WWE Legend Hulk Hogan Has Died at 71

💥 Hulk Hogan Dies at 71: A Wrestling Icon Says Goodbye

Hulk Hogan, the iconic WWE Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 71. His real name was Terry Gene Bollea. Police in Clearwater, Florida confirmed he suffered a cardiac arrest Thursday morning and was later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital.

In a statement, WWE honored Hogan, calling him “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures.” The company credited him for helping bring professional wrestling into the global spotlight during the 1980s.

Hulkamania and the Rise of Wrestling’s Biggest Star

Hogan began wrestling in 1977, but his career exploded in the 1980s with WWE. He became a household name with his signature leg drop, red-and-yellow gear, and unforgettable line:

“Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”

He won the WWE Championship six times and headlined eight out of the first ten WrestleManias. Hogan teamed with Mr. T to headline the very first event in 1985. That same year, during a TV appearance with Richard Belzer, Hogan accidentally injured the host. Belzer sued, and the case was settled out of court.

As his fame grew, Hogan crossed into mainstream media. He appeared in Rocky III, starred in Mr. Nanny, and even led a short-lived TV show Thunder in Paradise. His appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show helped wrestling become a pop culture force.

Reinvention, Scandal, and Complicated Legacy

In the mid-1990s, Hogan left WWE for rival promotion WCW. Fans started to boo his once-heroic character. He then shocked the wrestling world by turning heel, becoming “Hollywood Hogan.” As leader of the New World Order, he helped redefine modern wrestling and kicked off the Monday Night Wars.

Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 to face The Rock at WrestleMania X8, a passing-of-the-torch moment cheered by millions. His match became an instant classic.

However, his public image suffered at times. In 1994, he testified in a federal steroid trial involving Vince McMahon. Hogan admitted to using steroids but denied receiving them from WWE.

In 2015, a leaked recording revealed Hogan using racial slurs. WWE fired him and removed him from its Hall of Fame. Hogan later apologized publicly, saying he was “embarrassed” and asking fans for forgiveness.

Another scandal erupted when Gawker released a sex tape without his consent. Hogan sued for invasion of privacy and won $140 million. The case later settled for $31 million.

A Lasting Impact on Wrestling and Pop Culture

Despite setbacks, Hulk Hogan remains one of the most important figures in wrestling history. His charisma, style, and legacy helped shape modern sports entertainment. He inspired generations of wrestlers, from Stone Cold Steve Austin to John Cena.

From Hulkamania to Hollywood Hogan, Terry Bollea left a lasting mark far beyond the ring. His family, close friends, and millions of fans—who grew up hearing his voice, flexing their arms, and believing in the power of ‘saying your prayers and eating your vitamins’—will carry on his legacy.

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