Terry Gene Bollea — known to the world as Hulk Hogan — was more than just a wrestling icon. He was a cultural phenomenon. The man who ripped T-shirts with ease and flexed biceps like bronze statues died Thursday morning at age 71 in Clearwater, Fla., following a reported cardiac arrest.
Despite rumors of declining health in recent weeks, his passing still comes as a shock to the world of professional wrestling and millions of fans who grew up during the golden age of Hulkamania.
Edmond W. Davis
Born in Augusta, Ga., and raised in Tampa, Hogan’s rise from a struggling bass guitarist and amateur bodybuilder to the face of professional wrestling is a story of tenacity, charisma and marketing genius. In the 1980s, at the height of Reagan-era America, Hogan’s red-and-yellow image became synonymous with larger-than-life heroism and entertainment. He was the embodiment of the phrase “Real American,” with his catchphrases — “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” — becoming part of the national lexicon.
In the squared circle, Hogan was the centerpiece of WWE’s rise to mainstream dominance. Under Vince McMahon’s ambitious vision, Hogan headlined the first nine WrestleMania events, became a five-time WWE champion and later a six-time WCW world heavyweight champion. His dramatic rivalries with legends like “Macho Man” Randy Savage, André the Giant, The Ultimate Warrior and Ric Flair helped craft some of the most memorable moments in sports entertainment history.
To children of the 1980s and ’90s, Hogan was invincible. His exaggerated charisma, exaggerated muscles and even more exaggerated morality tale-style promos taught fans to say their prayers, eat their vitamins and believe in themselves. “Hulkamania” was not just a gimmick, it was a movement.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan expanded into Hollywood with Suburban Commando, Mr. Nanny and a role in Rocky III as Thunderlips. He voiced cartoons, starred in his own reality TV show and was immortalized in video games. For more than three decades, Hulk Hogan remained one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures.
While Hogan’s achievements in the ring are well documented, many within the wrestling community also remember him as a loyal friend. Ric Flair, in a touching tribute, called Hogan a “friend, father and talent like no other,” recalling how Hogan prayed at his hospital bedside when Flair was given just a 2% chance of survival.
Others in the business echoed similar sentiments — he opened doors for future superstars, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena and Dave Bautista. Without Hogan, there would arguably be no WrestleMania as we know it, no Monday Night Wars and no billion-dollar WWE global empire. Hulk Hogan made wrestling cool, mainstream and marketable.
“As is the case with many larger-than-life figures, Hogan’s legacy is not without controversy.”
But as is the case with many larger-than-life figures, Hogan’s legacy is not without controversy.
In 2015, the world was stunned when leaked audio revealed Hogan using racial slurs in a private conversation, leading WWE to sever ties with its longtime hero and remove him from the Hall of Fame — at least temporarily. Although he later issued public apologies, many in the Black wrestling community and beyond felt betrayed by a man they once idolized.
Compounding the criticism was Hogan’s staunch political alignment with Donald J. Trump. Over the years, he became increasingly vocal in his support, even speaking at a Trump rally in 2024. To critics, his politics and racial insensitivity made Hogan emblematic of a deeper cultural divide — an icon who failed to evolve with the times. These moments undeniably marred his image, prompting difficult conversations among fans about idol worship, accountability and forgiveness.
Still, it’s important to tell the whole story. Hogan’s fall from grace sparked industry-wide changes in how companies address racism, representation and inclusion. His controversies also forced WWE and the wrestling world to examine its own culture, making space — albeit slowly — for greater diversity and equity in storytelling and leadership.
In the days leading up to his death, Hogan’s health had become a subject of speculation, with unfounded rumors circulating that he was in a coma. His wife, Sky, denied such reports, insisting his heart was strong following a recent neck procedure. But on July 24, at 9:51 a.m. Clearwater first responders were called to his home. He was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
WWE confirmed his death later that day, writing: “WWE is saddened to learn that 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 world lost a complex figure — one whose triumphs, missteps and redemption arcs mirrored the drama of the very business he helped build. He was the hero, the villain and everything in between.
Terry Bollea may be gone, but Hulk Hogan — warts and all — will forever live in the echoes of a crowd chanting his name, in the memories of a generation raised on body slams and big boots, and in the ever-expanding story of professional wrestling.
Rest in Power, Hulkster. You truly ran wild on all of us.
Edmond W. Davis is a native of Philadelphia. He is an award-winning college and university history professor (retired), No. 1 new release author on Amazon, international speaker, licensed journalist and a globally recognized Tuskegee Airmen authority.