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Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life professional wrestler and television personality who redefined the WWE and brought pro-wrestling into mainstream pop culture, has died at the age of 71. The WWE confirmed the news on July 24, that:

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away... Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”

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From Terrence Bollea to Hulkamania

Born Terrence Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, in 1953, Hogan’s rise to superstardom began in 1979 after meeting Vince McMahon Sr., who rebranded him as “Hulk Hogan.”

His imposing 6’7” (or 6’4”, depending on the source) frame, signature blond mustache, and charisma catapulted him into wrestling history.

In 1985, Sports Illustrated declared him “Wrestling’s Top Banana,” adding:

“Hulk Hogan is to pro wrestling what Babe Ruth was to baseball.”

His character and popularity helped turn the WWE into a billion-dollar empire.

Film, TV, and Cultural Influence

Outside the ring, Hogan became a television mainstay. He starred in Rocky III (1982), led VH1’s Hogan Knows Best from 2005 to 2007, and made appearances on The Love Boat and WWE Raw. He even attended the Grammys as Cyndi Lauper’s bodyguard in 1985.

“People are locked into this one-dimensional view… they don’t realize I go to soccer games, play frisbee, watch The Lion King and start crying,” Hogan once said.

A Legacy of Scars and Redemption

Though revered as a hero, Hogan’s legacy was complicated by scandal. He admitted to steroid use, was involved in a sex tape lawsuit, and was caught using racist language. The alleged racism led to a temporary WWE ban in 2015. After public apologies and charitable work, he was reinstated in 2018.

“I have a ton of scars,” Hogan told the Los Angeles Times. “I’m not perfect, but it’s about standing up, owning it, and moving forward.”

Final Years and Lasting Impact

Hogan died following a reported cardiac arrest at his Florida home. He is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and children, Brooke and Nick.

In 2024, he launched Real American Beer, a brand praised by longtime friend Donald Trump, who said on Truth Social:

“Great looking can and logo.”

Despite physical pain and personal trials, Hogan never stopped living as the hero of his own story.

“It isn’t easy, brother,” he said in 2009. “I’m crippled... but I promised each and every Hulkamaniac when I went to that great battlefield in the sky, I’d bring the WWF title with me.”

Related Reading

• Rolling Stone: Hulk Hogan’s Candid Interview (2009)
• Yahoo Entertainment: Hogan’s Career Highlights
• PEOPLE: Linda Hogan on Hulk as a Father