For millions of people, especially kids growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a superhero in real life.
With his booming voice, trademark mustache, and red-and-yellow ring gear, Hogan stood tall as the face of wrestling.
But now, the man behind the persona — Terry Bollea — is gone.
The legendary figure passed away at the age of 71, and the tributes are flooding in.
Sudden Medical Emergency at Home
According to TMZ, first responders were called to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida, home after a report of cardiac arrest.
He was taken from his house on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital.
This came not long after his wife, Sky, had insisted he was in strong health following heart surgery, brushing off rumors that he was near death.
Emotional Tributes Pour In from Friends and Fans
Once news of his passing broke, fans, fellow wrestlers, and even politicians began posting heartfelt tributes.
Donald Trump Jr. shared a selfie with the wrestling legend and simply wrote, “R.I.P to a legend.”
No one’s message was more touching than fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair, who called Hogan his “close friend” and recounted emotional moments, like when Hogan prayed by his bedside when he was near death.
Flair said, “No one will ever compare to you. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Even WWE’s official account posted a statement, remembering Hogan as one of the biggest names who helped catapult the sport into a global phenomenon in the 1980s.
Flair’s daughter, Charlotte Flair, also recalled how Hogan had been there for her family in tough times.
“My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke,” she wrote.
Mixed Legacy Sparks Conversation Online
Not all tributes were glowing, though. Some fans and commentators pointed out the darker sides of Hogan’s legacy.
Wrestling analyst Chris Vannini described it as “complicated,” saying Hogan changed both wrestling and entertainment forever — but made mistakes along the way.
Former athlete Travonne Edwards drew a line between the childhood hero Hulk Hogan and Terry Bollea, the man.
Many fans echoed this sentiment, reflecting on how the man who was once idolized had fallen from grace in their eyes.
Some even went as far as celebrating his death, especially those still angry over his racist comments, opposition to unionizing in wrestling, and political leanings.
A Career That Transcended Wrestling
There’s no denying that Hogan’s career was massive.
He wasn’t just a star in the ring — he became a pop culture phenomenon.
His rise to fame began in earnest after beating the Iron Sheik in 1984 to win the WWE Championship, launching what would be called “Hulkamania.”
He went on to win at least six WWE titles and headlined WrestleMania after WrestleMania, taking on giants like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock.
Hogan was even inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
From the Ring to the Big Screen
Hogan’s fame wasn’t confined to wrestling.
He took his charisma to Hollywood, appearing in films and TV shows — including a notable cameo in “Rocky III” as the larger-than-life Thunderlips.
He also starred in his own reality series, “Hogan Knows Best,” offering fans a peek into his personal life.
Scandal and Fallout
Despite his success, Hogan’s legacy took a major hit in 2015 when a leaked sex tape revealed a shocking, racially charged rant.
In it, Hogan repeatedly used the n-word while talking about his daughter’s dating life.
The remarks led to his swift dismissal from WWE and widespread condemnation.
Though Hogan apologized and tried to repair his image — calling the incident a “mistake” and saying “please forgive me” on Good Morning America — many felt his words were hollow.
Even after WWE reinstated him in 2018, criticism lingered, especially from those who believed he never fully took accountability.
Legal Battles and Public Drama
Hogan also made headlines for his $115 million lawsuit against Gawker Media, after they published footage of the sex tape.
He successfully sued them for invasion of privacy, and the case played a key role in the company’s downfall.
In recent years, he became a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, even appearing on Fox News and tearing his sleeves off in classic Hogan fashion while yelling “Trumpamania.”
The stunt was met with mixed reactions, further complicating his public image.
Health Struggles and a Changed Appearance
In his later years, Hogan revealed he had undergone 25 surgeries in just 10 years, including multiple back operations and joint replacements.
He made an appearance on Fox & Friends earlier this year that had fans concerned — his face looked unusually weathered, and he was sporting a stark contrast between a dyed-black beard and white goatee.
Family Feuds and Personal Struggles
Hogan’s personal life remained turbulent up until the end.
His daughter Brooke reportedly cut ties with both parents, and his ex-wife Linda publicly accused him of being a “liar” and “sex addict.”
Meanwhile, Brooke’s husband took subtle jabs at Hogan online, hinting at more family drama behind the scenes.
Hogan had previously been married to Jennifer McDaniel from 2010 to 2021, and in 2023, he married his third wife, Sky.
He is survived by Sky, his children Brooke (37) and Nick (34), and two grandchildren.
A Final Reflection on a Complicated Life
Hulk Hogan’s story is a classic example of a fallen hero.
He climbed to the top of the entertainment world, became a symbol of strength for millions, and then watched as his personal actions cast long shadows over his legacy.
Whether you remember him as the musclebound superhero shouting “Whatcha gonna do, brother?!” or as the man behind controversial headlines, there’s no doubt Hogan’s life left an impact — for better and worse.
Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan.
