By Deborah Nnamdi
Terry Gene Bollea, better known to the world as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71.
According to reports from TMZ and other outlets, emergency responders were called to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday following a cardiac arrest. He was transported by ambulance after being placed on a stretcher.
Though the wrestling legend had undergone a neck procedure earlier this year, his wife, Sky, had previously reassured fans that his heart remained “strong.”
Hogan was a towering figure in the world of professional wrestling, credited with bringing the sport into the mainstream and helping shape it into family-friendly entertainment. He made his wrestling debut in 1977 and rose to prominence in the 1980s with the WWF (now WWE), becoming a six-time WWF Champion and headlining numerous major events.
In 1996, Hogan reinvented himself with a career-defining heel turn as “Hollywood Hogan” in WCW, co-founding the notorious New World Order (nWo). His influence was later honored with two WWE Hall of Fame inductions—first in 2005 as an individual and again in 2020 as a member of the nWo.
In a statement posted Thursday on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, WWE said it is “saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” calling him “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” who helped elevate WWE to global prominence in the 1980s. The organization extended its condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
Outside the ring, Hogan also had a notable acting career, with roles in Rocky III (as Thunderlips), No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny.
