Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 Following Cardiac Arrest at Home
Clearwater, Florida: Legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, has died at age 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater residence on July 24, 2025. Emergency services responded at approximately 9:51 AM and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Hogan's death follows recent neck surgery, a four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in May. His wife, Sky Daily, had publicly denied severe health issues in recent weeks, insisting his heart was “strong”.
Nonetheless, reports from radio host Bubba the Love Sponge suggested he was receiving end-of-life care to name it as his cause of death (a claim refuted by close confidants, including friend Jimmy Hart).
As a six-time WWE champion and two-time Hall of Famer (2005 and 2020), Hogan played a central role in transforming the sport into mainstream entertainment.
Wrestling historian Michael Reichlin noted Hogan headlined major WrestleMania events and helped WWE achieve global status.
Hogan’s reach extended beyond the ring. His appearances in films starting with Rocky III and the reality series Hogan Knows Best cemented his status as a cultural icon.
He ventured into business with Real American Beer in 2024 and co-founded Real American Freestyle, a wrestling promotion set to debut August 30, 2025, for which Hogan was announced as its commissioner.
That launch will proceed without him.
His career had turbulence: a 2012 sex tape controversy, use of racial slurs that led to a temporary removal from the Hall of Fame in 2015, and a successful lawsuit against Gawker that bankrupted the company.
In recent years, his public support for former President Trump—including a 2024 RNC appearance and a MAGA T‑shirt at January 2025 WWE Raw—sparked mixed reactions. During his Raw appearance, he was loudly booed by a 17,000‑strong crowd.
Reaction has been swift. WWE issued its condolences, describing Hogan as “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures”.
In wrestling communities, fans posted mixed tributes with some honoring his contributions, others highlighting his personal controversies. A Reddit user remarked:
“Hogan was bigger than life it almost felt like he’d never pass away … Hulkamania will live forever”.
His influence reached beyond wrestling: Augusta, Georgia—his birthplace—paused public discourse in remembrance, while Clearwater media began profiling his local ties.
Hogan’s passing marks the end of a turbulent icon whose career spanned peak entertainment, scandal, rebirth, and public division. August 30’s Real American Freestyle event promises to be his final indirect legacy, yet his imprint on wrestling history remains indelible.
