Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who helped propel World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) into a global phenomenon, has died at the age of 71.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, is widely credited with transforming the wrestling scene into an entertainment spectacle.
He was pronounced dead in Florida on Thursday morning local time, after authorities responded to a call about a cardiac arrest.
In a post on X, the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) stated it was “sad 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 organisation said.
“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hulk Hogan, seen here with Mr T, was the main draw of the first ever WWE Wrestlemania in 1985. (AP: Corey Struller)
Hogan starred in the first WWE Wrestlemania in 1985, helping launch the competition into the mainstream.
He went on to win at least six WWE championships and was inducted into its hall of fame in 2005.
‘Incredible athlete’
Perhaps his most famous moment was during the WrestleMania III extravaganza in 1987, when Hogan hoisted fellow wrestler André the Giant before a sold-out Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan for a thunderous body slam of the Frenchman.
He also starred in several films, including Rocky III and Santa With Muscles.
Fellow wrestler and 16-time world champion Ric Flair also posted that he was “absolutely shocked” to hear about Hogan’s death.
Hulk Hogan, seen here in 1994, transformed professional wrestling into a family sport. (Reuters: Delores Delvin/USA Today)
“He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask him to be,” he wrote on X, adding Hogan had been “an incredible athlete, talent, friend and father”.
Hogan was known for his towering two-metre physique, bandana and distinctive blond handlebar moustache.
In recent years, he also emerged as a political figure, throwing his support behind US President Donald Trump’s 2024 election campaign.
“Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” Hogan bellowed to a cheering crowd at last year’s Republican National Convention.
Shortly after the news was announced, Mr Trump took to his Truth Social platform to remember Hogan for being “strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart”.
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,” he wrote.
“To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
Hulk Hogan sued an American news organisation after it published a sex tape of him in 2012. (AP: Steve Nesius)
Among the first to pay tribute after news of his death broke was Mr Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who posted a picture to X of Hogan waving an American flag in a boxing ring with the caption: “RIP.”
Sex tape lawsuit and racist rant
Hogan’s time in the spotlight was never far from controversy.
In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan US$115 million ($174 million) in his sex tape lawsuit against Gawker Media and then added US$25 million ($37 million) in punitive damages.Â
Hogan sued after Gawker in 2012 posted a video of him having sex with his former best friend’s wife. He contended the post violated his privacy.
He was also suspended from the WWE after being recorded repeatedly using a racial slur, but was later reinstated to the organisation.
Hogan suffered numerous health problems in later years, stemming from the years of abuse his body took in the ring.
He was married three times and had two children, who starred alongside him and first wife Linda in a 2005-2007 reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best.Â
ABC/Reuters/AFP