The world of professional wrestling is in mourning as it bids farewell to one of its most iconic figures—Hulk Hogan. The legendary wrestler, born Terry Bollea, has died at the age of 71. Emergency responders arrived at his Clearwater, Florida, home just before 10 a.m. Thursday after receiving a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest. Despite swift action by paramedics, Hogan was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital.

The news sent shockwaves across the sports and entertainment world. Hogan, known for his charisma, iconic handlebar mustache, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, was more than just a wrestler—he was a global cultural phenomenon.

Conflicting Reports Leading to His Death

Speculation about Hogan’s declining health had intensified in recent months. In June, alarming rumors circulated claiming the wrestling icon was in a coma following neck surgery and had been placed on hospice care. At the time, his wife Sky Hogan firmly denied the claims, saying, “His heart is strong.”

However, three days before his death, radio personality and former close friend Bubba the Love Sponge reignited concerns during a broadcast, stating he had been informed by a reliable source that Hogan was gravely ill and being “kept comfortable at home.” Although Bubba stopped short of confirming hospice care, his words suggested Hogan’s condition had worsened beyond what was publicly acknowledged.

Years of Health Struggles

Though Hogan tried to maintain a positive public image, he had long battled a litany of serious health issues—many stemming from decades of punishing his body in the wrestling ring. On Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, Hogan revealed he had undergone more than 25 surgeries in the past decade, including 10 back surgeries, multiple knee replacements, and recent neck operations.

“No one told me this stuff was fake, man,” he joked during the podcast, a bittersweet comment reflecting the heavy toll wrestling took on his body. Despite that, he continued to be active in business and entertainment ventures. In his final months, he was working alongside wrestling executive Eric Bischoff to launch a new televised wrestling league called Real American Freestyle Wrestling, set to air on Fox Nation.

From Wrestling Ring to Global Icon

Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler—he was the wrestler. In the 1980s, he catapulted the WWF (now WWE) to global fame, turning what was once a regional sport into mainstream entertainment. His WrestleMania bouts, especially against Andre the Giant in front of over 93,000 fans, became the stuff of legend.

He crossed into pop culture with ease, starring in Rocky III as Thunderlips, headlining his own reality show Hogan Knows Best, and appearing in numerous television guest roles. His influence helped turn professional wrestling into a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Tributes from Around the World

The outpouring of grief has been immense. Actor Sylvester Stallone posted a photo of the two from Rocky III, writing, “My heart breaks.” Fellow wrestling legends also shared their condolences. Ric Flair tweeted, “No one will ever compare to you. Rest in peace, my friend.” John Cena posted a throwback photo from Hulk’s legendary WrestleMania match with Andre the Giant, while Brooke Shields recalled Hogan’s comedic appearance on her show Suddenly Susan.

A Complicated Legacy

While beloved by millions, Hogan’s legacy wasn’t without controversy. In recent years, he faced backlash for racially insensitive comments that briefly led to his removal from the WWE Hall of Fame. He later apologized, and WWE reinstated him—though some fans and wrestlers remained divided.

Still, few can deny his impact on wrestling and pop culture. Wrestling reporter Sean Ross Sapp told reporters, “He took something regional and helped make it global. He made wrestling something that families gathered around the TV to watch.”

Final Farewell

At the time of his death, Hogan remained a central figure in wrestling fandom. His charisma, energy, and unwavering presence defined an era. For many, he was the embodiment of the American wrestling dream—the ultimate good guy who inspired legions of “Hulkamaniacs” to believe in strength, loyalty, and saying their prayers.

Hulk Hogan is survived by his wife Sky, his children Brooke and Nick, and millions of fans who will forever remember him as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

Rest in power, Hulkster.