Rocky III star and wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has reportedly passed away at the age of 71. According to TMZ Sports, his family called 911 after concerns of a possible cardiac episode. Emergency services, including police and EMTs, were seen outside his Florida home, where Hogan was taken away in an ambulance,
Wife Recently Dismissed Health Rumours
The timing of Hulk Hogan’s passing is especially striking, as earlier in July, his wife Sky had publicly dismissed rumours of him being in a coma. She had assured fans that Hogan was doing well, had recovered from his surgeries, and even described his heart as “strong.” Sadly, fate had a different plan for the wrestling icon.
The Rise of Hulkamania
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Eugene Bollea on August 11, 1952, in Augusta, Georgia, rose to fame as one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling during the 1980s and early 1990s. With his signature handlebar moustache, yellow bandana, and larger-than-life persona, Hogan became a household name. Young fans across the globe imitated his style and often echoed his famous catchphrase: “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” His legacy remains deeply tied to the golden era of WWE, where he stood as its most recognisable face.
Wrestling Legend and Pop Culture Icon
It’s worth noting that Hulk Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, cementing his status as a wrestling legend. A six-time WWE Champion, Hogan’s charisma extended beyond the ring—he starred in films, TV shows, and commercials, becoming a pop culture icon. In 1996, in a bold move to reinvent himself, Hogan embraced a villainous persona as “Hollywood Hogan” and co-founded the infamous wrestling faction, the New World Order (nWo) in WCW—a pivotal turn that successfully revived his career and reshaped the wrestling landscape.