Key Takeaways
- Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), who helped transform WWF (now WWE) into a mainstream juggernaut in the 1980s, passed away in Clearwater, Florida on July 24, 2025, due to cardiac arrest.
- Known for his unmatched “Real American” persona, beloved catchphrases, infamous 24-inch pythons, and shocking betrayal at Bash at the Beach 1996 that formed the New World Order (nWo).
- Defeated The Iron Sheik for the WWF Championship (1984), main evented WrestleMania I (1985), body-slammed Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III (1987), unexpectedly aligned with heels Scott Hall and Kevin Nash (1996), faced The Rock at WrestleMania X8 (2002), and was inducted into WWE Hall of Fame twice (2005, 2020) as a 12-time world champion.
Hulk Hogan (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins… and remember the shirt-shredding legend, brother.
In news that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and beyond, WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan (Terry Gene Bollea) died Thursday, July 24, at the age of 71, following cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency services responded to a call at his residence just prior to 10 a.m. and transported Hogan to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police confirmed.
The Clearwater Police Department reports no signs of foul play or suspicious activity. Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and two children, Brooke and Nick.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the wrestling powerhouse shared. “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.”
Hogan, who began his professional wrestling journey in 1977, famously helped elevate the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE) from regional entertainment to a must-see mainstream attraction in the 1980s by becoming the ultimate babyface and an all-American cornerstone for what would transform into a multi-billion-dollar business. From playing Thunderlips in “Rocky III” (1982) and beating The Iron Sheik for the WWF Championship at Madison Square Garden (1984), to starring in a make-or-break main event at WrestleMania I alongside Mr. T (1985) and slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in front of 93,000 fans (1987), Hulkamania and its two accompanying 24-inch pythons ran wild on anyone with a heartbeat.
Whenever professional wrestling needed him most, Hogan delivered — molding risks into revolutions and serving as the perfect catalyst to an international phenomenon.
"The world lost a treasure,” Former WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon wrote in a statement, breaking his silence amid personal and legal controversy. “Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE superstar of ALL TIME, someone who was loved and admired around the world. He was a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon. His grit and unbridled thirst for success were unparalleled — and made him the consummate performer. He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved. He leaves us with one of his favorite expressions, ‘Train, take your vitamins and say your prayers.’ Today, we pray for him.”
The Birth of “Hollywood” Hogan And Wrestling’s Greatest Reinvention
By the early 1990s, after a decade of dominance in the WWF, his red and yellow “Real American” gimmick slowly started to lose its unshakeable grip on sports entertainment. Not to mention, Hogan’s attempts to break into Hollywood with movies such as “No Holds Barred” (1989), “Suburban Commando” (1991), and “Mr. Nanny” (1993) didn’t exactly take off, either. As fans grew tired of his unevolved superhero persona, and younger superstars continued to emerge, the shifting landscape in both culture and wrestling called for a significant change, though no one could truly predict the impact of what would follow.
The most recognizable draw in wrestling history left WWF in 1993 and debuted for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) the following year, defeating Ric Flair to win the WCW World Heavyweight Championship in his first match with the company. While his WCW run started with nostalgic excitement and fanfare, even there, the recycled act soon wore thin. Sensing his once thunderous applause diminishing into indifference, Hogan leaned into a career-saving creative decision at Bash at the Beach 1996. With one leg drop to Randy Savage, Hogan stunned the world and turned heel for the first time in his career, aligning with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to form professional wrestling's greatest faction — the New World Order.
Turning against everything his character once represented, Hogan delivered arguably the most timeless moment in wrestling history, reinventing himself as the villainous “Hollywood” Hogan and reshaping the industry yet again in the process. This instantaneously supercharged WCW’s momentum and cultural relevance, which allowed the company to overtake WWF in its storied ratings war for 83 weeks and cemented the nWo as a defining force in the most competitive era of wrestling.
