Professional Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dead at 71

The professional wrestling world and WWE was rocked today as TMZ and other outlets reported that Hulk Hogan has died, age 71. The Hulk Hogan death comes just over 24 hours ago that reports began to swirl about Hogan’s failing health, rumors that longtime friend Jimmy Hart initially debunked saying the Hulkster was doing great. Earlier this month, Hogan’s wife also sought to shut down rumors about the professional wrestling legend’s health, noting Hogan was not in a coma as was being reported or on his deathbed, that he was merely recovering from a procedure.

TMZ is reporting that medics arrived on the scene in response to a cardiac arrest early Thursday morning. Hogan was 71.

Hulk Hogan leaves a complicated legacy in wrestling. At one time, it was undeniable that he was one of the best in the industry and someone who revolutionized pro wrestling both in the territories and in WCW and WWE.

Hogan, a WWE Hall of Famer twice over, is a 17-time champion including six world championship runs in both WCW and WWE. He most recently returned to WWE for the Raw on Netflix premiere, where he was heavily booed and was featured in a video package to promote Saturday Night’s Main Event, a show he once was the star of. Still, Hogan continued to do business with WWE, notably through his Real American beer brand. His most recent venture, Real American Freestyle Wrestling was just announced to have signed a streaming deal with FoxNation.