Hulk Hogan Dead at 71: Wrestling Legend Dies Of Cardiac Arrest In Florida Home

TDS News
Sports
July 24, 2025

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA — Hulk Hogan, the professional wrestling icon whose name became synonymous with the WWE’s rise to global prominence in the 1980s and ’90s, has died. He was 71.

Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan passed away Thursday morning at his Clearwater home after suffering sudden cardiac arrest, authorities confirmed. Emergency medical responders arrived shortly before 10:00 a.m., but despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead just after 11:00 a.m. at a nearby medical facility. No foul play is suspected.

Known for his larger-than-life personality, trademark handlebar mustache, and signature catchphrase “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, Hulk Hogan captivated generations of fans and helped launch professional wrestling into the mainstream spotlight. His red-and-yellow persona, paired with a bodybuilder’s frame and electrifying charisma, turned him into a cultural icon of the 1980s and one of the most beloved—and at times controversial—figures in the sport’s history.

Hogan was a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, main-evented the first nine WrestleManias, and became the face of Hulkamania, an era that saw World Wrestling Entertainment (then WWF) become a household name.

He starred in iconic rivalries against legends like Andre the Giant, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, and Ric Flair. Later, his shocking heel turn to lead the New World Order (nWo) during his WCW tenure in the mid-’90s redefined his legacy and revitalized wrestling’s popularity during the “Monday Night Wars.”

Over a career spanning five decades, Hogan won six WWE Championships and six WCW World Titles, solidifying his place among the greatest pro wrestlers of all time.

Beyond the ring, Hogan was a pop culture juggernaut. He starred in movies like Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny, led his own reality show Hogan Knows Best, and became a fixture of commercials, video games, and action figures.

Despite personal controversies—including a well-publicized legal battle with Gawker Media and leaked audio that damaged his public image—Hogan maintained a significant fanbase and eventually reconciled with WWE leadership.

In his final public appearances, Hogan was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and even appeared at the 2024 Republican National Convention, revealing a “Trump-Vance” shirt to thunderous applause. Friends say Hogan had been focused on his faith and family, recently being baptized alongside his wife Sky Daily in 2023.

Just months before his death, Hogan launched a new wrestling venture called Real American Freestyle (RAF)—an unscripted, hybrid wrestling-league-meets-reality show format. He served as commissioner, and the first live event was scheduled for August 30, 2025.

RAF released a brief statement Thursday afternoon:

“We are devastated by the loss of our founder and commissioner, Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea. He believed in giving new life to wrestling entertainment. His vision lives on.”

Reactions to Hogan’s death have come from across the globe. Wrestlers, celebrities, politicians, and fans alike shared condolences.

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:

“Hulk Hogan was a true American icon. A friend, a fighter, and a patriot. MAGA all the way, brother!”

Ric Flair, longtime rival and friend, said:

“There will never be another like him. He took wrestling to the moon and carried all of us with him.”

WWE released a statement, calling Hogan “one of the most recognizable pop culture figures in history” and “a trailblazer whose impact will be felt for generations.”

Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily, and his two children, Brooke and Nick Bollea.
A private funeral service is being planned, with a public memorial expected in the coming weeks.

From body slams and leg drops to reality TV and locker-room drama, Hulk Hogan’s life was anything but ordinary. His story is a quintessentially American saga of fame, fortune, fall, and redemption—and now, legacy.

And in the words of the Immortal himself: