WEB DESK: The legendary wrestler, whose real name is Terry Gene Bollea, was transported via ambulance but has since been confirmed dead at age 71.
The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) also issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing their sorrow: “We are saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. Hogan was one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture, instrumental in elevating WWE to international prominence during the 1980s. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”
While the cause of death remains undisclosed, Hogan’s influence on professional wrestling remains monumental. The towering, blonde-haired star helped transform wrestling from a niche spectacle into a billion-dollar global entertainment phenomenon.
Hogan’s career-defining moment came at WrestleMania III in 1987, where he famously body-slammed André the Giant before a sold-out crowd at the Pontiac Silverdome—an iconic feat that symbolized his dominance in the ring. His crossover success saw him star in Hollywood films like “Rocky III” and “Santa with Muscles,” although his true legacy was built in the squared circle.
Born in August, Georgia, on August 11, 1953, Hogan’s family relocated to Tampa, Florida. After high school, he pursued music as a bass guitarist before feeling a calling for professional wrestling. His early days were rough—his first trainer reportedly broke his leg to discourage him—but Hogan persisted, building a physique that earned him the nickname “Hulk,” inspired by comic book heroes of the era. His moniker “Hogan” was coined by WWF promoter Vincent J. McMahon, adding a layer of showmanship to his persona.
Hogan’s rise to fame was meteoric. His role as Thunderlips in “Rocky III” brought him into the mainstream spotlight, and his victory over the Iron Sheik in 1984 for the WWF World Championship marked the beginning of his legacy as the face of wrestling. Hogan’s charisma and larger-than-life persona made him a household name, gracing magazine covers and sharing the stage with pop icons.
In the 1990s, Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hogan, leading the villainous New World Order faction in WCW, which revitalized his career. He eventually returned to WWE, facing off against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania 18 in 2002—though he lost, Hogan’s presence remained influential.
Throughout his career, Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice and famously compared himself to Babe Ruth, claiming a legendary status in wrestling. However, his support for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race drew mixed reactions among fans, especially given past controversies.
Hogan’s personal life was marked by three marriages and two children, who appeared with him on the reality TV show “Hogan Knows Best” from 2005 to 2007. His legacy is complex—marked by groundbreaking achievements, celebrity status, and some controversies.
