On July 24, 2025, wrestling legend Hulk Hogan—born Terry Gene Bollea—passed away at age 71 from cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. Emergency responders performed CPR for over 30 minutes before he was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital; authorities confirmed no foul play was involved.
Hogan was a towering figure in professional wrestling across the 1980s and 1990s. He helped catapult WWE into a global phenomenon, headlining multiple WrestleMania events and iconic moments, such as slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, which drew unprecedented attention and TV ratings. He later redefined himself in WCW as “Hollywood Hogan” and co‑founded the influential nWo faction, igniting the Monday Night War and reshaping wrestling’s mainstream landscape.
Central to Hogan’s identity was his unwavering patriotic persona. His classic entrance theme “Real American” became inseparable from his ring presence, and he was often portrayed as the ultimate embodiment of American values—strength, fairness, and showmanship. His on‑screen promos and his “Real American” gimmick exemplified an overt, enthusiastic patriotism that resonated deeply with fans.
In his later years, Hogan remained active in public life, endorsing Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, further underscoring his political alignment and continued embrace of American nationalism.
Tributes from across the wrestling world poured in following his death—Ric Flair called him “irreplaceable” and recounted their enduring friendship; Triple H dubbed him the “Superstar archetype”; Vince McMahon praised him as the “greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME.” Even U.S. President Trump expressed admiration for his impact both in and out of the ring.
Hogan’s legacy as an American icon—both inside the wrestling ring and in pop culture—endures. He is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and his children, Brooke and Nick.