The world of sports entertainment has just lost one of its most iconic figures. Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan — the man whose name became synonymous with professional wrestling — has died at the age of 71, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to sources close to the situation, emergency services were called to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday morning following reports of a cardiac arrest. Paramedics and law enforcement arrived on the scene at 9:51 AM and found the WWE Hall of Famer unresponsive. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but tragically, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

A press conference has been scheduled for later today, where police are expected to share more details regarding the cause and circumstances of Hogan’s sudden passing.

A GIANT Among Men

Few figures in pop culture loom as large as Hulk Hogan. With his unmistakable handlebar mustache, bandana, and booming voice screaming “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?!”, Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a movement.

Born Terry Bollea, Hogan took the wrestling world by storm when he defeated The Iron Sheik for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1984. That match birthed Hulkamania, a cultural phenomenon that transformed wrestling from a regional spectacle into global entertainment.

Kids wore the shirts. Parents bought the pay-per-views. Hogan didn’t just cross into the mainstream — he body-slammed his way into it.

From Wrestler to Global Icon

Throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, Hogan headlined some of the biggest events in WWE (then WWF) history — from his epic clash with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III to his unforgettable face-off with The Rock at WrestleMania X8 in 2002.

In 1996, Hogan shocked the world again when he turned heel and reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan,” joining forces with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to create the New World Order (nWo) — a faction that flipped the wrestling world upside down and ushered in the edgy “Attitude Era.”

His career spanned generations, and his influence crossed into film, television, and even politics. Whether he was starring in Suburban Commando, throwing punches in the ring, or making appearances at political conventions, Hogan remained a larger-than-life figure for over four decades.

Personal Battles and Redemption

Though Hogan’s life in the spotlight was glittering, it wasn’t without controversy.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but his reputation took a hit in 2015 after a private recording revealed racist remarks made during a secretly filmed encounter. WWE cut ties, and Hogan was removed from the Hall of Fame.

Years later, after public apologies and a highly publicized lawsuit victory against Gawker Media (which released the controversial tape), Hogan was re-inducted in 2020 — this time as a member of the nWo.

His comeback was seen by many fans as a redemption arc — a second chance for a man who meant so much to so many.

A Fighter Until the End

In recent years, Hogan battled mounting health problems following decades of wear and tear from the ring. He underwent multiple surgeries — including a neck procedure as recently as May 2025 — and had publicly said, “I don’t have one original body part left.”

Just weeks ago, his wife Sky Hogan, whom he married in 2023, refuted internet rumors that the wrestling legend was in a coma, assuring fans that Hogan’s heart was strong and that he was recovering.

The couple had become fixtures in Florida’s social scene, with Sky frequently updating fans about Hogan’s health and passion projects.

In May, Hogan even launched Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league set to debut August 30 on Fox Nation. He spoke passionately about wanting to mentor the next generation of wrestlers and rekindle the grassroots spirit of wrestling that first captured his heart.

WWE, Fans, and Celebrities Mourn

In a statement released early Thursday, WWE paid tribute, saying:

“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. We extend our condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Social media platforms immediately flooded with tributes from fellow wrestlers, celebrities, and millions of fans across the globe. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tweeted:

“We lost a true icon today. Hulk Hogan paved the road for all of us. Rest easy, brother.”

John Cena, Ric Flair, and even political figures shared their thoughts on the enduring legacy of a man who brought pro wrestling to millions of homes.

Legacy Beyond the Ring

Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler. He was a pop culture force.

From his 1982 appearance as “Thunderlips” in Rocky III to starring in the reality show Hogan Knows Best, he transcended the ring and became a household name.

For many, Hulk Hogan was their childhood hero — the unbeatable titan with superhuman strength and a heart of gold. His larger-than-life persona gave fans someone to root for, someone to believe in — someone who made them feel strong just by shouting, “Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself!”

And now, for the first time, the world has to say goodbye.

Final Bell for the Immortal One

With his death, an era ends — but Hulk Hogan’s legacy is eternal. Through his triumphs, his controversies, and his reinventions, he remained one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the history of sports and entertainment.

He made wrestling a family event. He made muscle and mustaches cool. And he made every kid believe that good guys could win — if only they Hulked up hard enough.

Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan. 1953 – 2025.