wife, Sky Daily Hogan, publicly denied coma and heart failure rumors just weeks ago. Sky, whom he married in September 2023, had insisted that Hulk’s heart was “strong” and that he was recovering well after surgery.
This follows recent speculation that Hogan was on his “deathbed,” sparked by reports after a May 2025 neck procedure.
???? Hulk Hogan: A Life Larger Than the Ring
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hulk Hogan rose to fame in the early 1980s and revolutionized professional wrestling. His rise began when he defeated the Iron Sheik in 1984 to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, marking the birth of “Hulkamania”—a cultural phenomenon that brought wrestling into the mainstream.
With his signature bandana, 24-inch pythons, and charismatic catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?!”, Hogan became a household name. He was more than just a wrestler—he was a symbol of American pop culture.
⚔️ From Babyface to Bad Guy: NWO & Hollywood Hulk Hogan
In 1996, Hogan shocked fans by turning heel and co-founding the legendary NWO (New World Order) faction, reinventing himself as Hollywood Hulk Hogan. The move added new life to his career and ushered in the “Attitude Era”, expanding wrestling’s global popularity.
???? Iconic Matches That Made History
Hogan’s resume includes some of the most memorable matches in WWE history, including:
- WrestleMania III (1987): His epic showdown with Andre the Giant, where he bodyslammed the 520-pound giant, remains a highlight reel favorite.
- WrestleMania X8 (2002): A generational clash with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, delivering one of the loudest crowd reactions in wrestling history.
- Feuds with Randy Savage and The Ultimate Warrior: Defined the golden age of wrestling in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
???? Hall of Fame & Controversies
Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but was removed in 2015 after a leaked sex tape revealed him making racist remarks, sparking widespread backlash. He later won a lawsuit against Gawker Media for releasing the footage.
In 2020, Hogan was reinducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the NWO, acknowledging both his individual legacy and impact as a team player.
???? Hogan Beyond the Ring: Movies, TV & Politics
Hulk Hogan’s star power wasn’t limited to the squared circle. He made his acting debut in “Rocky III” (1982), playing Thunderlips, and later starred in cult classics like:
- No Holds Barred
- Suburban Commando
- Mr. Nanny
In the 2000s, Hogan entered the reality TV space with “Hogan Knows Best” on VH1, offering fans a glimpse into his family life with wife Linda, daughter Brooke, and son Nick.
Earlier this year, Hogan made headlines for his appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he electrified the audience with his signature flair and political passion.
???? A Warrior’s Body: The Price of Wrestling
Throughout his 40+ year career, Hogan endured countless surgeries on his knees, hips, back, and shoulders—the price of decades of body-slamming entertainment. In a revealing interview with Fox News’ “Objectified,” Hogan admitted, “I have no original body parts left.”
Despite the physical toll, Hogan never lost his passion for wrestling. In May 2025, he was promoting his new venture, Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league set to debut August 30 on Fox Nation.
???? Tributes Pour In for the Legend
WWE released a heartfelt statement Thursday, saying:
“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.”
Fans from around the world took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to share their grief:
- “Rest in peace to the greatest that ever did it. Hulkamania will live forever.”
- “My childhood hero is gone. This hurts more than I thought it would.”
- “Legends never die. Thank you for the memories, Hulkster.”
????️ Hulkamania Lives On
From the roar of the crowd to the red-and-yellow gear, Hulk Hogan defined an era, inspired a generation, and proved that charisma, heart, and hustle could change the world—even if just one leg drop at a time.
Rest in power, Hulkster. You’ll forever be our real American hero.
???? What are your thoughts on Hulk Hogan’s legacy?
Drop your tribute in the comments below, and stay tuned to The Pop Radar (TPR) for more exclusive updates on Hulk Hogan and the legends who shaped pop culture.
