Mateo Rosiles/ Avalanche-Jouranl / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Hulk Hogan Dies At 71

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 3:49 PM ET

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, has died at age 71, leaving behind a legacy that helped define modern professional wrestling and elevate it into mainstream global entertainment. Hulkamania was larger than life during the 1980’s.

With his unmistakable handlebar mustache, yellow-and-red ring gear, and signature catchphrases, Hogan was the face of WWE’s golden era in the 1980s and beyond. He was the main event of the first WrestleMania in 1985, famously body-slammed André the Giant before 93,000 fans at WrestleMania III, and headlined numerous classic rivalries with legends like Randy “Macho Man” Savage, The Rock, and Vince McMahon himself.

Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71, per @TMZ pic.twitter.com/lpNxYGm2my

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 24, 2025

Throughout his storied career, Hogan

Captured six WWE Championships
Played a pivotal role in the rise of WCW and the infamous New World Order (nWo)
Was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005
Helped bring pro wrestling into the homes of millions worldwide

Beyond the ring, Hogan became a pop culture phenomenon:

Appeared in films such as Rocky III, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny
Starred in the VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best
Became one of the most marketable and recognizable figures in sports entertainment history

Hogan’s life was not without controversy, including a highly publicized legal battle with Gawker Media over a leaked sex tape, for which he was awarded $115 million in damages in 2016. Along with controversial racist remarks that has hurt his reputation over the years. Despite personal and professional setbacks, his influence on the industry remained undeniable.

Hogan died following a cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida, and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, authorities confirmed Thursday.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: