Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, has died at the age of 71, according to the Clearwater Police Department and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Authorities in Clearwater responded to a call early Thursday morning reporting a cardiac arrest. Hogan, born Terry Bollea, was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police confirmed the news in a public statement posted to Facebook.
Widely considered one of the most influential personalities in sports entertainment, Hogan rose to prominence in the 1980s and helped catapult WWE—then known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF)—into global popularity. He was the headliner of the first WrestleMania in 1985 and became known for high-profile feuds with legendary opponents such as Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock.
Throughout his career, Hogan won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was reinstated into the Hall in 2018 following a brief removal.
Hogan’s legacy extended far beyond the wrestling ring. He appeared in multiple films and television shows, most notably starring in the VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best, which offered a behind-the-scenes look at his family life. In 2016, he made headlines for winning a high-profile invasion of privacy lawsuit against Gawker Media, receiving a $115 million jury award after the outlet published a sex tape involving Hogan.
In a tribute shared on social media, WWE called Hogan “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures,” crediting him with helping to bring professional wrestling into the mainstream during the 1980s. “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” the organization said.
Known for his signature mustache, headband, and red-and-yellow gear, Hogan embodied the persona of a patriotic American hero. His in-ring charisma, combined with his trademark showmanship—such as tearing off his shirt to the roar of the crowd—earned him fans around the world. His catchphrases and the energy of “Hulkamania” became synonymous with a golden era of professional wrestling.
Hogan first captured the WWF Championship in 1984, launching a meteoric rise that helped solidify WrestleMania as an annual pop culture phenomenon. His debut WrestleMania match, where he teamed with Mr. T to defeat “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, remains one of the most memorable events in wrestling history.
With his passing, the wrestling community mourns the loss of a generational figure whose influence stretched across sports, entertainment, and popular culture.