Egypt Daily News – Hulk Hogan, the legendary professional wrestler and global pop culture icon, has died at the age of 71. Emergency services were dispatched to his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning in response to a reported cardiac arrest. Despite the efforts of Clearwater Fire & Rescue, Hogan was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after his arrival.
Authorities confirmed they received a 911 call at 9:51 a.m. and responded immediately. Witnesses reported seeing multiple police vehicles and EMTs stationed outside Hogan’s residence, with the WWE Hall of Famer being transported by stretcher to the awaiting ambulance. Further details are expected to be released during a scheduled press conference later today.
Hogan’s death comes just weeks after his wife, Sky Daily Hogan—whom he married in September 2023—publicly refuted rumors that he was in a coma. At the time, she stated that Hogan’s heart was “strong” and that he was recovering well from a recent neck surgery. The speculation about his declining health followed reports last month suggesting he was on his “deathbed,” but close sources indicated he was simply dealing with post-surgical complications.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan transcended professional wrestling and became a global superstar in the 1980s. He exploded into the mainstream after defeating The Iron Sheik in 1984 to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, launching the cultural phenomenon known as “Hulkamania.” With his trademark handlebar mustache, bandana, and charisma, Hogan transformed professional wrestling into family-friendly entertainment and played a pivotal role in bringing the WWE (then WWF) into the international spotlight.
In 1996, Hogan shocked fans by turning heel and forming the infamous New World Order (NWO), reinventing himself as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan. The move reinvigorated his career and further elevated wrestling’s place in pop culture. His legendary matches include his iconic face-offs with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8, along with classic rivalries against Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 but was removed in 2015 following the public release of a racially charged recording. Hogan later sued Gawker Media, which published the footage, and won a highly publicized legal battle. He was re-inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 as part of the NWO.
In a statement released Thursday, WWE acknowledged Hogan’s monumental contributions to the sport: “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.”
Beyond wrestling, Hogan enjoyed a varied entertainment career. He made his film debut in 1982’s Rocky III as the flamboyant Thunderlips and went on to star in films like No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also became a reality TV fixture in the 2000s with the VH1 series Hogan Knows Best, which featured his then-wife Linda and their children, Brooke and Nick.
Despite enduring numerous surgeries due to his physically punishing wrestling career, at one point claiming he had “no original body parts left”, Hogan remained active in public life. Most recently, he launched Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league set to debut its first event on August 30th on Fox Nation.
Hogan made headlines at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where his dramatic appearance drew media attention and energized attendees.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy is immeasurable. He was more than a wrestler—he was a showman, a pioneer, and a symbol of an era when professional wrestling captivated the world. His charisma, presence, and influence will be remembered for generations.
