Victor EzejaThe wrestling world and beyond are mourning the loss of Terry Gene Bollea, popularly known as Hulk Hogan, who passed away on Thursday, 24 July 2025, in Clearwater, Florida, United States.
He reportedly died of cardiac arrest. Hogan, a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling history, leaves behind a legacy that transformed the sport into a global phenomenon.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAged 71, Hogan had undergone multiple surgeries, including a successful neck procedure last month. He had once revealed that he had over 25 surgeries due to wrestling-related injuries.
In a glowing tribute on Thursday, WWE described Hogan as “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” revealing that he helped the platform achieve global recognition with the Hulkamania craze of the 1980s and reignited sports-entertainment’s popularity in the 1990s through his leadership of the New World Order in WCW.
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“Whether he was a hero or villain, clad in red and yellow or black and white, The Hulkster was always one of the ring’s most popular and enduring stars,” WWE stated.
Hogan, who left his career in music in 1977, made his first appearance in WWE in 1979 after two years of training and was nicknamed Hulk Hogan by Vincent J. McMahon.
Tributes have continued to trickle in from the wrestling community.
Vince McMahon, former WWE CEO hailed Hogan as the “greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME,” praising his trailblazing career in the entertainment industry.
Ric Flair, 16-time world wrestling champion, shared heartfelt memories, recalling Hogan’s support during his near-fatal health crisis and financial help for his late son Reid.
“I am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick,” Flair via his X handle.
Mark William Calaway, better known by his ring name Undertaker, honoured Hogan’s unparalleled contributions to wrestling.
“The wrestling world has lost a true legend. His contributions to our business are immeasurable and for that I am appreciative,” Undertaker stated.
“Hulk Hogan was a true legend. I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one. It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I’d practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up,” Glenn Thomas Jacobs, known by his ring name as Kane wrote.
Also, former professor wrestler, Paul Michael Levesque also known by the ring name Triple H, said Hogan was a “superstar,” re-echoing his lead role in making WWE what it is today.
“WWE would not be where it is today without the larger-than-life characters that compete in the ring … and few, if any, loomed larger than Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea.
“He was the archetype of what it meant to be a “Superstar” – a global sensation that inspired millions to work hard at whatever it was they wanted to accomplish and a look that made him recognizable to fans around the world,” he stated.
John Cena also paid tribute to the Huckster, hailing his contribution to sports entertainment.
Veteran movie star in America, Sylvester Stallone mourned Hogan’s passing
Stallone recalled Hogan’s role in Rocky III, calling him a “brilliant personality” .
Brooke Shields and Mario Lopez shared personal anecdotes about Hogan’s charisma and kindness.
Professional wrestling commentator and podcaster, Tony Schiavone, acknowledged Hogan’s undeniable impact, calling it “the end of an era.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
