Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71

Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71

Terry Gene Bollea, better known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, the flamboyant professional wrestler who helped transform his sport into an international spectacle in the 1980s and ’90s, died Thursday at his home in Clearwater, Florida. He was 71.

An Iconic Life: From Local Wrestler to Global Phenomenon

Born August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida, Hogan began his journey in the wrestling ring in 1977. By the early 1980s, he had exploded onto the national stage, captivating audiences with his muscular build, red-and-yellow attire, booming voice, and infectious charisma. Hogan’s embrace of “Hulkamania” — a phenomenon that inspired millions of fans to “say your prayers and take your vitamins” — helped usher in wrestling’s first true golden age.

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Standing at 6-foot-7 with his signature blond handlebar mustache, Hogan became the face of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), leading the charge as televised wrestling became must-see entertainment. His popularity swept far beyond the confines of the squared circle and into mainstream culture, making him one of the most recognizable figures of his era.

Career Milestones and Wrestling Legacy

WrestleMania Headliner: Hogan main-evented eight of the first nine WrestleManias, drawing record-setting crowds and helping establish the event as wrestling’s “Super Bowl.”
Champion and Trailblazer: He held the WWF (WWE) Championship five times, including a legendary reign that lasted 1,474 days — the longest of the modern era. Hogan was also the first to win back-to-back Royal Rumble matches, dominating in both 1990 and 1991.

After leaving WWE for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1994, Hogan helped found the “New World Order” (nWo), a faction whose shockwave storylines revitalized the industry. He would go on to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times. Hogan’s enduring influence was recognized with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame twice: first on his own in 2005, and again as part of the nWo in 2020.

Star Beyond the Ring

Hogan leveraged his wrestling stardom to build a successful entertainment career outside the ring. He appeared in movies including Rocky III, in which he famously wrestled Sylvester Stallone, as well as Mr. Nanny and Suburban Commando. For millions of viewers, he offered a glimpse into his off-stage life in the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best. His magnetic presence was also featured in music albums, video games, and a wide array of commercial endorsements.

Resilience Through Challenges

Despite his immense professional success, Hogan’s personal journey was not without adversity. He underwent more than 25 surgeries due to the punishing realities of professional wrestling. Hogan also weathered several high-profile controversies later in life, but remained an enduring figure thanks to his openness about personal struggles and his public gratitude for the support of what he called his “Hulkamaniacs”.

Family and Survivors

Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his children, Brooke and Nick. To the wrestling world, he leaves behind a legacy that shaped the industry for decades and inspired generations of fans and athletes alike.

The Immortal’s Enduring Legacy

Known for his melodramatic interviews, signature leg drop finishing move, and iconic catchphrases — “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” and “Let me tell you something!” — Hogan was undeniably larger than life. His blend of showmanship and athleticism defined professional wrestling’s leap from regional carnivals to packed stadiums and global television audiences.

“I promised each and every Hulkamaniac when I went to that great battlefield in the sky, I would bring the WWF title with me.” Said Hogan