The world of professional wrestling and entertainment is mourning the loss of Hulk Hogan, who passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on the morning of Thursday, July 24, 2025. He was 71 years old. Paramedics responded to a call reporting cardiac arrest at Hogan’s residence, where they found him unresponsive; despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital. Initial reports, including statements from local authorities and wrestling news outlets, indicate that cardiac arrest was the likely cause of death.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hulk Hogan became one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment, thanks to his electrifying persona, iconic look (ripping shirts, bandana, handlebar mustache), and signature catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” His career spanned decades, with legendary feuds, championship reigns, and main events in both the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Hogan was instrumental in popularizing wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s, headlining WrestleMania multiple times and becoming a pop culture icon beyond the ring.
Timeline of Hulk Hogan’s Life and Career
- August 11, 1953: Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia.
- Late 1960s–Early 1970s: Excelled in youth baseball and music; played in local rock bands; briefly considered a baseball career before focusing on weightlifting and wrestling.
- 1977: Makes professional wrestling debut as “Super Destroyer” in Florida, later wrestling as “Sterling Golden” and “Terry ‘The Hulk’ Boulder”.
- 1979: Wins first title, the NWA South Eastern Heavyweight Championship.
- December 18, 1979: Marries Linda Claridge. The couple had two children, Brooke (born May 5, 1988) and Nick (born July 27, 1990). Their marriage lasted for nearly 28 years.
- 1980: Debuts in Japan and meets Andre the Giant, beginning their lifelong friendship and eventual legendary rivalry.
- 1983: Joins WWF (now WWE) and becomes “Hulk Hogan,” ushering in the 1980s wrestling boom and the era of “Hulkamania”.
- January 23, 1984: Wins his first WWF Championship by defeating The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden, beginning his rise to superstardom and the “Hulkamania” phenomenon.
- March 29, 1987: Defeats Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III in front of an announced record crowd of 93,173 at the Pontiac Silverdome, executing the iconic “body slam heard ‘round the world.” This match is widely considered one of the greatest and most significant in professional wrestling history.
- 1980s–1990s: Appears in movies, including “Rocky III” (1982), “No Holds Barred” (1989), and “Mr. Nanny” (1993), and various television shows, expanding his fame beyond wrestling.
- June 1993: Leaves WWF for WCW (World Championship Wrestling) due to creative differences and a desire for new challenges.
- 1994-1996: Becomes a six-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, holding the title for a combined total of over 1,100 days during this period.
- July 7, 1996: Rebrands as “Hollywood Hogan” at Bash at the Beach, turning heel and forming the New World Order (nWo) with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. This controversial move revitalized his career and WCW’s popularity, leading to a period of intense rivalry with WWE.
- 2000s: Returns to WWE in 2002, wrestling sporadically and engaging in memorable feuds with The Rock and Vince McMahon. He also becomes a reality TV personality.
- April 2, 2005: Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Sylvester Stallone.
- November 20, 2007: Linda Hogan files for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce was finalized in 2009.
- 2010s: Stars in the reality show “Hogan Knows Best” (2005-2007) with his family on VH1.
- December 14, 2010: Marries Jennifer McDaniel. The marriage lasted for over a decade.
- February 28, 2022: Announces his divorce from Jennifer McDaniel, stating they had quietly separated and finalized their divorce.
- September 22, 2023: Marries Sky Daily.
- 2024: Makes public appearances, including as a speaker at the Republican National Convention, expressing his political views.
- July 24, 2025: Dies at age 71 in Clearwater, Florida.
A Larger-Than-Life Legacy
Hulk Hogan’s influence extended far beyond wrestling. He appeared in films, TV shows, and reality programs, became a symbol of American pop culture, and inspired generations of performers. His signature “24-inch pythons” and “Hulkamania” catchphrases permeated mainstream culture. His legacy is cemented not just in championships and accolades, but in the memories of millions who grew up watching his matches and mimicking his signature moves.
Controversies
- Steroid Use Admission: In the early 1990s, Hogan admitted to steroid use during a high-profile trial involving the WWE, which temporarily derailed his career and led to a public backlash.
- Racial Slur Scandal (2015): Hogan was fired by WWE after a recording from 2007 surfaced in which he used racial slurs, particularly in reference to his daughter’s then-boyfriend. The controversy led to his removal from WWE programming and the WWE Hall of Fame. He was reinstated to the Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Sex Tape Lawsuit: Hogan (real name Terry Bollea) sued the website Gawker for publishing a sex tape without his consent in 2012, winning a $140 million judgment. The case became a landmark in privacy law and ultimately led to Gawker’s bankruptcy.
- Domestic Issues: Hogan’s personal life, including his highly publicized divorce from Linda Hogan and related family disputes, received significant tabloid attention, often playing out in the public eye through their reality show and subsequent media coverage.
- Public Statements: Over the years, Hogan made various controversial statements in interviews and on social media, sometimes drawing criticism from fans and peers for their perceived insensitivity or political leanings.
Hulk Hogan will be remembered as a pioneer who brought professional wrestling into the mainstream and left an indelible mark on entertainment history. The timeline above traces his journey from Terry Bollea to global icon, while the controversies section acknowledges the complex legacy of a man who was both celebrated and scrutinized in the public eye.
