Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies at 71

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has been confirmed dead at the age of 71.

Hulk Hogan, the iconic face of professional wrestling in the 1980s who parlayed his prowess in the ring into an acting career, died on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Hogan – a Hall of Fame talent known for his towering 6’7″ (two-meter) physique, bandana and distinctive blond handlebar mustache – died at his home in Florida, his manager Chris Volo disclosed.

TMZ also reported the news, citing unnamed sources and an emergency personnel dispatch call about a “cardiac arrest” at his home.

Hogan’s magnetic personality – his ring character was a heroic all-American – and wrestling skills transformed the sport into mainstream family entertainment, attracting millions of viewers and turning the league into a revenue juggernaut.

Hogan – real name Terry Bollea – first competed in 1979 in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now known as WWE) but became a mainstay and fan favorite in the mid-1980s alongside others like Andre the Giant and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.

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His brand of “Hulkamania” transferred to the small and big screen, with roles in films such as “Rocky III,” “No Holds Barred” and TV’s “Baywatch.”

Hulk Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

World Wrestling Entertainment said on social media: “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.”

The wrestler was embroiled in controversy more than a decade ago after an intimate video of him leaked, and then again a few years later for his use of racist language, including a slur referring to Black Americans.

The latter caused him to be fired from WWE in 2015. He later apologised for his actions and was reinstated to the WWE Hall of Fame.

The Star