One of the biggest performers in professional wrestling has passed away.
Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, passed away early Thursday morning at his Clearwater, Florida, home following a heart attack.
Emergency personnel arrived just after sunrise, according to TMZ Sports.
Outside his home, witnesses reported seeing multiple police cars and ambulances.
Sadly, Hogan was declared dead shortly after being transported to the hospital on a stretcher.
His health has been the subject of recent allegations, including unfounded assertions that he was in a coma.
His wife, Sky, refuted the rumors, claiming that Hogan was recuperating from neck surgery earlier this year and was doing well.
Unfortunately, the life of one of the most well-known figures in entertainment came to an abrupt end when the man’s heart, which was recognized for its strength and tenacity, failed.
Fans everywhere are mourning not just a wrestler today, but a cultural figure who shaped American identity, sports, television, and film.
Hulk Hogan existed before the likes of John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock.
He not only entered but also influenced the wrestling industry.
Hogan, who was born in 1953 in Augusta, Georgia, and grew up in Tampa, Florida, had no intention of becoming a wrestler.
He began as a bodybuilder and musician.
However, Hogan remained inspired and kept up his wrestling career after training with wrestling promoter Hiro Matsuda, who is known for breaking Hogan’s leg during training.
Hogan was becoming well-known at local wrestling shows by the late 1970s.
However, he started his ascent to prominence in 1979 when he joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which is now known as WWE.
He was readily recognized due to his massive 6’7″ size, powerful arms, handlebar mustache, and dazzling blonde hair.
He became a global celebrity thanks to his upbeat demeanor and quotes like “Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself.”
“Hulkamania” started after he defeated The Iron Sheik for the WWF Championship in 1984 at Madison Square Garden.
For many children in the 1980s and early 1990s, Hulk Hogan was more than simply a wrestler; he was a hero.
He sold out events all across the nation and had his own action figures and cartoon series.
Adults applauded as he defeated villains in matches that frequently mirrored current events, while children imitated his stances in front of mirrors.
With Hogan as its star, the WWF rose to prominence as an entertainment brand under Vince McMahon’s direction.
Eight of the first nine WrestleMania events featured him as the main attraction, including the well-known match at WrestleMania III where he defeated André the Giant in front of 93,000 spectators.
One of the most frequently replayed highlights in wrestling history was that particular moment.
It’s difficult to envision WWE as it exists now without Hulk Hogan.
Millions of people watched wrestling because of him, and he was more than simply a performance.
Hogan’s capacity for change was one of his best qualities.
He made a startling decision when he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996.
He became a villain during Bash at the Beach when he joined Kevin Nash and Scott Hall to form the New World Order (NWO).
Incredulous spectators even tossed rubbish into the ring.
Once a hero, Hogan now referred to himself as “Hollywood Hogan” and sported black clothing and sunglasses.
One of the most significant turning points in wrestling history was this modification.
For 83 consecutive weeks, WCW outperformed WWE in TV ratings thanks to the NWO plot.
Once more, Hogan found himself at the focus of attention, but this time as a villain who people admired.
The shifting tone of the 1990s, a period marked by greater rebellion and darkness, was also reflected in this change.
Hogan maintained his position at the top by changing with the times and the society.
Hogan’s fame extended beyond the ring.
He appeared in TV series and films as well.
He played a crazy wrestler named Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982), which was his first major motion picture role.
This resulted in more roles in films such as Santa with Muscles, Mr. Nanny, Suburban Commando, and No Holds Barred.
Despite not being huge hits, these movies helped establish Hogan as a household name in family entertainment.
His life with wife Linda, daughter Brooke, and son Nick was chronicled in the VH1 reality TV program Hogan Knows Best in 2005.
After family and personal issues were made public, the beloved show came to an end.
Fans continued to view him as an important aspect of their youth despite his evolving image.
Hogan was embroiled in a significant scandal in 2015.
WWE terminated its relationship with him after a leaked private video revealed him using racist remarks.
Many admirers felt angry and let down.
In response, Hogan filed a lawsuit against the company that uploaded the video, Gawker Media, for violating his privacy.
The business filed for bankruptcy as a result of his $140 million victory in the case.
New discussions around media, privacy, and celebrity rights were spurred by this case.
The WWE gradually reinstated Hogan.
Along with Hall and Nash, he was re-inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020 as a member of the NWO.
This was seen by some as proof that he had been pardoned.
Others saw it as evidence that his legacy was still nuanced.
Hogan and his wife Sky have been living in a more subdued manner in Clearwater, Florida, in recent years.
He continued to be active in wrestling, maintaining his beach business, attending WWE events, and interacting with fans on the internet.
However, his body was exhausted.
Hogan frequently talked about living with agony after undergoing numerous back and neck operations following decades of wrestling.
He underwent extensive neck surgery in May 2024 to relieve his spinal problems.
Despite incorrect allegations that he was in a coma, his wife reported he was doing well.
Unfortunately, his heart, which represented his strength and profession, was unable to continue.
Hulk Hogan became become a symbol rather than just a man.
He was the first wrestling hero for many fans.
Others saw him as the unexpected antagonist who added excitement to stories.
However, he demonstrated to everyone the potency of entertainment in uniting people.
He demonstrated for us how to remain resilient in the face of fear.
How to confront issues head-on.
How to have faith in both yourself and a greater power.
With his death, Hogan now achieves his lifelong dream of immortality.
Heartfelt condolences are being posted online by fans, wrestlers, and celebrities worldwide.
The wrestling community is in mourning.
According to reports, WWE is preparing a special Monday Night Raw memorial show in his honor.
Additionally, fans can expect to witness a massive tribute to the guy who helped shape WrestleMania 42 into what it is today.
The survivors of Hulk Hogan include his wife Sky, his kids Nick and Brooke, and the millions of supporters who have supported him throughout the years.
Hulkamania will endure even though he is no longer with us.
Peace be with you, Hulk Hogan.
The world will always remember you for body-slamming into history.
