Hulk Hogan — the mustachioed, bandana-clad legend who helped transform professional wrestling into a global phenomenon — has died at the age of 71, according to Florida police and WWE.
Authorities in Clearwater, Florida, responded to a cardiac arrest call around 9:50 a.m. Thursday (just before midnight AEST). Hogan was pronounced dead at the hospital, police confirmed in a Facebook statement.
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan was arguably the most iconic figure in WWE history.
Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and remained a central figure for years, taking on legends like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, The Rock, and even WWE chairman Vince McMahon.
He captured at least six WWE championship titles and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” WWE said.
“Hulkamania” — the name given to the explosive fandom he inspired — took off in the mid-1980s, propelling professional wrestling into the mainstream spotlight.
Hogan captured his first championship in 1984, back when it was still known as the World Wrestling Federation — a moment that helped ignite pro wrestling’s boom.
His soaring popularity played a key role in launching the first WrestleMania in 1985, where he headlined the main event alongside Mr. T, defeating “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff.
With his iconic horseshoe mustache, red and yellow gear, and famously dubbed “24-inch pythons,” Hogan embodied the all-American hero.
Beyond the ring, he became a pop culture fixture, starring in movies, TV shows, and even his own VH1 reality series, Hogan Knows Best.
In recent years, Hogan stepped further into the political spotlight, backing disgraced President Donald Trump.
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