Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dead at 71
Iconic Hogan also starred in movies and television shows, had memorable fights in Toronto.
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Arguably the most famous wrestler ever, Hulk Hogan, has died at age 71.
TMZ first reported the news early Thursday afternoon, with World Wrestling Entertainment later confirming. NBC News reported Hogan died at his home in Florida, according to his manager Chris Volo.
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“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the organization said in a post on X.
“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.”
According to TMZ, “Medics were dispatched to the WWE legend’s Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning … with operators stating it was regarding a “cardiac arrest.”
The outlet also said: “We’re told a slew of police cars and EMTs were parked outside Hogan’s home … and the icon was carried on a stretcher and into an ambulance.”
TMZ had reported last month that there were “rumblings” Hogan — born Terry Bollea in Augusta, Ga. — was on his “deathbed” but had been told Hogan was recovering from a May neck procedure.
His wife, Sky, had denied a few weeks ago to the outlet that he was in a coma.
Hogan was the driving force in turning wrestling into a mainstream, hugely popular and profitable endeavour.
He began professionally fighting in 1977, but rose to fame after signing with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1983 and rode an all-American persona to years of success as the ultimate “babyface” in the wrestling world.
Hogan also appeared in movies (including Rocky III, No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny) and television shows, leaving WWF in 1993, and executed perhaps the biggest heel turn ever when, after signing with WWF arch rival World Championship Wrestling in 1994, he shocked the world with a 1996 switch to “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan. As leader of the New World Order crew, Hogan discarded his entire 1980s and early 1990s persona.
After the WWF bought WCW, Hogan returned to the outfit in 2002 and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Hogan’s life was not without controversy. A video of him leaked in 2015 repeatedly using a racist slur referring to Black Americans. That caused Hogan to be fired from WWE. After numerous apologies he was reinstated to the WWE Hall of Fame three years later.
Hogan was a prominent supporter of American President Donald Trump.
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Some of his biggest fights came in Toronto. Besides 1980s classics against the likes of Andre The Giant, The Iron Sheik, Macho Man Randy Savage, Paul Orndorff and Big John Studd at Maple Leaf Gardens or Exhibition Stadium, there were two true main events:
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Wrestlemania VI in 1990 at the brand new SkyDome, between Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior. This winner-take-all match between two champions saw the Warrior stun Hogan and the crowd with his first clean pinfall loss since 1981.
At Wrestlemania X8, also at SkyDome, in 2002, Hogan faced off with The Rock. Heading in, Hogan was the heel and his opponent the fan favourite, but the Toronto crowd loudly backed Hogan and though The Rock won the match, Hogan would turn back into a “babyface” for the first time in years thanks to some post-match hijinks.
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Both remain two of the most famous matches in wrestling history.
He was married three times, and had two children with his first wife Linda.
Hogan was pre-deceased by some of his most memorable rivals such as Andre, who died in 1993, Savage, who died in 2011, and The Iron Sheik, who died in June 2023.
Tributes started to pour in after news of Hogan’s death broke.
Ric Flair posted to X: “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! 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!”
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