Terry “Hulk” Hogan, the unmistakable face of professional wrestling through the 1980s and beyond, has died at the age of 71. Known to millions for his bulging muscles, signature blond mustache, and booming battle cry of “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, Hogan passed away Thursday in Clearwater, Florida, where he had lived for many years.
The cause of death has not yet been made public.
Born Terry Bollea, Hogan became the embodiment of American wrestling superstardom during the rise of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), ushering in a new era of spectacle, storytelling, and sheer athletic charisma. With his red-and-yellow ring gear and larger-than-life persona, Hogan captivated audiences around the world, transforming professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment.
“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,” said WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque. “He was the archetype of what it meant to be a ‘Superstar.’”
From headlining WrestleMania to starring in films like Suburban Commando and the cult classic No Holds Barred, Hogan’s influence extended beyond the squared circle. His reach deepened with his reality series Hogan Knows Best and his frequent appearances in music videos, video games, and even political rallies.
President Donald Trump, a longtime friend of Hogan’s, posted a tribute on Truth Social: “Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart… He entertained fans from all over the world, and the cultural impact he had was massive.”
Vice President JD Vance echoed those sentiments, saying, “Hulk Hogan was a great American icon. One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid… The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend.”
Vince McMahon, who helped build the WWE empire alongside Hogan, called him “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME… a trailblazer, the first performer who transitioned from being a wrestling star into a global phenomenon.”
Hogan’s influence can be measured not only in ratings and ticket sales, but in the admiration of generations of fans and wrestlers alike.
Ric Flair, Hogan’s longtime friend and in-ring rival, wrote: “An incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father! … Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you! Rest in peace, my friend.”
Legendary announcer Jim Ross put it bluntly: “I equate Hulk’s passing to MLB losing Babe Ruth.”
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida, Hogan began his wrestling career in the late 1970s before finding superstardom in the WWF in the early ’80s. He became the face of the company’s expansion, culminating in the first WrestleMania in 1985, where he teamed with Mr. T to take on Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. It was the start of an era.
Known for his charisma as much as his strength, Hogan coined catchphrases that became part of the American lexicon — “Say your prayers and eat your vitamins” chief among them — and inspired a generation of young fans who believed in the power of Hulkamania.
Outside the ring, Hogan’s life was not without controversy, including legal battles, a highly publicized divorce, and personal scandals. Yet in recent years, he had taken steps toward reconciliation and repair, frequently appearing at WWE events and conventions and making peace with former rivals.
Perhaps no moment better captured his enduring legacy than his surprise return at WrestleMania XXX in 2014, where fans of all ages rose to their feet to greet him with thunderous applause.
Tributes continue to pour in from celebrities, athletes, and fans across the globe. From fellow wrestlers like Shawn Michaels and Sgt. Slaughter to entertainers like Elijah Wood and Piers Morgan, the message is clear: Hulk Hogan was more than a performer — he was a phenomenon.
He is survived by his wife, Sky Hogan, and his children, Brooke and Nick.
The WWE issued a formal statement Thursday evening: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away… Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
In the words of longtime friend and tag team partner Brutus Beefcake: “Until I see you Brother, in the big squared circle in the sky.”
Rest in peace, Hulkster. The world just got a little less powerful without you.
