Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died. He was 71.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, died Thursday in Florida following a cardiac arrest, TMZ first reported.
Hogan helped catapult World Wrestling Entertainment ― then called the World Wrestling Federation ― into mainstream success. But it was in 1996 when Hogan truly broke the mold with a stunning heel-turn that saw him go from hero to villain when he created the New World Order and officially became Hollywood Hulk Hogan.
In a statement, the WWE called him “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures.”
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the statement said. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”
Hogan’s theatrics included ripping his shirt off and calling his opponents “brother” as he served them beatings in the ring.
Hogan won the World Wrestling Entertainment championship six times in his career. One of his most memorable fights was against Andre the Giant in 1987. Hogan fought against the 520-pound heavyweight to a then-record crowd of more than 90,000 people, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Though he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, he was removed in 2015 after he was exposed making racist comments while being secretly recorded in a sex tape leaked by a friend to the gossip website Gawker.
Hogan later sued Gawker with the help of tech investor Peter Thiel, forcing the publication’s bankruptcy and ultimate demise after he won a $115 million lawsuit. Hogan was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.
Hogan was a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump. At the Republican National Convention in 2024, Hogan praised Trump and called him his “hero.”
“What happened last week when they took a shot at my hero, and they tried to kill the next president of the United States, enough was enough,” he said before tossing his jacket and ripping through his shirt to reveal a Trump 2024 tank top.
During the campaign, Hogan also took jabs at then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who was running against Trump for president.
“Want me to body-slam somebody? You want me to body-slam Kamala Harris?” he asked a crowd on video obtained by TMZ. “I said, ‘Do you want me to body-slam Kamala Harris?’”
While Hogan gained the adoration of Trump supporters, not all wrestling fans were pleased. In January, Hogan surprised audiences when he appeared on WWE’s flagship “Raw” show, but was greeted with loud boos from the crowd.
Trump praised Hogan for being “MAGA all the way” in a Truth Social post about the wrestler’s death.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster,’” Trump posted. “Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive. To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!
Members of the Trump administration also gave their regards to Hogan. Vice President JD Vance called Hogan “a great American icon” in a post on X.
“The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other,” Vance said. “The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace.”
Fellow wrestling legend and Hogan’s longtime friend Ric Flair said on X that the news of Hogan’s death was a shock.
“I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend [Hulk Hogan],” Flair posted. “Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me.”
“No One Will Ever Compare To You!” Flair added. “Rest In Peace My Friend.”
Actor and 17-time WWE world champion John Cena also commemorated Hogan in a post on Instagram with a photo of Hogan going up against Andre the Giant. Cena did not include a caption.
Actor Sylvester Stallone, known in part for his roles in the “Rocky” movie franchise, paid his respects to Hogan as well.
“I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old,” Stallone wrote on Instagram with a picture of the two together. “He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he’s gone…”
Taiyler S. Mitchell contributed reporting.