Wrestling icon Terry Gene Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71. According to TMZ and other outlets, emergency responders were called to his Clearwater, Florida residence early Thursday following a cardiac arrest. Hogan was transported by ambulance after being placed on a stretcher. Though concerns about his health had circulated in recent months—especially following a neck procedure earlier this year—his wife, Sky, had recently stated that his heart was still “strong”.
Hogan was a defining figure in professional wrestling, credited with elevating the sport into mainstream popularity and family entertainment. He made his debut in 1977 and rose to prominence in the 1980s with the then-WWF (now WWE), becoming a six-time WWF Champion and a household name.
He later reinvented himself with a dramatic heel turn in 1996 as “Hollywood Hogan” during the nWo storyline in WCW. Hogan’s influence and legacy earned him two inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame—first in 2005 and again in 2020 as a member of the NWO faction.
In a statement released Thursday, WWE expressed its grief: “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Outside the ring, Hogan appeared in several films, including Rocky III (as Thunderlips), No Holds Barred, lSuburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny, further cementing his place in pop culture.
Source: https://punchng.com/
