The wrestling universe has lost one of its greatest icons. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Jean Bollea, died at the age of 71 in Florida due to cardiac arrest, leaving behind a seismic legacy that transcended the squared circle and etched itself into pop culture history. Known for his trademark mustache, bandana, and the legendary catchphrase “What you gonna do, brother?”, Hogan was more than just a performer—he was the face of wrestling’s golden age.

A Legend Larger Than Life

On ESPN’s SportsCenter, longtime WWE commentator Michael Cole joined the program to reflect on Hogan’s historic career. “Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon created sports entertainment,” said Cole. “They transformed a small regional wrestling promotion into a global juggernaut.”

Hogan’s rise began in the 1980s, when his charisma, muscle-bound physique, and unmatched showmanship fueled the birth of the “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling” era. He headlined the first nine WrestleMania events, bringing pro wrestling into the mainstream alongside music stars, talk show appearances, and Hollywood roles—including his iconic cameo as Thunderlips in Rocky III.

“He was the most famous person on the planet in the ‘80s,” Cole emphasized. “He hosted Saturday Night Live, appeared at the Grammys, and starred in TV shows and movies. Hogan put sports entertainment on the map.”

WrestleMania Moments That Defined Eras

One of the most iconic moments in wrestling history came at WrestleMania III, when Hogan body-slammed the 500-pound Andre the Giant in front of 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome—“the body slam heard around the world.” Cole also recalled WrestleMania 18 in Toronto in 2002, where Hogan faced The Rock in a generational battle. “It was the passing of the torch,” said Cole, calling it “arguably the greatest WrestleMania match of all time.”

Cole’s personal favorite, however, was calling Hogan’s match against Mr. McMahon at WrestleMania 19—an encounter dubbed “20 years in the making.” For Cole, this moment was “a career highlight,” underscoring Hogan’s enduring presence across generations.

A Complicated Legacy

While Hogan’s wrestling persona embodied heroism and larger-than-life energy, his personal legacy was more complex. In 2015, his image suffered a significant blow after a leaked tape exposed racist comments, leading to his temporary removal from WWE programming. Yet for millions, especially those who grew up in the 1980s and 90s, he remained the first global superstar of professional wrestling.

“Hulk Hogan’s lasting legacy,” said Cole, “will be that he brought our industry into the mainstream. Love him or hate him, his impact is unmatched.”

Sgt. Slaughter: A Rival, A Colleague, A Witness

Following Cole’s tribute, WWE Hall of Famer Robert Remus—better known as Sgt. Slaughter—joined SportsCenter to share his memories of Hogan, with whom he famously headlined WrestleMania VII in 1991.

“I guess God needed an incredible angel,” Slaughter tweeted upon hearing the news.

Slaughter recalled knowing Hogan before he ever became a WWE mainstay, even recommending him to a promoter after his breakout role in Rocky III. “When he walked into the arena, he got a standing ovation before even wrestling a match,” Slaughter recalled. “He became the biggest name in professional wrestling right then and there.”

Their paths would cross in epic fashion at WrestleMania VII, when Vince McMahon pitched a controversial angle: Sgt. Slaughter would return as an Iraqi sympathizer during the Gulf War and face Hogan—then the embodiment of American patriotism. “I said, ‘Well, it’s the main event, I’ll do it,’” Slaughter shared. “We made a lot of money together. I called him the golden goose.”

Though positioned as in-ring enemies, there was deep mutual respect behind the curtain. Slaughter recounted a conversation with Hogan on a flight before their match, in which Hogan revealed he had pushed McMahon to bring Slaughter back for WrestleMania VII, bypassing other opponents like Ultimate Warrior or Earthquake. “He said, ‘I want you,’” Slaughter remembered. “That opened the door for me.”

Tributes Pour In

As news of Hogan’s passing spread, tributes from peers and fans flooded social media. Ric Flair, another legend of the sport, said, “Our friendship meant the world to me. No one will ever compare.”

Though his career was not without its share of controversy and criticism, Hogan’s contributions to sports entertainment remain foundational. From body-slamming giants to drawing global attention to wrestling, he helped craft a spectacle that millions around the world still cherish today.

As Sgt. Slaughter poignantly said in closing: “Hulk Hogan, you’re up in heaven now. I want that WrestleMania 7 rematch. Get ready—I’m not ready yet, but I’ll be there soon.”

Hulk Hogan was 71 years old. His legend, however, is timeless.