The legendary WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan has died aged 71.
Police have said emergency services responders treated Hogan at his home in Clearwater, Florida, for cardiac arrest at around 10am local time (3pm UK time) today but he died in hospital around an hour and 15 minutes later.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, is perhaps the most iconic star in WWE’s five-decade history – known for his distinctive blonde moustache and colourful headbands.
His charisma and theatrics in the ring are credited with helping to transform professional wrestling into a family entertainment sport.
Hulk Hogan. Pic: AP
Hogan was the main draw for the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years in its signature event, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon.
He claimed his first WWE world championship by defeating the Iron Sheik in 1984.
Hogan went on to win five more world championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone.
Hulk Hogan fighting Andre The Giant in 1988. Pic: AP
Hulk Hogan face to face with The Rock in 2014. Pic: AP
Undertaker among WWE icons to pay tribute
WWE said in a post this evening: “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.”
Hogan’s friend and fellow former professional wrestler, Ric Flair, wrote on X: “I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @HulkHogan! Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business.
“An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!”
Mr McMahon wrote on X after Hogan’s death: “The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world… He leaves us with one of his favourite expressions, ‘Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.’ Today, we pray for him.”
Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair in 1990. Pic: AP
WWE icon The Undertaker wrote on X: “The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”
Former WWE wrestler Triple H wrote on social media in a tribute to Hogan: “He was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world.”
Hogan goes to Hollywood
The wrestler was also able to transcend his “Hulkamania” fanbase to become a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, Hogan Knows Best.
His notable movie appearances include playing Thunderlips in Rocky III and Shep Ramsey in Suburban Commando.
In 2024, he appeared at the Republican National Convention to endorse the presidential bid of Donald Trump.
Hogan said he made the decision to support the Republican candidate after seeing his combative, fist-pumping reaction to an attempted assassination on the campaign trail.
In a reference to so-called “Hulkamania”, he ripped off his shirt to reveal a Trump tank top and bellowed to a cheering crowd: “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother… Let Trumpamania rule again!”
Donald Trump and Hulk Hogan at the Republican National Convention in July 2024. Pic: Reuters
The US president paid tribute to Hogan in a Truth Social post today, writing: “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster’. Hulk Hogan was MAGA (Make America Great Again) all the way – Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Hulk Hogan with Donald Trump and Andre The Giant in 1988. Pic: AP
US vice president JD Vance has also paid tribute, writing on X: “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”
Hogan’s support of Trump did not go down well with all wrestling fans and it was far from his only controversy.
The gossip website Gawker posted a video in 2012 of him having sex with his former best friend’s wife.
Hogan sued on privacy grounds and was awarded a $140m judgement in 2016.
A year earlier he was suspended by the WWE after another secret recording revealed that Hogan had used a racial slur.
He was reinstated in 2018.
The making of a pop culture phenomenon
Born in the US state of Georgia in August 1953, Hogan played bass guitar in local bands before getting involved in the wrestling scene in Florida in the 1970s.
The young wrestler, who later admitted to taking anabolic steroids during his career, gained notoriety as his biceps turned into what he dubbed the “24-inch pythons”.
The “Hulk” moniker came from comparisons to the comic-book hero portrayed on TV at the time.
He would end up paying royalties to Marvel Comics for years.
Hulk Hogan. Pic: AP
“Hogan” was the invention of Mr McMahon, the owner of what was then called the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), who wanted Irish representation among his stable of stars.
Hogan was married three times and had two children.
In an update at 1.47pm local time (6.47pm UK time), Clearwater Police Major Nate Burnside said there were “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity” in relation to the wrestler’s death.
He added that Hogan’s family are being supported.
