Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dead At 71

Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic presences in professional wrestling, has died. He was 71 years old. Emergency professionals were in and out of the WWE star's Clearwater, Florida, home on the morning of July 24, 2025, responding to what the Clearwater Police Department said in a Facebook post was cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at the hospital. 

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In June, rumors swirled that Hogan was not doing well following a surgery in May, but according to his representation, he'd only had a routine procedure and there was "no need to panic," per E News. The surgery had been a success, they said. Alternately, US Weekly reported in an exclusive interview with "a source close to the wrestling legend" that he actually had a "pretty serious heart surgery a few weeks ago and was doing well afterward. It wasn't a near-death thing," they said. On the IMPAULSIVE podcast, Hogan estimated he's 25 surgeries he said he's had over the last decade, many on his back and neck, due to the intense wear and tear a life of professional wrestling has had on his body. 

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Born Terry Gene Bollea in 1953 in Augusta, Georgia, the "Hulkster" grew up in Tampa, Florida and at 6'8 with his huge physique, platinum blonde hair, and trademark handlebar mustache, he helped grow World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) into a leading brand of sports entertainment. In the 1980s, Bollea's Hulk Hogan became a household name, and he cemented his legacy over the next few decades. 

Hulk Hogan's legacy

Hulk Hogan began his wrestling career circa 1977 in Florida, and in 1979, at 26 years old, he caught the eye of Vince McMahon Sr., an original owner and promoter of what was then called the World Wrestling Federation (it became the WWE in 2002). McMahon was the one who gave Bollea his stage name, and Hogan continued a mutually beneficial relationship with the organization for decades. The WWE made him the World Heavyweight Champion of the scripted sport with a 1984 defeat against the Iron Sheik, and later, in 1987, he beat Andre the Giant to take the title at Wrestlemania III. He went on to be a 12-time WWE and World Champion Wrestler. 

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After earning legions of fans, Hogan retired from wrestling in 2012 after a 35-year career, but there was more to him than wrestling. He also tried his hand at acting, had a brief animated series in the mid-80s called "Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling," and later in the 2010s, he opened restaurants in the Tampa Bay area called Hogan's Beach and Hogan's Hangout. While he enjoyed professional success, Hogan's private life was often entangled in messy dramas, one notable instance having to do with a leaked sex tape involving Hogan and a friend's wife. In 2016, Hogan sued the celebrity blog Gawker over invasion of privacy and was awarded $140 million in damages.

In June 2025, Hogan announced he was opening a $7 million bar near Madison Square Garden in New York, a spot special to him since it was where he made his debut with the WWE, and where he won some of his most notable championship matches. The bar was slated to serve his new brand of beer called "Real American Beer." It's unclear what will happen with those ventures going forward. 

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An outpouring of social media reactions

News of Hulk Hogan's sudden death triggered outpourings of reactions on social media. Wrestling legend Ric Flair posted 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! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn't Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!"

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The WWE's statement on X said, "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.

Most recently, Hogan had been an avid Donald Trump supporter, giving a speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Vice President JD Vance shared this statement 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" (via KARK)

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Hogan leaves behind two grown children, Brooke and Nick Hogan, and two twin grandchildren born to Brooke in January, though he has been estranged from Brooke for some time. He and the mother of his children, Linda Claridge, divorced in 2009 after 24 years of marriage, per Biography. In 2010, Hogan married Jennifer McDaniel, but they split in 2021. His wife of the last two years before his death is Sky Daily, whom he married in September of 2023. 

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