WWE Hall of Famer and global wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has tragically passed away at the age of 71 following a sudden cardiac arrest, according to early reports. Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan was one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling and a driving force behind WWE’s worldwide popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.
His signature charisma, powerful persona, and unforgettable catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” turned him into a pop culture phenomenon that transcended the wrestling ring.
Hulk Hogan’s Legendary WWE Career and Achievements
- 6-Time WWE Champion: Hogan carried the WWE (then WWF) through its golden era, defeating stars like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Iron Sheik.
- 2-Time WWE Hall of Fame Inductee: Inducted in 2005 as an individual and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo (New World Order).
- Founding Member of the nWo (WCW): Reinvented his career by turning heel in 1996, forming the iconic nWo alongside Kevin Nash and Scott Hall.
- WrestleMania Main Eventer: Headlined multiple WrestleManias, including the historic WrestleMania III, where he body-slammed Andre the Giant.
- Hollywood Crossover: Appeared in movies like Rocky III, Suburban Commando, and had his own TV show Thunder in Paradise.
- 25+ Title Wins across WWE, WCW, and other promotions.
- Cultural Impact: Hogan helped make professional wrestling a mainstream sport during the 80s and 90s, often referred to as the face of professional wrestling.
The Sudden End of a Wrestling Era
Sources close to the family have confirmed that Hulk Hogan suffered a massive cardiac arrest earlier this week. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he passed away at a Florida hospital surrounded by family and close friends. Fans and wrestling legends alike have flooded social media to pay their tributes to the man who defined an era of sports entertainment.
Fan Reactions & Tributes
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted: “Thank you for paving the way, brother. Rest in power.”
- John Cena posted: “There will never be another like Hulk Hogan. You inspired millions.”
- WWE released an official statement calling Hogan “a global ambassador of wrestling who will forever live in the hearts of fans worldwide.”
The Immortal Legacy
Though the man is gone, “Hulkamania” will live forever. His influence on wrestling, pop culture, and millions of fans worldwide ensures that Hulk Hogan will always be remembered as the greatest icon of professional wrestling.