By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
WRESTLING FANS across the globe have been mourning the death of Hulk Hogan, the larger-than-life sports entertainer who revolutionised professional wrestling and turned “Hulkamania” into a global pop culture force.
The 71-year-old died following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, where he was surrounded by his family.
Emergency services were called to Hogan’s residence at 9:51am local time.
Medics from Clearwater Fire & Rescue treated him on site before he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17am.
Police confirmed there was no sign of foul play or suspicious activity.
Just over a year and a half ago, wrestling icon Hulk Hogan gave his life to Christ: “Total surrender and dedication to Jesus was the greatest day of my life.”
Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea in Georgia in 1953, first stepped into the professional ring in 1977 but found international stardom after signing with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1983.
His brash charisma, powerful presence and signature bandana, moustache and shirt-ripping entrance made him one of the most recognisable faces in global entertainment.
The WWE Hall of Famer headlined eight WrestleMania events and won six WWE championships.
In 1984, his victory over the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight title ignited the “Hulkamania” phenomenon, drawing families into the wrestling world and transforming the sport’s image.
His famed bouts included legendary rivalries with icons like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
WWE paid tribute in an official statement, calling him “one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures” and said Hogan’s influence was instrumental in achieving WWE’s global prominence in the 1980s.
The organisation extended its condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Hogan’s popularity crossed into mainstream media.
His acting career launched with Rocky III in 1982 and continued with roles in Suburban Commando, Mr Nanny, and the animated Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.
His VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best, which ran from 2005 to 2007, introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
Despite health setbacks, including multiple surgeries in recent years, Hogan remained active in public life.
He made headlines at the 2024 Republican National Convention, dramatically unveiling a “Trump 2024” T-shirt and delivering a speech praised by President Donald Trump as “electric”.
The US president also paid tribute on Truth Social, calling Hogan a “great friend” and praising his strength, toughness and loyalty to the MAGA movement.
Donald Trump Jr also posted a photo with Hogan from last year, writing: “RIP to a legend.”
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson remembered campaigning with him, noting his stature and cultural impact.
Also, tributes poured in from the wrestling community. Ric Flair expressed deep shock, recalling their long-standing friendship.
The Undertaker described Hogan’s contributions as “immeasurable”.
Fellow wrestling veterans Kane and Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts hailed him as a true legend whose memory would endure.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and again in 2020 as part of the NWO faction he helped form in 1996, when he reinvented himself as “Hollywood” Hogan.
This pivot to villainy with the New World Order reinvigorated his career and helped extend wrestling’s global boom.
His personal life faced public scrutiny.
In 2015, WWE severed ties after a leaked video revealed racist language.
Hogan later won a $140m privacy lawsuit against Gawker, the site that published the footage.
WWE reinstated him in 2018, stating he deserved a second chance.
He is survived by his wife Sky, whom he married in 2023, and two children from a previous marriage.
His final months were marked by a series of surgeries and public denials from his wife that he was gravely ill.
His last project, Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league, was scheduled to launch in August.
From the ring to the red carpet, Hogan left a legacy few could rival.
Fans said he was a wrestler with unmatched charisma and a career that shaped the global wrestling industry.
They noted that the Hulkster’s memory lives on in arenas, living rooms, and hearts around the world.
