The worlds of sports and entertainment are in mourning following the death of professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. The iconic figure, who defined an era in the WWE and beyond, passed away Thursday at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest.

Emergency services responded to a 9:51 a.m. call from Hogan’s residence in Clearwater, Florida. Paramedics and police arrived promptly and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.

HULK HOGAN DEAD AT 71 pic.twitter.com/gj4LgdcVM3

— Neb | 🏳️‍🌈 (@NebsGoodTakes) July 24, 2025

Local authorities are expected to hold a press conference later today to provide additional details.

Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hulk Hogan became a transformative force in professional wrestling. He rose to fame in the 1980s after defeating The Iron Sheik to claim the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, sparking the global phenomenon known as Hulkamania. His flamboyant persona complete with his trademark bandana, handlebar mustache, and imposing physique captivated a generation of fans and made wrestling a mainstream spectacle.

Spanish version: Muere Hulk Hogan a los 71 años: leyenda de la lucha libre y figura de la cultura pop

In 1996, Hogan reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan,” joining the New World Order (NWO) faction and ushering in a second wave of success that cemented his status as a wrestling icon.

Beyond the ring, Hogan enjoyed a career in film and television. He played Thunderlips in Rocky III and starred in family-friendly films such as Suburban Commando and Mr. Nanny. Alongside his family, he led the VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best, further expanding his media presence.

Hulk Hogan has died at 71 years old pic.twitter.com/RNTv2iLB94

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 24, 2025

Throughout his storied career, Hogan faced legendary opponents such as Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice first in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the NWO.

In 2015, Hogan became embroiled in controversy following the release of tapes containing racist remarks. He was temporarily removed from WWE but returned to the organization in later years.

Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. pic.twitter.com/6iSTMvCjBS

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 24, 2025

Just this past May, Hogan discussed the upcoming launch of Real American Freestyle, an amateur wrestling league set to debut on August 30. In the interview, he revealed undergoing numerous surgeries, joking, “There’s nothing original left in my body.”

Only weeks ago, his wife Sky dismissed rumors that Hogan had fallen into a coma, assuring fans that his heart was strong.

Hulk Hogan’s legacy will forever be etched into the history of professional wrestling and American pop culture.