Farewell to a Legend: Hulk Hogan Dies at 71

MMA/UFCNEWS
July 24, 2025

Hulkamania Runs Wild One Last Time: Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dead at 71

 

The wrestling world is in mourning today as news breaks of the passing of legendary superstar Hulk Hogan. Born Terry Gene Bollea, the iconic figure, instantly recognizable by his flowing blond hair and handlebar mustache, died at his Florida home on Thursday at the age of 71.

While the cause of death has yet to be officially confirmed, Hogan had undergone heart surgery in June. His departure leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of sports entertainment, a realm he almost single-handedly propelled into the mainstream. For those following sports betting news, Hogan’s influence extended far beyond the ring, shaping an entire generation of fans and performers.

 

The Genesis of a Phenomenon: From Humble Beginnings to Stardom

 

Hogan’s journey into professional wrestling began in 1977, but his actual ascent to global superstardom commenced in 1983 when he signed with the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

Early in his career, he faced a potentially career-ending leg injury during a training session with Hiro Matsuda. Still, his resilience saw him return to the ring just 10 weeks later, a testament to his undeniable drive.

 

The Birth of Hulkamania: Red and Yellow Domination

 

It was in the WWF that “Hulkamania” truly took hold, captivating audiences with his larger-than-life persona, electrifying charisma, and signature red and yellow attire. His rise was meteoric, culminating in his first WWF Championship victory over The Iron Sheik the following year.

Hogan became the undeniable face of the wrestling boom of the 1980s, headlining the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985, where he and Mr. T defeated Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper.

Perhaps his most iconic moment came at WrestleMania III, where he famously bodyslammed Andre the Giant in front of over 90,000 screaming fans at the Pontiac Silverdome, a moment etched forever in wrestling lore.

 

Beyond the Ropes: Hogan’s Hollywood and TV Ventures

 

Hogan’s influence wasn’t confined to the squared circle. His immense popularity enabled him to transition seamlessly into other facets of entertainment.

He made a memorable cameo as “Thunderlips” in 1982’s Rocky III, and went on to star in a string of films, including Suburban Commando, Mr. Nanny, and Santa with Muscles. He also ventured into television with his show, Thunder in Paradise.

He later found renewed fame with the reality series Hogan Knows Best, which aired on VH1 from 2005 to 2007, offering fans a glimpse into his family life. His widespread appeal was undeniable, with thousands of toys, clothes, and other merchandise bearing his likeness, making him a true icon of pop culture. Even if you only dipped into sports betting news casually, you likely couldn’t avoid the Hulkster’s presence.

 

Reshaping an Industry: Hogan’s Lasting Legacy

 

His impact on the industry is perhaps best encapsulated by the WWE’s statement, confirming they were “saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.” They acknowledged that “one of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.” Indeed, without Hulk Hogan, it would be hard to imagine professional wrestling evolving into the multi-billion-dollar entertainment powerhouse it is today. This sentiment is echoed by wrestling legend Ric Flair, who expressed his shock and sorrow at the news.

 

The Bold Turn: WCW, nWo, and the Monday Night Wars

 

In the mid-1990s, Hogan made a shocking move to World Championship Wrestling (WCW), a rival promotion. This move proved pivotal in the “Monday Night Wars,” a heated battle for wrestling supremacy between WCW’s Nitro and WWF’s Monday Night Raw. In 1996, Hogan pulled off one of the most significant heel turns in wrestling history, forming the New World Order (nWo) with fellow ex-WWF stars Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. This controversial faction redefined the wrestling landscape, ushering in the “Attitude Era” and influencing a new generation of edgy characters, including The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

 

Return to WWE and Hall of Fame Induction

 

After WCW was eventually acquired by WWE in 2001, Hogan made a triumphant return, engaging in memorable feuds with Shawn Michaels, The Rock, and even a bloody encounter with Vince McMahon. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone, a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.

 

Hogan’s Complex Legacy: Controversies and Personal Challenges

 

Despite his monumental contributions, Hogan’s later years were not without controversy. In 2012, a leaked sex tape led to a protracted legal battle with Gawker Media, ultimately resulting in a significant payout for Hogan and the closure of the website. Even more damaging was the leaked audio in 2015, revealing Hogan using racist slurs. This incident led to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame and a severing of ties with the company. While he apologized, calling it “the biggest mistake of [his] life,” the comments caused considerable backlash. They made headlines across all forms of media, including sports betting news outlets keen on significant celebrity developments. He was eventually reinstated into the Hall of Fame in 2018, but the incident left a lasting stain on his public image.

 

Final Chapters: Politics and Last Appearances

 

In recent years, Hogan has been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, making appearances at rallies and on the campaign trail. His most recent WWE appearance, promoting his beer brand on Monday Night Raw, drew a mixed reaction from the crowd, a stark contrast to the thunderous ovations he received during his prime.

Regardless of his failings, there is no denying the profound impact Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea had on the world of professional wrestling. His charisma, larger-than-life persona, and unwavering commitment to the business elevated it from regional shows to a global phenomenon.

He leaves behind an immortal legacy, survived by his children, Brooke and Nick, and his wife, Sky Daily. The wrestling world, and indeed the broader entertainment landscape, will forever remember the man who truly made Hulkamania run wild.

 

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