Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died Thursday morning at his home in Clearwater, Florida, at age 71 following a cardiac arrest, according to local authorities and World Wrestling Entertainment.
Emergency responders were dispatched to Hogan’s residence at 9:51 AM on July 24, 2025, after receiving reports of a cardiac arrest. Paramedics conducted chest compressions as they transported the wrestling icon to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 AM, according to Clearwater Police Major Nate Burnside.
Burnside confirmed during a Thursday afternoon news conference that there were “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity” surrounding Hogan’s death. The wrestling superstar, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, had recently undergone neck surgery in May 2025 to address chronic injuries sustained during his wrestling career.
Hogan’s family released a statement expressing their grief over the loss. His wife Sky Daily, whom he married in September 2023, had previously denied rumors in recent weeks that Hogan was in a coma, stating his heart was strong as he recovered from medical procedures.
“No, he’s definitely not in a coma!” she said. “His heart is strong, and there was never any lack of oxygen or brain damage. None of those rumors are true.”
Daily explained that he has been recovering from a significant four-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)—a complex surgery that requires an extensive and multi-stage healing process. According to Daily, anyone who researches the procedure can understand what the past six weeks have entailed—not only for the spine, but also for the vocal cords, as well as the eating and breathing tubes that are clamped during surgery.
The wrestling legend transformed professional wrestling from a regional attraction into mainstream entertainment during the 1980s. Hogan first captured the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984 by defeating the Iron Sheik, launching the cultural phenomenon known as “Hulkamania.” His signature red and yellow attire, handlebar mustache, and catchphrases made him instantly recognizable to audiences worldwide.
Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985, partnering with Mr. T to defeat “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. His match against Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in 1987 became one of wrestling’s most iconic moments, helping propel the World Wrestling Federation to unprecedented popularity.
During his career, Hogan won six WWE championships and engaged in memorable feuds with wrestlers including “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, and later Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. His interview segments with “Mean” Gene Okerlund became legendary, often beginning with his trademark phrase about telling “Mean Gene” something important.
In 1996, Hogan reinvented himself as the villainous “Hollywood Hogan” character when he joined World Championship Wrestling. He formed the New World Order faction, which helped WCW compete with WWE during the Monday Night Wars. This heel turn demonstrated Hogan’s ability to adapt and remain relevant in the evolving wrestling landscape.
Hogan returned to WWE in 2002, facing The Rock at WrestleMania X8 in what many considered a passing of the torch moment. Despite playing the villain role, fans cheered for Hogan throughout the match, showing his enduring popularity across generations.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan appeared in numerous films, including “Rocky III,” where he played Thunderlips, and “Mr. Nanny.” He starred in the VH1 reality series “Hogan Knows Best” with his family, including children Brooke and Nick from his first marriage to Linda Bollea.
Hogan’s career faced significant controversy in 2015 when audio recordings surfaced of him making racist comments. WWE severed ties with him and removed him from the Hall of Fame. He was reinstated in 2018 after apologizing and working with youth programs.
In 2016, Hogan won a $140 million judgment against Gawker Media for publishing a sex tape without his consent. The lawsuit, which he eventually settled for $31 million, led to the media company’s bankruptcy and closure of Gawker.com.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame twice – first as an individual performer in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the New World Order. Sylvester Stallone inducted him during the first ceremony, recalling meeting the future wrestling star when he was 26 years old.
In recent years, Hogan remained active in wrestling promotion and politics. He announced plans in April 2025 to serve as commissioner for Real American Freestyle, described as an unscripted professional wrestling league. The organization’s first event was scheduled for August 30, 2025, at Cleveland State University.
Hogan made headlines at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he endorsed President Donald Trump with characteristic wrestling theatrics. He ripped off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance campaign shirt underneath, drawing enthusiastic crowd response.
President Trump paid tribute to his friend, calling Hogan’s RNC speech “absolutely electric” and noting his massive cultural impact on entertainment worldwide.
Hogan is survived by his wife Sky Daily, daughter Brooke Hogan, and son Nick Hogan. His decades-long wrestling career left him with chronic injuries requiring more than 25 surgeries, including 10 back operations and replacements of both knees and hips.