“Hulk Hogan was the biggest star in the history of the professional wrestling industry,” Say Hello to the Bad Guys author and ESPN reporter Marc Raimondi shared with RG upon Hogan's passing. “The man who led wrestling to the mainstream at WrestleMania I. For a second act, he turned bad in 1996 and led another major wrestling boom period as the frontman of the nWo. No one has sold more tickets than Hulk Hogan in wrestling history. If not for Hogan, there's no telling where the wrestling business would be today.”
Hogan Made His Mark — Whatcha Gonna Do?
Raimondi posed an interesting question when he spoke with RG about his new book, a journalistic deep dive into the history of the nWo, from its 1996 inception in WCW to a lasting significance in pop culture today: If WCW never passes WWF in ratings, does the Attitude Era ever become a reality? Without the pressure to evolve, does McMahon unleash an edgier product that ultimately defined the late 1990s? Is there a Stone Cold Steve Austin to lead that charge? Would Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have ever become the biggest star in Hollywood?
Without Hogan's heel turn, it would be negligent not to question whether or not the business, and some of its most renowned figures, progress in the same manner.
“Hollywood” Hogan reintroduced himself to the WWF scene in 2002, after the promotion’s acquisition of WCW and nearly a decade away, to set up his match with The Rock at WrestleMania X8 — a generational “Icon v. Icon” showdown that captivated wrestling fans worldwide and saw the crowd turn him babyface again mid-match. Their legendary battle of legacy, rather than titles, is one many fans and critics still call the greatest match in WrestleMania history.
“When we got to the back, I gave him the hardest, biggest hug I could, and I thanked him for passing the torch to me,” The Rock recalled, following the 18th anniversary of their unforgettable match (via Instagram). “He said, ‘You deserve it, brother, carry it well,’ or said something like that, and he was like, ‘Like I did when Andre passed me the torch.’ Everybody came up in the back and gave us all hugs and said that was incredible.”
“The Hulkster” was officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 (again in 2020 with the nWo), then found even more mainstream visibility through the success of his reality show “Hogan Knows Best” (2005-2007). He remained inactive with WWE beyond his SummerSlam match with Randy Orton in 2006, instead taking a stint with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) from 2009-2013, later returning in 2014 to host WrestleMania XXX and resume his role as a WWE ambassador.
A Legendary Career Defined by Greatness, Cultural Impact, And Conflict
Hogan’s legacy is also unavoidably complicated due to a series of high-profile controversies, such as admitted steroid use during the 1990s federal investigation into WWF, constant backlash over battles for creative control, a leaked sex tape, and the racist rant that led to his temporary firing and Hall of Fame removal in 2015 (later reinstated in 2018). Despite a public image that significantly deteriorated through strained relationships and scandals, his contributions to professional wrestling are still undeniable. While admittedly flawed by all accounts, Hogan shaped the image and evolution of sports entertainment as we know it, as both a symbol of Americana and the villain who tore it all down, whenever the spotlight called.
Superstars come and go, but the house Hogan drew in professional wrestling will echo forever.
Tributes have poured in from every end of the spectrum, with wrestling legends like The Undertaker, Ric Flair, and Triple H, as well as countless other public figures, all praising the immortal Hulk Hogan’s incomparable impact. Even President Donald Trump, a fellow WWE Hall of Famer, offered his respects.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster,’” Trump stated. “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. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Let Me Tell You Something, Brother
Triple H: “WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring… and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea. He was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar’ — a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world. Hulk Hogan, clad in red and yellow or nWo black and white, was simply put, iconic. As a Real American or the leader of one of the industry’s biggest factions, he transcended and elevated the entire business to heights never before seen - in every country and on every continent. There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another. My family sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fans.”
Ric Flair: “I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend Hulk Hogan! Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father! Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be. He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside. Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace, my friend!”
Stone Cold Steve Austin: “Hulk Hogan was born to be a professional wrestler. Larger than life. Charisma for days. He was in a stratosphere all on his own. His contributions are immense. His influence will be forever. Hulkamania lives on. My condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The Undertaker: “The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative. Thank you, Hulk Hogan.”
JD Vance: “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”
Sting: “HULK HOGAN — THE GREATEST OF ALL. Can’t thank you enough for all that you did for me and for wrestling fans all over the world. I loved you and I will miss you. My friend, Terry Bollea, RIP.”
