Hulk Hogan: A Wrestling Legend, Political Figure, and Cultural Icon Passes Away at 71

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, was a towering figure in professional wrestling and pop culture. Known for his blonde mustache, red-and-yellow bandanna, and the rallying cry of "Hulkamania," Hogan transcended the wrestling ring to become a global icon. His sudden death on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, shocked fans and peers alike.

Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, ending a life marked by monumental achievements, controversies, and a late-career shift into political activism as a vocal supporter of Donald Trump.

Hulk Hogan's Wrestling Career and Legacy

Hogan’s journey in professional wrestling began in 1977, but it was his rise in the 1980s with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) that cemented his stardom. As the face of "Hulkamania," Hogan turned wrestling into a mainstream phenomenon. He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, most famously defeating Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in a match that drew a record-breaking audience. Over his career, Hogan won 12 world championships and earned two inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Beyond the ring, Hogan’s charisma propelled him into Hollywood, with roles in films like *Rocky III* and his reality TV show *Hogan Knows Best*. However, his legacy was not without blemishes. In 2015, a leaked recording revealed Hogan using racial slurs, leading to a temporary suspension from WWE. He was reinstated in 2018 after issuing apologies, but the incident polarized fans. Despite this, Hogan’s role in elevating wrestling’s cultural status remains undisputed, influencing generations of wrestlers and entertainers.