Highlights
- WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has died at 71.
- The former wrestling champion suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Florida.
- Emergency services responded to a 911 call; he was pronounced dead at hospital.
- Hogan was a central figure in wrestling’s global popularity surge during the 1980s and 1990s.
- Tributes have poured in from WWE, fans, and former colleagues.
What happened
Former professional wrestler and global sports entertainment icon Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71. According to reports, Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on 24 July 2025. Emergency services were called, and he was later declared dead at a local hospital.
Who was Hulk Hogan
Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s as the face of WWE (then WWF), helping transform professional wrestling into a mainstream entertainment phenomenon. Known for his signature catchphrases, distinctive look, and dramatic in-ring persona, he became a six-time WWE Champion and the headliner of multiple WrestleMania events.
His move to rival promotion WCW in the 1990s saw him take on a new heel persona, leading the New World Order (nWo) faction. This era further cemented his status as one of the most recognisable and commercially successful wrestlers in history.
Legacy and impact
Beyond the ring, Hogan ventured into television and film, appearing in projects such as Rocky III and reality series Hogan Knows Best. He also faced legal battles later in life, including a high-profile defamation suit against Gawker, which ended in a major settlement.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and remained an influential figure in wrestling pop culture for decades. WWE credited him with playing a “key role in expanding the global reach of professional wrestling”.
What’s next
Tributes have flooded social media platforms, with fans and fellow wrestlers expressing sorrow and admiration. WWE released an official statement honouring Hogan’s legacy, calling him one of the most impactful performers in the company’s history.
Funeral arrangements have not been publicly disclosed at this time.
Dr Salvador Plasencia, who operated an urgent care clinic in MalibuReuters
An autopsy later confirmed that he had died from the acute effects of ketamineGetty Images
Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose soundtrack has already garnered considerable attentionYouTube/ Sun TV
