Hulk Hogan, the legendary WWE wrestler who revolutionized professional wrestling and brought it into mainstream pop culture, has died at the age of 71. According to TMZ Sports, Hogan suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning. Emergency responders confirmed the incident involved a cardiac-related emergency.
A large number of police vehicles and EMT units were seen outside Hogan’s residence, and the WWE Hall of Famer was transported on a stretcher into an ambulance.
Just weeks prior, Hogan’s wife Sky had denied speculation that he was in a coma, insisting that his heart was “strong” as he continued to recover from surgeries. The WWE legend had reportedly undergone a neck procedure in May, which initially led to rumors that he was on his “deathbed.”
From Wrestling Hero to Cultural Icon: Remembering Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan, widely credited with transforming professional wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon, began his career in a time when the sport appealed to a limited audience. His charismatic presence and theatrical performances captivated children and adults alike, elevating wrestling to family entertainment status.
In 1996, Hogan made a dramatic character shift, creating the infamous New World Order (NWO) faction and reinventing himself as Hollywood Hulk Hogan. The transformation added a new dimension to his career and brought additional attention to the sport.
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He was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but was later removed in 2015 following the release of a secretly recorded video featuring racist remarks. The clip, published by Gawker, led to a lawsuit in which Hogan emerged victorious. He was inducted again in 2020, this time as part of the NWO.
In 2024, Hogan made headlines once more when he energized the crowd at the Republican National Convention, showcasing his signature theatrics.
Hogan also enjoyed a successful film and television career, starting with his role as Thunderlips in “Rocky III” in 1982. He went on to star in “No Holds Barred,” “Suburban Commando,” and “Mr. Nanny.” He also appeared in the popular VH1 reality show “Hogan Knows Best”, featuring his family — Linda, Nick, and Brooke.
Despite enduring numerous injuries throughout his wrestling career, Hogan remained resilient. In a past interview, he remarked that he had “no original body parts left” due to the extensive number of surgeries he had undergone.
The last known public conversation with Hogan occurred in May, during the launch of Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league. The league’s first event is scheduled for August 30th on Fox Nation.
