Hulk Hogan, wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer, dies at 71 as tributes pour in for 'symbol of strength'

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA: WWE legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71.

According to TMZ, medics responded to a call regarding "cardiac arrest" at the star’s Clearwater, Florida, home early Thursday morning, July 24.

Hulk Hogan was ‘healing’ after major surgery before his death

The report mentioned that several police vehicles and ambulances were seen outside the residence and that the icon was “carried on a stretcher and into an ambulance.”

Hogan's death comes weeks after online rumors swirled that he was on his “deathbed” following a neck operation.

His wife, Sky Daily, and longtime friend and wrestling manager Jimmy Hart had earlier denied the speculation.

Radio host Bubba the Love Sponge initially floated the rumors a month ago and continued to double down on the claims.

On 21 July, he said, "Hogan can’t speak anymore due to trachea damage," citing Jimmy Hart as his source. 

In response to a July 7 claim that Hogan’s team was allegedly hiding his condition, Sky Daily posted an update to her Instagram Story.

“No, he’s definitely not in a coma! His heart is strong, and there was never any lack of oxygen or brain damage… none of those rumors are true," Sky wrote.

She added that he was "recovering from a major four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), which is an intense surgery with a long and layered healing process."

Sky noted, “If you look it up, you’ll see what the last six weeks have involved… not just for his spine, but also for his vocal cords, and the eating/breathing tubes that are clamped over during surgery. We’ve been in and out of the hospital to support that recovery."

“He’s healing, and we’re taking it one day at a time with love, strength, and patience,” she said.

Hulk Hogan 'pushed the industry to new levels' 

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea in 1953, was the son of a construction foreman and a dance teacher. He rose to stardom with his massive frame, 24-inch biceps, and signature charisma, standing 6'6" or 6'7'' and weighing over 300 pounds.

Known for helping transform professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment, Hogan was a two-time inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame.

The first was in 2005 by Sylvester Stallone, and again in 2020 as part of a legendary wrestling faction.

"Hulk Hogan is to pro wrestling what Babe Ruth was to baseball," Sports Illustrated noted in 2025.

It said, “Hogan pushed the industry to new levels and created the multi-billion dollar business it is today.... Without 'The Hulkster,' wrestling wouldn't be where it is in the modern era."

Hogan began his career in 1979 and just a month later, walked into Madison Square Garden.

He also acted in 15 movies, starting with 'Rocky III' in 1982.

Reflecting on his career, Hogan once told WWE in 2014, “The character of Hulk Hogan is impeccable. The Hulk Hogan character has brought me, Terry Bollea, and made me a much better person."

Tributes pour in for Hulk Hogan

Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan’s former rival and close friend, reacted online, writing, “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.”

"Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!" he added. 

The official WWE account said, “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Dave Meltzer, a leading voice in pro wrestling journalism, added, “Hulk Hogan died at 71 today. He is probably the most famous pro wrestler who ever lived and more people paid to see him perform over the course of his career than any other person. Thanks for the memories.”

Donald Trump Jr shared a photo with Hogan, writing, “RIP to a legend. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 HULK HOGAN.”

Another online tribute read, “The ring has lost a warrior. RIP Hulk Hogan, your name will echo in history.”

Another said, "Rest in Power, Hulk Hogan. The ring will never be the same without you. You were more than a legend — you were a symbol of strength, hope, and the roar of a generation. Gone too soon at 71 due to cardiac arrest, but your legacy will never fade. Thank you for the memories, legend."

Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his two children.

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