The World Mourns the Loss of Hulk Hogan
Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away at 71 years old on July 24, 2025, at his home in Clearwater, Florida. According to local authorities, Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest and emergency responders performed CPR for over 30 minutes before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m.(People.com) Investigators confirmed there were no signs of foul play, and his death is under routine investigation.(ABC News)
In the days leading up to his passing, Hogan had faced serious health challenges. Reports described progressive heart problems, shortness of breath, rapid weight loss, and reliance on oxygen support. He had recently undergone neck surgery in May 2025, and family members—including his wife Sky Daily—had reassured the public he was recovering.(TMZ) Inside sources later revealed that he spent his final weeks reconciling with estranged loved ones, including his daughter Brooke.(News.com.au)
A Storied Career and Complex Legacy
Hogan rose to superstardom in the 1980s, spearheading the national expansion of the WWF/WWE and coining the phenomenon known as “Hulkamania.” He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985, famously teaming with Mr. T to defeat Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff—a watershed moment that launched wrestling into mainstream culture. He was central to eight of the first ten WrestleManias, including the sold-out 1987 WrestleMania III where he body-slammed André the Giant before a crowd exceeding 80,000.(Reuters) Hogan's electrifying persona, trademark leg drop, and signature catchphrases made him a global face of sports entertainment.(Reuters, ESPN.com)
However, his legacy also bears controversy. In 2015, Hogan was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame after racist remarks were made public via a leaked tape. While he later issued apologies and was reinstated in 2020 as part of the NWO faction, opinions remain divided. He also made headlines for a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker Media, winning $115 million over a sex tape privacy violation.(Wikipedia)
In recent years, beyond wrestling, Hogan launched several ventures including Real American Beer, and in April 2025, co-founded a freestyle wrestling promotion named Real American Freestyle. Backed by venture fund Left Lane Capital, the promotion—with Hogan and Eric Bischoff as major figures—planned to debut its first event (RAF 01) at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland on August 30, 2025. However, it struggled with poor ticket sales and faced criticism even before Hogan's death.(Wikipedia)
Tributes from Around the Globe
Wrestling peers and fans worldwide responded with heartfelt tributes. Ric Flair, Hogan's longtime friend, became emotional recalling Hogan's loyalty and support through personal struggles. His daughter Charlotte Flair echoed that gratitude, saying Hogan was “always there” when they needed him most.(TalkSport) Fellow WWE legends including Triple H, The Undertaker, and Kane recognized him as a transformative figure—a "superstar archetype" who elevated wrestling to new heights.(TalkSport) John Cena, Sting, and others also offered messages of respect. Even political figures like Donald Trump, a longtime friend, paid their respects. Celebrities across sports and film—such as Sylvester Stallone, Arjun Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan—spoke movingly of Hogan’s cultural impact.(Indiatimes)
WWE itself issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of its most recognizable figures, acknowledging Hogan’s critical role in the company’s rise during the 1980s.(Reuters, ABC News, The Times of India, The Scottish Sun) WWE is expected to pay tribute on their broadcast of SmackDown, airing July 25 from Cleveland, Ohio, with archival footage and bell salutes.(The Independent)
Remembering the Legacy
Hulk Hogan’s life embodied both triumph and turbulence. From pioneering wrestling’s mainstream surge to weathering personal and professional controversies, he remained a symbol of larger-than-life showmanship. His charisma and persona defined wrestling not only as sport but as entertainment. Whether adored or criticized, Hogan inspired countless fans and wrestlers alike, helping shape wrestling’s identity across generations.
His death on July 24, 2025, marks the end of an era—closing the chapter on a figure who was part patriot, part performer, and always unapologetically Hulkamania.
Key Timeline
-
July 24, 2025: Hogan dies of cardiac arrest at age 71 in Clearwater, Florida.(Reuters)
-
May 2025: Undergoes neck surgery; health concerns emerge.(New York Post)
-
April 2025: Co-founds Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion.(Wikipedia)
-
WWE tribute: Scheduled for SmackDown on July 25.(The Independent)
Hulk Hogan remains a cultural force whose legacy looms large in wrestling history—both in what he achieved and the complicated complexities he personified.
Hulk Hogan news
RIP Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan cause of death
Hulk Hogan funeral
Hulk Hogan legacy
SmackDown tribute Hulk Hogan
Real American Freestyle
WWE 2025 deaths
wrestling icons who died
wrestling news July 2025
0 Comments