WWE Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 of Cardiac Arrest in Florida
Legendary “Hulkamania” Endures After Passing
WWE legend Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea died on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at age 71 following a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida, home, confirmed by TMZ and WWE (TMZ).
🏆 Career Breakdown
From Georgia Roots to Wrestling Megastar
Born August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan began his pro-wrestling career in 1977, skyrocketing to fame after signing with the WWF in 1983. He became the face of “Hulkamania,” headlining eight of the first nine WrestleManias and holding multiple world titles (Wikipedia).
Crossover Fame & WCW Invasion
Hogan didn't just stay in the ring. He starred in Rocky III, Mr. Nanny, reality series like Hogan Knows Best, and later wreaked havoc in WCW by leading the nWo — helping spark the mid-’90s wrestling boom (Wikipedia).
Hall of Fame & Legacy
Twice inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (2005, 2020), Hogan’s influence shaped wrestling globally, remembered as the most recognizable wrestler in pop culture (Indiatimes).
🩺 Final Act and Health
Paramedics arrived early Thursday, performed CPR, and rushed Hogan to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead (TMZ). Reports show recent spinal surgery followed by complications leading to unexpected cardiac arrest (People.com, Indiatimes). His manager, Chris Volo, confirmed he was surrounded by family (NBC Los Angeles).
🌐 Global Reactions
Tributes poured in—from wrestling great Ric Flair, actor Sylvester Stallone, to political figures and fans worldwide (New York Post).
Online, some Reddit users reminded of Hogan’s controversies post-wrestling career, while others mourned the passing of an “80s icon” (Reddit):
“Ozzy is a sad story. Same with hogan but dude went down that fascism road near the end.” (Reddit)
🔍 SMH Takeaway: Hulkamania’s Shocking End
.jpg)
Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestling phenom—he was the face of an era, turning wrestling into blockbuster entertainment and defining “main-event charisma.” But his legacy is complicated. Hogan battled health struggles later in life and left behind debates about his political stances and public missteps.
Still, when he ripped off his shirt and shouted, “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”—millions answered. His passing marks the end of an epoch in wrestling and pop culture. The question for future generations: Are entertainment giants held to the same scrutiny they once escaped?
😐🇺🇸 #SMHAmerica
BREAKING: Hulk Hogan dead at 71, TMZ reports
