Terry Bollea, globally recognized as the legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, a twelve-time professional wrestling world champion and two-time WWE Hall of Famer, has reportedly passed away at 71. Sources indicate he suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday morning.
Hogan`s career soared following his 1979 debut with the then-WWF. His magnetic personality, imposing physical presence, distinctive handlebar mustache, and the `Hulkamania` phenomenon were instrumental in transforming the company into a dominant global entity. A defining moment in wrestling lore was his unforgettable body-slam of Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III.
Beyond the ring, Hogan`s image was inextricably linked with the promotion, leading to his inclusion in numerous video games such as Wrestlemania and King of the Ring for Nintendo platforms. His transition to WCW in the mid-1990s also saw him prominently featured in their N64 and PlayStation titles, including the highly acclaimed WCW/NWO Revenge.
Venturing beyond professional wrestling, Hogan also made a significant impact in mainstream entertainment, with notable appearances in movies like Rocky III and television series such as Hogan Knows Best. Recently, in April 2025, he partnered with Eric Bischoff to co-found Real American Freestyle wrestling, with its debut event anticipated in Cleveland this summer.
Despite his status as an industry icon, Hogan`s career was marked by controversy. He faced a period of estrangement from WWE following a 2015 scandal involving racist comments, compounded by later allegations of infidelity.
He is survived by his wife, Sky, and his children from a previous marriage. Hogan`s profound and lasting impact on the wrestling industry, from his formative years in WWE to his dedication to nurturing new talent, remains undeniable.