Esther Salifu
Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. He was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital, according to local authorities.
WWE released a statement mourning his loss: “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.”
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his two children, Brooke and Nick ,his larger-than-life persona and charisma transformed professional wrestling into a global phenomenon during the 1980s.
He headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and became a central figure in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), capturing six WWE championships. His iconic matches, including the legendary bout against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, drew massive audiences and solidified his status as a cultural icon.
Beyond the ring, Hogan ventured into acting with roles in films like Rocky III and starred in the reality TV series Hogan Knows Best. Despite facing personal and professional controversies, including a temporary dismissal from WWE in 2015, he was reinstated in 2018 and continued to influence the wrestling world.
Tributes have poured in from across the wrestling community and beyond. Ric Flair, a longtime friend and rival, expressed his grief, stating, “We were rivals, brothers, and survivors in this business. Hulk stood by me when I needed it most.”
