Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. Emergency responders rushed to his residence in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning following reports of a cardiac arrest. Witnesses at the scene confirmed the presence of multiple emergency vehicles, with Hogan being transported from his home on a stretcher into an awaiting ambulance.
This tragic development comes just weeks after Hogan’s wife, Sky, dismissed circulating rumors that the WWE legend was in a coma, assuring fans that his heart remained “strong” and that he was recovering well from recent surgeries.
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan was a transformative figure in professional wrestling, credited with catapulting the sport into the global mainstream. With his immense charisma, signature handlebar mustache, and crowd-pleasing energy, he dominated the 1980s wrestling scene as the face of WWE, capturing the hearts of fans young and old.
In 1996, Hogan shocked the wrestling world by turning heel and reinventing himself as “Hollywood Hogan.” Teaming up to form the New World Order (NWO), he sparked one of the most memorable eras in wrestling history, further solidifying his legacy.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but was later removed in 2015 after the release of a controversial video in which he was heard making racist remarks. Hogan later won a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker Media over the leaked tape. In 2020, WWE reinstated him into the Hall of Fame, this time as part of the NWO.
Outside the ring, Hogan also enjoyed success in the entertainment industry. He made his big-screen debut in Rocky III as Thunderlips in 1982, and starred in several family-friendly films including No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also ventured into reality TV with the VH1 series Hogan Knows Best, which chronicled his family life.
Hulk Hogan’s influence stretched far beyond wrestling. As both a trailblazing performer and a cultural icon, he leaves behind a powerful legacy that helped shape modern sports entertainment.
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