Chris Jericho: “When I started in WCW, I had the pleasure of meeting one of my childhood heroes, then years later in WWE, I had a blast with him entertaining millions… the same way he had entertained me for many years. Thank you for everything Hulkster… you paved the way for all of us. Please say your prayers and eat your vitamins everybody… you just never know.”
Sylvester Stallone: “I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he’s gone…”
Shawn Michaels: “A legend. A larger-than-life presence. Hulk Hogan didn’t just work in this business… he transformed it. Rest in peace, Hulkster.”
Rob Gronkowski: “RIP Hulkster. Childhood Hero, an absolute legend, an entertainer, just one of the purest of all times. So glad I got to meet you last year, it was an honor. Let me tell you something brother, you will always be remembered.”
Linda McMahon: “I had the privilege of knowing and working with Hulk Hogan for over 40 years. Hulk was a dear friend and member of our WWE family. His legacy in and out of the ring will always be remembered. He was one of a kind! My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, and all of his fans.”
Scott Hansen: “One of the most electric things I’ve ever seen in a football stadium: Pontiac Silverdome 1987 — Hulk slams Andre. Still have the ticket stub. Condolences to his family, loved ones, and Hulkamaniacs worldwide.”
Troy Aikman: “From a fan to a friend — working with Hulk Hogan for a few years was a thrill and a privilege. He was every bit the showman and entertainer we all grew up watching. Rest in peace, Hulk.”
Georges St-Pierre: “They say you should never meet your idols, but meeting Hulk Hogan made me admire him even more. He was so generous with his time and an inspiration not only as an athlete and entertainer, but also as a human being. He will be missed by us all. RIP Hulk Hogan.”
Vince Russo: “I am floored, speechless, don't know what to say, in shock, denial, trying to process. Just, wow, man.”
The Miz: “When I was a kid I ate my vitamins, said my prayers because Hulk Hogan told me to. He was someone I looked up to; a larger-than-life presence I copied constantly growing up. The voice, flexing, charisma, he made you want to be bold, loud, confident. RIP, Hulk Hogan.”
Charlotte Flair: “When I nearly lost my dad 8 years ago, one of the few people who was there for all of it was Hulk Hogan. My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother.”
Kurt Angle: “R.I.P Hulkster, thank you for opening up doors for so many people in the business including myself. There would not be a Kurt Angle, without the American Made, Hulk Hogan. My heart and prayers go out to his family. We lost a real icon today.”
Kevin Nash: “I lost another brother. Icon doesn't even touch it. Rest in power my friend. NWO 4 Life… and beyond.”
The Rock: “Rest in Peace, Terry Bollea aka The Immortal Hulk Hogan. To millions of little kids you were a childhood hero - myself included. In 1984, I gave you your ‘HULKSTER’ headband back, in the locker room in Madison Square Garden - I was the lucky kid caught it when you threw it in the crowd. You were wrestling ‘Mr Wonderful’, Paul Orndorff that night in the main event. You were shocked and so happy after the match because you told me that was your very last headband and if it weren’t for me, you’d have no way of getting that exact one made again. You promised me that you would get more made and give me a Hulkster headband of my own as a thank you gift. A month later in Madison Square Garden, you did just that. You kept your word, with a handshake and a ‘thanks kid’. And that meant the world to that little 12 year old boy.
Just 17 years later, and still a kid at the age of 29 years old — I’m standing in the middle of the ring and facing you - one of my wrestling heroes in the main event of WRESTLEMANIA. The match was to decide who would go down in history, as The Greatest of All Time. When you kick out of my Rock Bottom finisher — just listen and FEEL that crowd go ELECTRIC… all for you. I’ve never felt anything like that in my entire wrestling career. It takes two to tango, but that historic crowd reaction was all for you. You may have ‘passed the torch’ to me that night, but you, my friend… you ‘drew the house’ meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time. From deep in my bones, and on behalf of this wild and crazy world of professional wrestling that we love, I say to you now, and forever… Thank you for the house, brother… Thank you, for the house. RIP Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan.”
