In tragic news shaking the world of wrestling and entertainment, WWE icon Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 70 following a sudden cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home.
Emergency crews were dispatched to Hogan’s residence early Thursday morning. In a heartbreaking video from the scene, paramedics can be seen performing chest compressions on the wrestling legend before rushing him into an ambulance. Clearwater Police confirm they received the emergency call at 9:51 AM. Despite efforts by first responders, Hogan — born Terry Gene Bollea — was pronounced dead at the hospital at 11:17 AM.
“There are no signs of foul play or suspicious activity,” Major Nate Burnside of Clearwater PD said during a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Just weeks ago, Hogan’s wife Sky, whom he married in September 2023, had denied rumors that he was in a coma, assuring fans his heart was “strong” as he recovered from recent surgeries. Last month, reports circulated that Hogan was on his “deathbed,” though insiders at the time attributed it to complications from a May neck surgery.
Known for turning professional wrestling into a pop culture juggernaut, Hogan burst onto the global stage in 1984 after defeating the Iron Sheik for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship — sparking the Hulkamania craze that would define a generation. With his signature bandana, 24-inch pythons, and charismatic swagger, Hogan brought wrestling into living rooms across America, captivating both kids and adults alike.
His reinvention in 1996 as a villainous “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan with the formation of NWO (New World Order) took the industry to even greater heights, cementing his legacy as a master of reinvention.
Some of Hogan’s most iconic matches include his legendary face-off with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III and the unforgettable clash with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson at WrestleMania X8 in 2002. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice — first in 2005 as a solo act, and again in 2020 with the NWO.
His career wasn’t without controversy. In 2015, Hogan was removed from the Hall of Fame after leaked recordings revealed him making racist remarks. He later won a massive legal battle against Gawker, who published the secretly recorded tape.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan had a notable Hollywood career, debuting as Thunderlips in Rocky III and starring in No Holds Barred, Mr. Nanny, and Suburban Commando. He also led the VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best, featuring his then-wife Linda and children Nick and Brooke.
Despite enduring dozens of surgeries throughout his life due to wrestling injuries, Hogan remained active and passionate about the sport. In May, he spoke enthusiastically about launching his new Real American Freestyle amateur wrestling league, set to debut August 30 on Fox Nation.
Hogan was also a surprise standout at the 2024 Republican National Convention, captivating the crowd with his trademark showmanship one last time.WWE released a heartfelt statement following the news:
“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.”
