Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71: Here's All About Him

Hulk Hogan born Terry Bollea passed away at the age of 71 on Thursday according to WWE. Hogan was one of the most famous wrestlers in history and played a key role in making WWE the giant it is today. In the 1980s and 1990s, he became a huge star because of his bold personality both inside and outside the ring. His fame spread beyond wrestling as he appeared in movies and became a well-known figure worldwide.

WWE shared a statement expressing sadness over Hogan’s passing. They described him as one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures and credited him with helping WWE gain global recognition during the 1980s. The city of Clearwater, Florida, confirmed that emergency services responded to a call about Hogan experiencing cardiac arrest. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have stated there were no signs of foul play, but an investigation is ongoing.

Hogan became a major star in the 1980s during wrestling’s “golden era.” His signature moves, like talking about his “24-inch pythons” and telling fans to “say your prayers and eat your vitamins,” helped make him an icon. He had memorable rivalries with wrestlers like Roddy Piper, André the Giant, and Randy Savage. These feuds helped turn professional wrestling into a multi billion dollar industry.

In the mid-1990s, Hogan shocked fans by leaving WWE for WCW another wrestling company. In 1996, he turned from a good guy to a villain, known as "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan. This change was so significant that it helped WCW beat WWE in TV ratings for 83 weeks.

However, Hogan’s time in WCW ended on a sour note. A controversial event known as the “Finger Poke of Doom” damaged the company. Hogan’s return to WWE in the early 2000s was met with great excitement. He had an unforgettable match with The Rock at WrestleMania X8, one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history.

Hogan later moved to Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling but didn’t have the same level of success there. In 2015, a video surfaced showing Hogan using racial slurs, which caused a scandal. WWE removed him from its roster, and many fans and wrestlers criticized him. Hogan later apologized for his comments but some felt his apology wasn’t sincere.

Hogan also appeared on television in the animated series Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling in 1985. This helped make him a household name for people of all ages.