Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died. He was 71.
Hogan, whose actual identify is Terry Bollea, died Thursday in Florida following a cardiac arrest, TMZ first reported.
Hogan helped catapult World Wrestling Leisure ― then referred to as the World Wrestling Federation ― into mainstream success. But it surely was in 1996 when Hogan actually broke the mould with a surprising heel-turn that noticed him go from hero to villain when he created the New World Order and formally turned Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
In a statement, the WWE referred to as him “one of popular culture’s most recognizable figures.”
“WWE is saddened to study WWE Corridor of Famer Hulk Hogan has handed away,” the assertion mentioned. “One of popular culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE obtain world recognition within the Nineteen Eighties. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s household, pals, and followers.”
Chris Carlson through Related Press
Hogan’s theatrics included ripping his shirt off and calling his opponents “brother” as he served them beatings within the ring.
Hogan gained the World Wrestling Leisure championship six instances in his profession. One among his most memorable fights was towards Andre the Big in 1987. Hogan fought towards the 520-pound heavyweight to a then-record crowd of greater than 90,000 individuals, in line with The Hollywood Reporter.
Although he was inducted into the WWE Corridor of Fame in 2005, he was eliminated in 2015 after he was uncovered making racist feedback whereas being secretly recorded in a intercourse tape leaked by a good friend to the gossip web site Gawker.
Hogan later sued Gawker with the assistance of tech investor Peter Thiel, forcing the publication’s chapter and supreme demise after he gained a $115 million lawsuit. Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Corridor of Fame in 2018.
Lennox McLendon through Related Press
Hogan was a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump. On the Republican Nationwide Conference in 2024, Hogan praised Trump and referred to as him his “hero.”
“What occurred final week once they took a shot at my hero, and so they tried to kill the following president of the USA, sufficient was sufficient,” he said before tossing his jacket and ripping by his shirt to disclose a Trump 2024 tank prime.
Through the marketing campaign, Hogan additionally took jabs at then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who was working towards Trump for president.
“Need me to body-slam someone? You need me to body-slam Kamala Harris?” he requested a crowd on video obtained by TMZ. “I mentioned, ‘Would you like me to body-slam Kamala Harris?’”
Related Press File Photograph
Whereas Hogan gained the adoration of Trump supporters, not all wrestling followers have been happy. In January, Hogan stunned audiences when he appeared on WWE’s flagship “Uncooked” present, however was greeted with loud boos from the group.
Trump praised Hogan for being “MAGA all the best way” in a Truth Social post in regards to the wrestler’s demise.
“We misplaced an amazing good friend at this time, the ‘Hulkster,’” Trump posted. “Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the best way — Sturdy, robust, sensible, however with the largest coronary heart. He gave a fully electrical speech on the Republican Nationwide Conference, that was one of many highlights of the whole week. He entertained followers from all around the World, and the cultural influence he had was large. To his spouse, Sky, and household, we give our warmest finest needs and love. Hulk Hogan will probably be tremendously missed!
Members of the Trump administration also gave their regards to Hogan. Vice President JD Vance referred to as Hogan “a great American icon” in a put up on X.
“The final time I noticed him we promised we’d get beers collectively subsequent time we noticed one another,” Vance mentioned. “The following time must be on the opposite facet, my good friend! Relaxation in peace.”
Fellow wrestling legend and Hogan’s longtime good friend Ric Aptitude mentioned on X that the information of Hogan’s demise was a shock.
“I Am Completely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Shut Pal [Hulk Hogan],” Flair posted. “Hulk Has Been By My Aspect Since We Began In The Wrestling Enterprise. An Unimaginable Athlete, Expertise, Pal, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me.”
“No One Will Ever Examine To You!” Aptitude added. “Relaxation In Peace My Pal.”
Actor and 17-time WWE world champion John Cena additionally commemorated Hogan in a post on Instagram with a photograph of Hogan going up towards Andre the Big. Cena didn’t embrace a caption.
Actor Sylvester Stallone, identified partly for his roles within the “Rocky” film franchise, paid his respects to Hogan as nicely.
“I had the pleasure of assembly this good persona and showman when he was 26 years outdated,” Stallone wrote on Instagram with an image of the 2 collectively. “He was completely fantastic and his wonderful talent made Rocky three extremely particular. My coronary heart breaks. I believe that he’s gone…”
Taiyler S. Mitchell contributed reporting.
