The world of professional wrestling and pop culture mourns the loss of Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71 in Clearwater, Florida, on July 24, 2025. According to reports, medics were dispatched to Hogan’s home early Thursday morning following a cardiac arrest, and despite efforts, the iconic wrestler could not be saved. His passing marks the end of an era for a man whose larger-than-life persona transformed wrestling into a global phenomenon. Here’s a look back at the life, career, and enduring impact of the man who made “Hulkamania” a household name
From Augusta to Global Stardom
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida, Terry Bollea was a talented musician and baseball player before stepping into the wrestling ring. A chance encounter with wrestlers Mike Graham and the Briscoe brothers led him to train under Hiro Matsuda, debuting as “The Super Destroyer” in 1977. By 1979, Vince McMahon Sr. gave him the name “Hulk Hogan,” inspired by his massive physique and a TV appearance alongside Lou Ferrigno, star of The Incredible Hulk. This marked the birth of a legend.
Hogan’s charisma, 6’7” frame, blond handlebar mustache, and red-and-yellow attire made him an instant icon. Joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1983, he became the face of the 1980s wrestling boom, headlining eight of the first nine WrestleManias. His 1984 victory over The Iron Sheik for the WWF Championship sparked “Hulkamania,” a cultural wave that saw Hogan grace magazine covers, star in cartoons like Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling, and appear on shows like Saturday Night Live. His mantra—“say your prayers, eat your vitamins”—inspired millions of “Hulkamaniacs” worldwide.
A Career of Reinvention
Hogan’s career was defined by his ability to evolve. In 1993, he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he won six WCW World Heavyweight Championships. His 1996 heel turn as “Hollywood” Hogan, leading the New World Order (nWo), was a pivotal moment in wrestling history, fueling the “Monday Night Wars” and making WCW’s Starrcade 1997 the promotion’s most profitable pay-per-view. Returning to WWE in 2002, he won his sixth WWE Championship, cementing his legacy. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 (and again in 2020 with the nWo), Hogan remained a beloved ambassador for the sport.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan starred in films like No Holds Barred (1989), Suburban Commando (1991), and Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips, bringing his charisma to Hollywood. He launched ventures like Hogan Energy drinks, “Hulkster Burgers,” and Hogan’s Beach restaurant, though his lavish lifestyle and divorce from Linda Hogan in 2009 strained his $25 million fortune. His reality show Hogan Knows Best (2005-2007) offered a glimpse into his family life with daughter Brooke and son Nick.
A Controversial Figure
Hogan’s life wasn’t without controversy. He faced criticism for embellishing stories, like claims of being scouted by The Rolling Stones or turning down The Wrestler (2008). A 2015 scandal involving a leaked racist rant led to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame, though he was reinstated in 2018. Despite these missteps, Hogan’s faith, which he embraced at age 14 and reaffirmed with a 2023 baptism, guided him through personal struggles, including multiple surgeries for back issues from his wrestling career.
A Lasting Legacy
Hulk Hogan’s impact on wrestling is undeniable. He turned a niche sport into a mainstream spectacle, drawing 33 million viewers to his WrestleMania III match against André the Giant in 1987, a record still unmatched. His rivalries with Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, and The Rock are etched in wrestling lore, and his nWo storyline redefined the industry. Posts on X reflect the sentiment of fans, with one user noting, “Hogan changed the game for wrestling… There will never be another.” Another called him “the default model of masculinity” for a generation.
Hogan’s recent years saw him embrace new ventures, like launching Real American Beer in 2024, and make public appearances, including a speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention. His marriage to Sky Daily in 2023 and ongoing recovery from neck surgery in May 2025 showed his resilience, even as false death rumors circulated earlier this year, which his wife and representatives quickly debunked.
Farewell to an Icon
Hulk Hogan’s passing leaves a void in wrestling and pop culture. His ability to connect with fans, from children requesting him through Make-A-Wish to adults chanting “Hulkamania” decades later, made him a true icon. As we remember him, the question he posed to the world—“Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”—echoes as a testament to his enduring spirit.
Our thoughts are with Hogan’s wife, Sky, his children, Brooke and Nick, and his global legion of fans. Rest in peace, Hulkster. Your legacy will live on in the ring and beyond.
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