Pro Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Has Died at the Age of 71

The wrestling world has lost another legend. On Thursday morning, it was confirmed that Pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71, according to Florida police and the WWE. Hogan helped shape pop culture and sports entertainment in the 80’s and early 90’s.

While the world and shirt-ripping fans may have known him as Hulk Hogan. The two-time WWE Hall of Famer and former world champion’s real name was Terry Gene Bollea. Bollea died Thursday after the Clearwater Police Department and Fire Department responded to a call for cardiac arrest just before 10 a.m. and took Hogan to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

While Hogan’s death is still under investigation, only due to the enforcement’s involvement in the matter. Clearwater Police Department Maj. Nate Burnside said during a press briefing on Thursday; that Hogan was “experiencing a serious medical-related issue” and there are no signs of foul play or suspicious activity.

The WWE were among the first to share their condolences regarding Hogan. They stated via social media,

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hulk Hogan started wrestling in the late seventies but achieved massive fame in the next decade to come. Hogan would appear in 10 WrestleMania matches and featured in the main event eight times. He also appeared on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show and in movies such as Rocky III.

Hulk Hogan Passes at 71- Life and Career of the Pro Wrestler

As a wrestler Hulk Hogan made bank, millions. Even upon his passing his net worth is estimated at around $25 million. Hogan’s estimated net worth includes his Gawker.com settlement, which was initially $140 million but reduced to $31 million. He also lost some of it due to his divorce settlement with his ex-wife, Linda Hogan.

Nonetheless, throughout the years Hogan’s merchandise, including t-shirts, action figures, and memorabilia, continued to sell well. And he earned royalties off his likeness being used in video games.

In the late 90’s and onwards Hogan could not reach the same levels of fame and success. However, his spot in wrestling history is solidified regardless. With his signature leg drop and 24-inch pythons; plus wildly popular catchphrases like, “Whatcha Gonna Do When Hulkamania Runs Wild On You!?” Hulk Hogan will definitely be remembered as quite the showman.

But as the years passed, fans took to other wrestlers and Hogan’s character and antics took a backseat. However, a few credit Hulk Hogan’s diminishing popularity to behind the scenes drama. According to ABC News,

“Hogan’s dip in popularity was not just limited to the arenas. His image took a battering in 1994 when the federal government accused WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon of illegally giving performers anabolic steroids. Hogan testified that he took steroids but denied doing so at McMahon’s direction. McMahon was ultimately acquitted.”

Additionally, in later years Hogan also made comments in reference to his daughter’s boyfriend. But ten years ago to literally today’s date (July 24, 2015); Hulk apologized for using such language when referencing the young man. He took an extra step appearing on Good Morning America stating,

“I’m not a racist but I never should have said what I said. It was wrong. I’m embarrassed by it,” he said, but added: “People need to realize that you inherit things from your environment. And where I grew up was south Tampa, Port Tampa, and it was a really rough neighborhood, very low income.”

Hulk Hogan also later found Christianity. Getting baptized just a little more than a year ago. Hogan was open about the mistakes he’d made in life, being imperfect like the rest of humanity; but was thrilled to start a new chapter in his faith.

Pro Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Has Died at the Age of 71

As wrestling fans look back at Hulk Hogan’s career and legacy, he leaves plenty behind to remember. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 for the first time as an individual performer and again in 2020 as a member of the NWO. He was also reinstated by the WWE in 2018 and hosted WrestleMania 37 alongside WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil in 2021.

Hulk took a wrestling industry and gave it new life. Hogan is widely credited for helping to turn professional wrestling from a regional attraction to a mainstream phenomenon. And that is an achievement no one can erase. Hogan was married three times, and is survived by his two children and wife Sky Daily.

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