WWE Hall of Famer, Hulk Hogan dies at age 71
- Lori Lee WGOLV
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Hulk Hogan passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday, according to Florida police and the WWE.
Many remember him as the mustachioed, headscarf-wearing icon in the world of professional wrestling.
In the statement, the company said, "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away." "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."
The Clearwater, Florida Police Department and Fire Department responded to a call for cardiac arrest just before 10 a.m. and took Hogan to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to police.
TMZ reported “a slew of police cars and EMTs were parked outside Hogan’s home.”
No cause of death has officially been announced.
Known by his real name, Terry Bollea, Hogan was a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and former world champion. His persona as an all-American hero helped launch the "Hulkamania" phenomenon, making him one of the most recognized figures in wrestling history.
He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and remained a prominent figure for years, competing against legends like Andre The Giant, Randy Savage, The Rock, and even the company's chairman, Vince McMahon.
He secured at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Photo of Hulk Hogan when he endorsed Trump for president at RNC: 'Let Trump-a-mania make America great again'
Hogan was also a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, "Hogan Knows Best." He also encouraged children to eat their vegetables and say their prayers as he grappled the villains known as heels.
Hogan is widely credited for helping to turn professional wrestling from a regional attraction to a mainstream phenomenon in the 1980s.
"Whatcha Gonna Do When Hulkamania Runs Wild On You!" was one of his more popular catchphrases and he, as "The Hulkster" would put a hand behind his ear to hear the roar of the crowds.
At the 2024 Republican National Convention, Hogan merged classic WWE maneuvers with President Donald Trump’s rhetoric to vociferously endorse his longtime acquaintance.
“Let Trumpamania run wild! Let Trumpamania rule again! Let Trumpamania make America Great Again!” Hogan shouted into the crowd.
He tore off a t-shirt featuring an image of himself on a motorcycle, unveiling a vibrant red Trump-Vance campaign shirt beneath it. At that moment, then-presidential candidate Trump stood up to applaud the gesture.
The President said in a statement on Truth Social, “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.'” “Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week.
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,” added Trump, 79. “To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Donald Trump Jr. also issued a touching tribute to Hulk Hogan after the pro-wresting legend passed away Thursday.
The president's son shared a friendly picture with the WWE Hall of Famer at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where Hogan gave his support to now President Donald Trump.
"R.I.P to a legend, HULK HOGAN," Trump Jr. wrote with the picture that showed Hogan giving a thumbs up, a gesture typically used by President Trump.
Back in January of 2024, I wrote about how he helped rescue a teenage girl in a multi-vehicle accident. He had a very big heart.
Hulk Hogan was also baptized just 18 months before his tragic death, according to the New York Post.
“Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment… only love!” the wrestling icon wrote in an X post in December 2023.
Footage from the ceremony showed Hogan being dunked into a baptismal pool and coming up smiling - all while wearing his go-to bandana.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who loved and knew the Hulk.
Prayers go out to his family, friends, and loved ones..
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