CLEARWATER, Fla. (Diya TV) — Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, one of the most recognized figures in sports entertainment, has died at the age of 71. His longtime manager, Chris Volo, confirmed the news to NBC Los Angeles. Hogan died at his home in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by family.
According to TMZ Sports, a 911 call indicated that Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest. Emergency services were dispatched to his Florida residence, but he passed away shortly after.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, rose to stardom in the 1980s and 1990s. He became the face of World Wrestling Entertainment and helped transform professional wrestling into a global phenomenon. His charisma and larger-than-life persona made him a household name.
Hogan was the main attraction for the very first WrestleMania in 1985. He headlined multiple events for decades, battling legends like Andre the Giant, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and The Rock. His iconic matches with Vince McMahon and other WWE superstars helped define the golden age of wrestling.
He won six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by actor Sylvester Stallone. The company released a tribute following his passing, stating, “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 fame stretched far beyond the ring. He starred in movies, made numerous TV appearances, and even had a successful reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which aired on VH1. The show gave fans a look into his personal life and featured his family.
His popularity soared in pop culture, making him one of the few professional wrestlers to gain true mainstream celebrity status.
In 2013, Hogan filed a $100 million lawsuit against the news site Gawker for publishing a portion of a sex tape without his consent. The Florida jury awarded him $140 million for the invasion of privacy. Gawker later settled the lawsuit for $31 million. The high-profile case led to the company’s bankruptcy and the shutdown of Gawker.com.
In 2015, Hogan faced another major setback. WWE cut ties with him after audio surfaced of him using racial slurs. Hogan later expressed deep regret, saying the incident “devastated” him. After public apologies and community outreach efforts, WWE reinstated him in 2018.
Just over a month before his death, rumors swirled about Hogan’s declining health. Radio host Bubba the Love Sponge, once a close friend, claimed the wrestling legend was “in the hospital” and “might not make it.” Hogan’s rep later denied the rumors, saying there was “no reason to panic.” The spokesperson did confirm that Hogan had undergone successful neck surgery and was recovering from back issues.
Terry Bollea was more than a wrestler. He was a symbol of the 1980s wrestling boom and a hero to millions of fans worldwide. His signature phrases, like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” became part of wrestling history.
Fans and celebrities have already begun paying tribute online, remembering Hogan not just for his in-ring legacy but also for the cultural impact he had across generations.
Hulk Hogan is survived by his children and other family members. Funeral details have not yet been released.
