Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, who became the face of professional wrestling and an enduring pop culture icon, died at age 71 following cardiac arrest. Rising in WWE’s (then WWF) early 1980s heyday, Hogan’s towering physique, handlebar mustache, and signature red-and-yellow attire became synonymous with the sport. His charisma and “Hulkamania” catchphrases helped propel professional wrestling into the mainstream, culminating in headline appearances at the first WrestleMania in 1985 and subsequent years.
Hogan captured the WWE Championship six times, battled adversaries such as Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and later The Rock, and played pivotal roles both in the ring and as an ambassador for the industry. His 2005 induction into the WWE Hall of Fame acknowledged his influence on wrestling’s global reach.
Outside wrestling, Hogan crossed over into movies, television, and endorsements, starring in “Suburban Commando,” “Rocky III,” “Mr. Nanny,” and the VH1 reality show “Hogan Knows Best.” His later years brought legal and personal controversies, including high-profile lawsuits and scrutiny over private conduct, but he remained a defining presence in wrestling events and nostalgia circuits. Hogan’s impact extended beyond sport, shaping the marketing and spectacle-driven approach that now defines sports entertainment. He is survived by his family and by generations of wrestlers and fans who cite him as an inspiration and standard-bearer.
