Hulk Hogan is dead at the age of 71, sending shockwaves through the wrestling world and beyond. The wrestling icon, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, died on Thursday, July 24, 2025, after suffering cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home.
Authorities in the U.S. confirmed that emergency services were called to his residence at 9:50 a.m., and Hogan was later pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital. Police reported no foul play.
With his trademark red-and-yellow attire, bandana, handlebar mustache, and bulging biceps, Hulk Hogan was more than just a wrestler. He was a global superstar. In the 1980s and 1990s, he became the face of the WWF (now WWE), starring in some of the biggest matches in wrestling history and turning “Hulkamania” into a household phrase. His motto, “Train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins,” inspired millions of fans worldwide.
The news that Hulk Hogan is dead has led to an outpouring of emotional tributes from fellow wrestlers, celebrities, politicians, and fans across the globe.
Wrestling legend Ric Flair posted, “I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @HulkHogan! No one will ever compare to you. Rest in peace, my friend!”
Brutus Beefcake, Hogan’s longtime friend and tag team partner, wrote, “Through the good times and the bad, I always loved my brother Terry! Until I see you Brother, in the big squared circle in the sky!”
WWE, the company where Hogan made his biggest mark, released a statement saying: “Hulk Hogan is one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Even in politics, his death was felt as Hogan was also known for his vocal support for President Donald Trump.
In 2024, he appeared at the Republican National Convention wearing a Trump-branded T-shirt and energizing the crowd with his trademark charisma. The two had been friends for decades, dating back to Hogan’s appearance at Trump-hosted WrestleMania events in the 1980s. Trump, in his tribute, called Hogan “a great friend” and “one of the strongest voices for real American values.”
Senator JD Vance wrote, “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid.” Former President Donald Trump posted, “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.”
Aside from wrestling, Hogan starred in movies like Rocky III, had a hit reality show Hogan Knows Best, and was involved in one of the most talked-about legal battles of the 2010s, when he successfully sued Gawker for invasion of privacy and won $140 million.
In April 2025, Hogan announced he would serve as commissioner of a new wrestling league, Real American Freestyle, which was set to launch in August. Now, that debut will go on without the man who helped shape the industry.
Fans have taken to social media to post old clips of Hogan’s most iconic matches and interviews, remembering him as the larger-than-life figure who slammed Andre the Giant and electrified arenas with chants of “Hogan! Hogan!”
Hulk Hogan is dead, but his influence lives on. He was a six-time WWE Champion, a Hall of Famer, and a cultural symbol of strength and perseverance. For many, he wasn’t just a wrestler. He was a childhood hero, a symbol of entertainment, and a piece of American history as one fan simply put it: “The ring will never feel the same again. Rest easy, Hulkster.”
