CLEARWATER, FL – JULY 24, 2025 – Wrestling legend and pop culture titan Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Gene Bollea) died Thursday morning at age 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his Florida home. His death was confirmed by family representatives, WWE, and local authorities, sending shockwaves through the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics.
The Final Hours
- Emergency Response: Clearwater Fire & Rescue responded to a 9:51 AM 911 call from Hogan’s Clearwater Beach home reporting a cardiac arrest. Police and EMTs arrived swiftly, finding Hogan in severe medical distress.
- Hospital Pronouncement: Hogan was treated on-site, transported to Morton Plant Hospital via ambulance (captured on video by TMZ), and pronounced deceased at 11:17 AM.
- No Foul Play: Clearwater Police Department held a press conference confirming no signs of suspicious activity surrounding his death. An investigation into the exact medical cause is ongoing.
Recent Health Struggles Denied
Hogan’s death follows weeks of intense speculation about his health, which loved ones repeatedly dismissed:
- Major Neck Surgery: In May 2025, Hogan underwent a complex “four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion” (ACDF) to address chronic spinal issues from his wrestling career.
- “Deathbed” Rumors: Earlier in July, rumors swirled that Hogan was in a coma or near death. His wife, Sky Daily, forcefully denied these claims on July 12th, stating: “No, he’s definitely not in a coma! His heart is strong… None of those rumors are true.”
- Manager’s Assurance: Just days before his death, longtime manager Jimmy Hart posted on social media: “Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal!”
- History of Surgeries: Hogan had revealed he endured at least 25 surgeries over the previous decade, including multiple back operations and joint replacements.
The Immortal Legacy of Hulkamania
Hogan transcended wrestling to become a global icon:
- WWE’s Architect: Credited as the driving force behind WWE’s rise from regional promotion to global powerhouse in the 1980s. His “Real American” hero persona, catchphrases (“Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins!”), and signature yellow-and-red gear made him instantly recognizable.
- WrestleMania King: Headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and 7 more, including the iconic WrestleMania III (1987) where he body-slammed the 500+ pound Andre the Giant before a record crowd.
- WCW Revolution: His shocking heel turn in 1996, forming the New World Order (nWo) as “Hollywood Hogan,” ignited the “Monday Night Wars” and helped WCW dominate WWE in ratings for 83 weeks.
- Crossover Superstar: Starred in films like Rocky III (as Thunderlips), Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny, hosted SNL, and fronted the reality show Hogan Knows Best. He was the most requested Make-A-Wish celebrity in his prime.
Controversies and Comebacks
Hogan’s life was marked by significant public scandals:
- Racism Scandal (2015): A leaked sex tape revealed Hogan repeatedly using racial slurs. WWE immediately severed ties and removed him from their Hall of Fame. He apologized publicly, calling it his “biggest mistake.”
- Gawker Lawsuit Victory: His $140 million invasion of privacy lawsuit against Gawker for publishing the tape bankrupted the site, becoming a landmark media case.
- Hall of Fame Return: After apologies and community work, WWE reinstated him to the Hall of Fame in 2018 (as an individual) and 2020 (with the nWo) 410. His reception by fans remained mixed in later appearances.
Political Evolution: Obama to MAGA
Hogan’s political affiliations shifted dramatically:
- 2008: Endorsed Barack Obama for President.
- 2011: Criticized Obama, feeling betrayed by unfulfilled promises, and objected to the President’s humorous use of his “Real American” theme song.
- 2016 Onwards: Became a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. He spoke passionately at the 2024 Republican National Convention, ripping off his shirt to reveal a “Trump-Vance 2024” tee, declaring Trump a “real American hero.”
Tributes Pour In
The world reacted with an outpouring of grief and remembrance:
- Donald Trump: “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way… He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive.”
- Sylvester Stallone: “I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26… His amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special. My heart breaks.”
- Ric Flair: “Absolutely Shocked… Hulk has been by my side since we started… An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!… He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living.”
- WWE: “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”
- John Cena: Posted a silent, powerful image of Hogan looming over Andre the Giant on Instagram.
- Triple H (Paul Levesque): “There was no one like The Hulkster and there very well may never be another.”
Final Days and Surviving Family
- Hogan was actively promoting his new amateur wrestling venture, Real American Freestyle, set to launch August 30.
- His final public photos showed him meeting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2025.
- He is survived by his wife Sky Daily (married September 2023), his ex-wife Linda Claridge, their children Brooke Hogan (37) and Nick Hogan (34), and two grandchildren.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy is undeniably complex – a man who brought immeasurable joy to millions as a superhero, revolutionized an industry, weathered devastating scandals, and remained a larger-than-life figure until his final day. The roar of the Hulkamaniacs has faded, but the impact of the Immortal Hulk Hogan endures.