Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan passes away

Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71, TMZ Sports reports. Emergency services responded to his Clearwater home early Thursday morning following reports of a cardiac arrest. Witnesses say multiple police and emergency vehicles were seen at the residence before Hogan was transported to a hospital on a stretcher.

The news comes just weeks after Hogan’s wife, Sky, publicly denied rumors that the WWE Hall of Famer was in a coma, assuring fans that he was in stable condition and recovering from recent surgeries.

Born Terry Bollea, Hogan became a global icon in the 1980s, credited with transforming professional wrestling from a niche sport into a mainstream entertainment phenomenon. His magnetic charisma, muscular build, and catchphrases made him a household name and the face of the WWE during its golden era.

In a career-defining turn in 1996, Hogan stunned fans by turning heel and forming the New World Order (NWO) under the persona “Hollywood Hogan.” The bold move revitalized his image and sparked a cultural shift within wrestling entertainment.

Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. However, he was temporarily removed from the Hall in 2015 after a racially charged tape surfaced. Following a successful lawsuit against media outlet Gawker over the leaked footage, he was reinstated in 2020 and inducted again as part of the NWO.

Beyond wrestling, Hogan carved out a place in Hollywood, starting with a notable role as Thunderlips in Rocky III. He later starred in family-friendly films like No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny, and gained reality TV fame in the 2000s with VH1’s Hogan Knows Best.

Hulk Hogan’s influence extended far beyond the squared circle. As both a trailblazer in sports entertainment and a pop culture icon, he leaves behind a lasting legacy that shaped generations of fans and performers.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.