Terry Gene Bollea, famously known to the world as Hulk Hogan, passed away at the age of 71 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday, July 24. Emergency services were dispatched to his home, and the wrestling legend was taken away in an ambulance, as reported by TMZ.

WWE paid tribute to the larger-than-life superstar via social media, offering condolences to his loved ones and fans worldwide.

Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most recognizable figures in professional wrestling. With his trademark mustache, bandana, and thunderous charisma, he dominated the wrestling scene in the 1980s, becoming a pop culture icon and playing a key role in bringing WWE (then known as WWF) to the global stage.

The Birth of a Phenomenon

Hogan's wrestling journey began in the late 1970s, but his meteoric rise came in 1983 when he joined Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation. Embracing a patriotic and heroic image, he connected deeply with audiences, especially young fans, through his messages of self-belief, discipline, and positivity. His mantra—“Train, say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself”—became a rallying cry during the “Hulkamania” era.

In 1984, Hogan captured his first WWF title by defeating The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden. That victory launched a wave of popularity unmatched in wrestling history. Hogan was the marquee name behind the first WrestleMania in 1985, teaming with Mr. T in a landmark crossover moment with Hollywood. Over the years, he would headline eight of the first nine WrestleManias—setting records and defining an era.

His legendary clashes with wrestling greats like Andre the Giant, Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage, and Sgt. Slaughter drew massive crowds and cemented his status as the sport’s top draw. His body slam of Andre at WrestleMania III remains etched in wrestling lore as one of the sport’s most unforgettable visuals.

Reinvention in WCW and the nWo Era

In 1994, Hogan made headlines by switching to WCW, WWE’s fiercest competitor at the time. Initially continuing his heroic character, he stunned the world in 1996 by turning heel—embracing the villain persona—and forming the notorious New World Order (nWo) alongside Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. The shift re-energized his career and played a vital role in WCW's ratings success during the “Monday Night Wars.”

He later returned to WWE in the 2000s and delivered memorable performances against top stars like The Rock, Brock Lesnar, and Shawn Michaels, before being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

Beyond the Ring

Outside wrestling, Hogan tried his hand at entertainment. He appeared in family-friendly films such as Mr. Nanny and Suburban Commando, and gained a new generation of fans through his reality TV series Hogan Knows Best, which aired in the mid-2000s.

Despite personal controversies in later years, Hulk Hogan remained a towering figure in the history of professional wrestling—a pioneer whose influence spanned decades. His presence, both in and out of the ring, helped shape the wrestling world as we know it.

Hogan is survived by his family, legions of fans, and a legacy that helped define an entire generation of sports entertainment.