The WWE Hall of Famer died after a cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida, sparking global tributes and heartbreak

Hulk Hogan, the muscle-bound titan who transformed professional wrestling into global entertainment, has died at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Florida home.

Police in Clearwater, Florida, confirmed that emergency services responded to a call on Thursday morning. Hogan—born Terry Gene Bollea—was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and beyond.

From the moment he exploded onto TV screens in the late 1970s, Hogan became more than just a wrestler. He was a phenomenon. Draped in red and yellow with bulging biceps, he called his “24-inch pythons,” the all-American hero became the face of the WWE. “Hulkamania” gripped the globe, packing arenas and captivating millions.

His crowning moment came in 1985 when he headlined the very first WrestleMania, facing villains like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Undertaker. He later took on the boss himself—WWE Chairman Vince McMahon—in one of wrestling’s most dramatic feuds.

McMahon, now disgraced and no longer WWE chairman, said in a statement: “The world lost a treasure today. Hulk Hogan was the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME.” Calling him “a trailblazer,” McMahon added, “He gave everything he had to the audience whom he appreciated, respected and loved.”

But Hogan’s legacy wasn’t confined to the squared circle. With appearances in films, Saturday morning cartoons, and his own reality TV series Hogan Knows Best, he became one of the most recognisable faces on Earth. He even dabbled in politics.

Former US President Donald Trump led tributes, posting on Truth Social: “We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster’. Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart.” Trump also recalled Hogan’s raucous 2024 Republican National Convention speech: “Let Trumpamania rule again!”

But the life of Terry Bollea wasn’t without its dark chapters. In 2012, he was secretly filmed having sex with the wife of his best friend. Gawker published the tape. Hogan sued—and won. A Florida jury awarded him $115 million, bankrupting the media company.

Then in 2015, his reputation took a near-fatal blow. A leaked recording revealed him making racially offensive remarks. WWE swiftly distanced itself, and fans were left stunned. Though later reinstated into the Hall of Fame, the stain lingered.

Yet, even with the scandals, the tributes poured in.

WWE issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.” Fellow legend Ric Flair said he was “shocked,” adding: “Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father!”

Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky and two children from a previous marriage. The man who once urged fans to “say your prayers and take your vitamins” leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable moments, roaring crowds, and a once-in-a-lifetime charisma.

From body slams to lawsuits, cheers to controversy, Hulk Hogan lived larger than life. And now, as the curtains fall, the ring feels just a little emptier.