Terry Gene Bollea, globally known as wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the age of 71. The WWE Hall of Famer suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, leading to an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues worldwide.
Emergency services were dispatched to Hogan’s residence early Thursday morning following a call regarding a cardiac arrest. Paramedics were seen performing chest compressions as he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 AM, according to Clearwater Police Major Nate Burnside. Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity (TMZ, Us Weekly, Yahoo Sports).
News of Hogan’s passing comes after recent concerns about his health. Just weeks prior, his wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in September 2023, had denied rumors of him being in a coma, stating his heart was “strong” as he recovered from various surgeries. In June, Us Weekly reported he was recovering from a major heart operation. Hogan had undergone neck surgery in May 2025, adding to a long list of over two dozen surgeries he endured in the last decade, including ten back surgeries and replacements for both knees and hips, a testament to the physical toll of his career (NBC Los Angeles).
Born in Augusta, Georgia, in August 1953, Terry Bollea transformed professional wrestling into a global phenomenon. After joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later WWE, in 1979, he adopted the iconic persona of Hulk Hogan. His victory over the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984 ignited “Hulkamania,” a pop culture craze that captivated audiences of all ages. His signature red and yellow attire, bandana, and handlebar mustache became instantly recognizable symbols of the sport (TMZ).
Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985, teaming with Mr. T, and went on to create countless memorable moments. His legendary bodyslam of Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987 remains one of the most iconic feats in wrestling history. In 1996, he shocked the wrestling world by turning villain and forming the New World Order (nWo) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, a move that propelled professional wrestling to even greater heights during the “Monday Night Wars” (Yahoo Sports).
Beyond the squared circle, Hogan successfully transitioned into Hollywood and reality television. He famously played Thunderlips in “Rocky III” (1982) and starred in films like “No Holds Barred,” “Suburban Commando,” and “Mr. Nanny.” His family reality show, “Hogan Knows Best,” aired on VH1 from 2005 to 2007. More recently, Hogan made headlines with his theatrical appearance at the Republican National Convention in July 2024, where he introduced former President Donald Trump (NY Post).
Hogan’s career was not without controversy. In 2015, he was removed from the WWE Hall of Fame following the leak of a sex tape that included racist comments. He later won a significant lawsuit against Gawker Media for publishing the tape. After issuing numerous public apologies and engaging in community work, he was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018, and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo (NBC Los Angeles).
WWE released a statement expressing its condolences: “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.” Fellow wrestling legend Ric Flair also paid tribute, calling Hogan a “close friend” and an “Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father!” (NBC Los Angeles).
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his children, Brooke and Nick, from his first marriage to Linda Claridge. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Oliver and Molly. Despite recent reports of estrangement with his daughter Brooke, his family and the wrestling community mourn the loss of a true icon (Us Weekly).
In his final months, Hogan remained active, launching new ventures such as Real American Beer and an amateur wrestling league, Real American Freestyle, with the first event scheduled for August 30. His last appearance on WWE programming was at the Raw Netflix debut in January 2025 (TMZ).
Hulk Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling and popular culture is immeasurable. He will be remembered as a larger-than-life figure who transcended his sport and inspired generations of fans, forever leaving his mark on entertainment history.
