World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has announced the death of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, aged 71.
The bleach-blond, mahogany-tanned icon, who became the face of professional wrestling in the 1980s, died on Thursday in Clearwater, Florida.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” the company said in a statement.
According to Clearwater police, emergency responders were called to Hogan’s residence on Thursday morning following a cardiac arrest. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Hogan’s charisma and flamboyant persona helped elevate professional wrestling from niche entertainment into a multibillion-dollar global phenomenon. A defining moment in his career came during WrestleMania III in 1987, when he famously body-slammed André the Giant before a roaring crowd at the sold-out Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan ventured into film and television, starring in titles such as Rocky III and Santa With Muscles, though he never found the same level of success in Hollywood. Despite numerous retirements, he continued to return to the ring, captivating fans well into his later years.
In 2024, Hogan made headlines again when he endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential campaign at the Republican National Convention. Recalling his decades-long friendship with the former US President, Hogan energised the crowd with a throwback to his wrestling persona.
“Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” he shouted, ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump-branded tank top. “Let Trumpamania rule again!”
Hogan’s death marks the end of an era in professional wrestling, where his name became synonymous with the golden age of the sport.
Follow us on:
