Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan died Thursday at age 71 from cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home, ending the life of America’s most recognizable sports entertainer who became a powerful voice for conservative values.
Terry Gene Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, suffered the medical emergency Thursday morning at his Clearwater Beach residence. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene after receiving a cardiac arrest call just before 10 a.m., but Hogan was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital despite treatment efforts.
Clearwater Police Major Nate Burnside confirmed there were “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity” surrounding Hogan’s death, which remains under investigation.
World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed the passing of their biggest star: “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.”
Hogan’s death comes just over a year after his electrifying appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he delivered a ripping endorsement of President Donald Trump that brought the crowd to its feet.
“I’ve been in the ring with some of the biggest, some of the baddest dudes on the planet. I know tough guys, but let me tell you something, brother, Donald Trump is the toughest of them all,” Hulk Hogan declared. “Let Trumpmania run wild, brother! Let Trumpmania rule again! Let Trumpmania make America great again!”
Following Trump’s election victory, Hogan posted on Instagram that “we’re all real Americans” and encouraged people to “focus on what unites us.” He also shared a photo of himself arm-wrestling Trump on October 27.
Hulk Hogan died unexpectedly at 71. RIP from your loyal Hulkamaniacs https://t.co/xSfyG2J3l3
— The Horn News (@ReadTheHornNews) July 24, 2025
Hogan had been battling health issues in recent years, including a problematic back injury from his wrestling career. He underwent neck fusion surgery in May, though his wife Sky denied rumors that he was in serious condition at the time, saying his heart was “strong” and he was recovering well from the procedure.
The wrestling superstar transformed professional entertainment in the 1980s, turning WWE from a regional attraction into a global phenomenon through his larger-than-life “Hulkamania” persona. His signature catchphrase “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” became part of American culture.
Hogan headlined the first eight WrestleMania events, with his most famous match coming in 1987 against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III. The bout, dubbed “The Slam Heard ‘Round The World,” drew 93,173 fans to the Pontiac Silverdome and set pay-per-view records.
Wrestling legend Ric Flair led tributes to his longtime friend: “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.”
Hogan won the WWE championship six times during his career and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 as an individual performer and again in 2020 as a member of the New World Order faction.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan became a cultural icon through movies including “Rocky III,” where he played Thunderlips, and “Mr. Nanny.” He starred in the reality show “Hogan Knows Best” on VH1 and made countless television appearances.
In recent years, Hogan channeled his patriotic spirit into business ventures, launching Real American Beer with the mission to “bring the country back together one beer at a time.” He founded the company after witnessing how political divisions were tearing communities apart.
Hogan also served as commissioner of Real American Freestyle wrestling, a new promotion focused on traditional amateur wrestling. Fox Nation had announced broadcasting rights to the league, with the first event scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland.
The wrestling legend’s conservative values extended beyond entertainment. He was baptized in December 2023 at Indian Rocks Baptist Church in Largo, Florida, calling his dedication to Jesus “the greatest day of my life.”
“Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life. No worries, no hate, no judgment. The training, prayers, and vitamins kept me in the game, but now that I am one with God, the main event theme of surrender, service, and love makes me the real main event that can slam any giant of any size through the power of my Lord and Savior,” Hogan wrote on social media at the time.
His wife Sky Daily Hogan was also baptized during the church ceremony.
Hogan’s later years were marked by legal battles, including a successful $140 million lawsuit against Gawker Media over a sex tape published without his consent. The case, which ultimately bankrupted Gawker, became a landmark victory for privacy rights.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields posted tribute on X Thursday: “Rest In Peace, BROTHER.”
“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,” Vice President J.D. Vance wrote.
Hogan overcame numerous health challenges throughout his career, undergoing approximately 25 surgeries including 10 back operations, knee and hip replacements, and shoulder procedures.
Born August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977. He gained worldwide recognition after signing with WWE in 1983, where his heroic all-American persona helped create the professional wrestling boom of the 1980s.
Hogan is survived by his third wife Sky Daily, whom he married in 2023, and his children Nick and Brooke from his first marriage to Linda Claridge. He was previously married to Jennifer McDaniel from 2010 to 2022.
His death marks the end of an era in both wrestling and American entertainment.