Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71

Hulk Hogan, iconic wrestler and actor, has died at 71 from cardiac arrest at his Florida home. A key figure in 1980s wrestling, he later faced controversy over racist remarks but was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. In recent years, he supported Donald Trump and appeared at the 2024 Republican convention. He had health issues and is survived by his children.

Hulk Hogan, the iconic face of professional wrestling in the 1980s who leveraged his success in the ring to launch an acting career, has died at the age of 71, according to US media reports on Thursday. Hogan — a Hall of Fame wrestler known for his towering 6'7" (two-metre) frame, signature bandana, and distinct blond handlebar mustache — passed away at his home in Florida, NBC News reported, citing his manager Chris Volo. TMZ also confirmed the news, referencing unnamed sources and an emergency services dispatch call that described a "cardiac arrest" incident at his residence.

Hogan’s larger-than-life personality — often portrayed as a heroic, all-American figure in the ring — combined with his wrestling skills, helped catapult the sport into mainstream family entertainment. His immense popularity drew millions of fans and played a significant role in turning professional wrestling into a billion-dollar industry.

Hogan — born Terry Bollea — first appeared in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1979 but truly rose to prominence in the mid-1980s. He became a fan favorite alongside other wrestling legends such as Andre the Giant and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. His unique brand, known as "Hulkamania," extended beyond the wrestling ring to both film and television, with appearances in movies like "Rocky III," "No Holds Barred," and the television show "Baywatch." In recognition of his contributions to the industry, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

"WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s," the wrestling organization said in a statement on social media. "WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans."

Despite his fame, Hogan's career was not without controversy. Over a decade ago, he was at the center of a scandal involving the use of racist language, which led to his dismissal from WWE in 2015. He later issued a public apology and was eventually reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame.

In recent years, Hogan became a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump. He made a memorable appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention, which confirmed Trump's nomination. During the event, Hogan tore off his shirt to reveal a tank top emblazoned with "Trump-Vance" and proclaimed from the stage, "With our leader up there, my hero, that gladiator, we're gonna bring America back together."

Throughout his later years, Hogan struggled with various health issues attributed to his lengthy wrestling career. He was married three times and had two children with his first wife, Linda.