Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestler who became a prominent figure in 1980s wrestling and later ventured into acting, has passed away at age 71 at his Florida home, according to reports from NBC News and TMZ on Thursday.The wrestling icon, standing at 6’7″ (two meters), was instantly recognisable for his signature handlebar mustache and bandana throughout his career.
As per TMZ, medics were dispatched to Hogan’s home in Clearwater, Florida home on Thursday morning at 9:51am with the legend complaining of a “cardiac arrest.” He was treated by the Clearwater Fire and Rescue personnel.The outlet further reports that Hogan was taken off on a stretcher and into an ambulance. Upon reaching the hospital, he was pronounced dead.WWE confirmed the development with a social media post: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has 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.”Hulk Hogan revolutionized professional wrestling by turning it into a family-friendly entertainment sport. Prior to Hogan’s rise, wrestling appealed to a relatively small, niche audience. His dramatic and captivating performances in the ring drew in children and their parents alike, injecting new energy and excitement into the sport.
Hulk Hogan. (Image via WWE)
Hogan ignited a cultural sensation known as “Hulkamania” when he defeated the Iron Sheik to claim the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984. This phenomenon endured for decades, with fans often imitating his iconic bandana and handlebar mustache at events.In 1996, Hogan made a dramatic shift from beloved hero to villain by founding the New World Order (NWO) and adopting the persona of Hollywood Hulk Hogan. This transformation elevated both his career and the popularity of professional wrestling to even greater heights.Throughout his career, Hogan delivered numerous unforgettable performances, including a high-profile match against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in 2002 and a legendary bout with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III. He also engaged in memorable rivalries with stars like Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage.
WWE legend Hulk Hogan. (AP)
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. However, he was removed in 2015 following a scandal involving racist remarks captured in a secretly recorded video during a private encounter. The footage was made public by Gawker, leading Hogan to file a lawsuit, which he won.In 2020, Hogan was honored with a second induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the NWO.In 2024, Hogan took center stage at the Republican National Convention, where he thrilled audiences with his dynamic presence and theatrics.Apart from wrestling, Hogan enjoyed a successful film career starting in 1982 with his role as Thunderlips in “Rocky III.” He also starred in films such as “No Holds Barred,” “Suburban Commando,” and “Mr. Nanny.”
