Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan dies at 71 ends era of Hulkamania

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On July 24, 2025, the world lost one of its biggest wrestling heroes. Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died of cardiac arrest at the age of 71 in Clearwater, Florida. He was found unresponsive and rushed to Morton Plant Hospital, but died shortly after arriving.

His passing has struck a chord across the globe, particularly in the wrestling community. Hogan helped transform professional wrestling from a small-time show into a worldwide entertainment empire. As fans remember him, they recall his charisma, his strength, and how he gave wrestling a voice and identity it had never had before.

From Terry Bollea to Hulkamania
Terry Bollea was born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia. His family moved to Tampa, Florida when he was young. In high school, Bollea played bass guitar for local bands. But he soon discovered the bigger stage of wrestling.

He trained hard, lifting weights, practicing routines, and sometimes using performance‑enhancing supplements. Before long, he transformed into Hulk Hogan—a hero with long blond hair, massive muscles, and a presence larger than life.

Hogan’s character quickly took hold of wrestling fans. His catchphrases—“Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”—and performances in the ring, especially his famous move, the leg drop, thrilled audiences. He became the undisputed face of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the early 1980s.

A Star Is Born at WrestleMania
Hogan’s fame exploded in 1987, during WrestleMania III, where he body-slammed the legendary André the Giant in front of a packed stadium. That moment is remembered by many as one of the greatest in wrestling history.

He became a household name, appearing on television, ringing phones for 900-number fan lines, and starring in feature films such as Rocky III and Suburban Commando. He also hosted shows like Hogan Knows Best. His popularity made wrestling a family-friendly, mainstream sport worth billions of dollars, shaping the industry’s future for years.

Reinvention and New Worlds
In the mid-1990s, Hogan left WWF and signed with rival WCW (World Championship Wrestling). There, he adopted a new persona—“Hollywood Hogan”—and formed the popular group New World Order (nWo). This change made him a villain instead of a hero, drawing massive ratings in what was known as the Monday Night Wars, the fierce competition between WCW and WWF.

Hogan returned to the WWE in 2002 and faced superstars like The Rock at WrestleMania X8. Even decades into his career, he remained a draw, attracting crowds and media attention.

Honors and Struggles
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—first in 2005, then again in 2020 as part of the nWo. Despite his fame, he faced challenges off-screen. A leaked personal video led to a big privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media, which he won. He also made hurtful racist remarks in a recorded phone call. After an apology, WWE welcomed him back.

Final Years and Political Connections
In his later years, Hogan remained in the public eye. He started Real American Beer, continued acting, and participated in wrestling events. In 2024, he publicly endorsed Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention, even appearing on stage in a Trump-themed tank top. That friendship dated back to when Trump had hosted WrestleMania events in the 1980s.

Death and Public Response
Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at home on the morning of July 24. Emergency workers performed CPR for around 30 minutes. He was then transported to a nearby hospital, where he passed away. No foul play is suspected, and everything points to a natural medical emergency.

News of his death generated an outpouring of grief. Wrestlers such as Ric Flair, John Cena, Triple H, and The Undertaker shared heartfelt messages. WWE released a statement calling him “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” who shaped the company’s global image in the 1980s.

Even former President Donald Trump posted memories of his friend, remembering Hogan's loyalty and passion. Hogan left behind his wife, Sky Daily, and his children, Brooke and Nick.

Why He Mattered

• Changed Wrestling Forever: Hulk Hogan is often credited with turning wrestling from a fringe entertainment into a global industry.
• Cultural Icon: His persona appealed to children and families. He encouraged fans to stand up for truth, say prayers, and eat their vegetables.
• Versatile Performer: Hogan appeared in films, TV shows, and reality series, crossing over into mainstream media.
• Innovative Performer: His transformation to “Hollywood Hogan” showed that he could adapt and stay relevant, even when changing from hero to villain.

The Legacy He Leaves
More than 40 years after his first match, Hogan remained an influential figure. He inspired countless wrestlers and fans. Although his career had its controversies, few can deny his impact.

He transformed wrestling with his catchphrases, memorable matches, and showmanship. Matches like his body-slam of André at WrestleMania III remain iconic moments in sports history.

• Born Terry Bollea on Aug 11, 1953, in Georgia; raised in Florida.
• Began wrestling career in 1977, quickly becoming Hulk Hogan in 1983.
• Became wrestling superstar with WrestleMania III in 1987.
• Transitioned to WCW in the mid-1990s, creating the famous nWo.
• Returned to WWE in 2002 and remained a star into the 21st century.
• Inducted twice into WWE Hall of Fame (2005, 2020).
• Faced personal controversies but remained a respected legend.
• Died of cardiac arrest on July 24, 2025, aged 71.
• Left behind wife Sky and two children, Brooke and Nick.

Hulk Hogan’s life was one of triumphs, challenges, and unforgettable moments. He transformed wrestling into a global phenomenon and created a legacy that will be remembered by decades of fans.