Terry Gene Bollea, universally known by his ring name Hulk Hogan, passed away on Thursday, 24 July 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida residence. Emergency services were called to the scene and transported him to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Born on 11 August 1953 in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977 and rose to fame with the WWF (now WWE) in the early 1980s. As the poster boy of the “Hulkamania” era, he headlined multiple WrestleManias and captured six WWE World Championships.
His iconic persona, complete with blond moustache, bandana, and the defining catchphrase, “What’cha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, transformed wrestling into mainstream entertainment.
Hogan’s legacy extends beyond the ring. He starred as Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982), starred in his own reality show Hogan Knows Best, and appeared in several other films and TV shows such as Thunder in Paradise. He also made history by co-founding WCW’s New World Order (nWo) stable in the 1990s, helping propel the era known as the Monday Night Wars.
In May 2025, Hogan underwent neck surgery, prompting serious health concerns. Rumours of him being in a coma surfaced, but his wife, Sky Daily, publicly rebuffed them, assuring fans he had a “strong” heart and was recovering. However, on this morning (24 July), he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.
WWE released a statement expressing deep sorrow:
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends and fans.”
Hogan, one of professional wrestling's most iconic figures, has faced several major controversies throughout his life. In 2015, a leaked sex tape revealed him making racist remarks, leading to his firing from WWE and widespread public backlash. On the tape he expressed anger over his daughter Brooke dating a Black man. He used the N-word multiple times and said he was "a little racist" himself.
In the same recording, he referenced the near-fatal car crash involving his son Nick and a friend, shockingly stating that if he were to be reincarnated, he may be "punished" for his son's reckless driving and come back as a Black man. He later apologized, but the incident significantly tarnished his legacy.
Hogan was also involved in a high-profile lawsuit against Gawker Media over the publication of the tape, which resulted in a $140 million verdict in his favor and ultimately led to Gawker's bankruptcy.
Hulk Hogan also expressed support for Donald Trump over the years, aligning himself with the former president on several occasions. Their relationship dates back to the 1980s, when Trump hosted multiple WrestleMania events at his Atlantic City properties. Hogan publicly endorsed Trump during the 2016 and 2024 presidential campaign and praised him as a "strong leader." Hogan's association with Trump—especially during a time of deep political polarisation—drew mixed reactions from fans.
Last year, the wrestler responded to allegations of discrimination a "misunderstanding" after an influencer claimed she was fired from promoting his new Real American Beer brand because she is Black. The influencer, Essence, shared a video on TikTok accusing Hogan of racism. She said she was hired through a booking agency for a week-long contract to appear at events and parties promoting the beer but was dismissed after just one day—immediately following her first meeting with Hogan.
Fellow wrestlers, celebrities and political figures also paid homage to his influence and legacy - marking the end of an era in professional wrestling. From his explosive debut in the late 1970s to his last public WWE appearance in January 2025, Hogan’s larger-than-life persona and cultural impact were undeniable. His passing leaves a void in sports entertainment, but his influence, both heroic and flawed, will be remembered by fans worldwide.