Hulk Hogan, the legendary Prince of Darkness and one of heavy metal’s most iconic stars, has died. He was 71.

Hogan passed away “surrounded by love,” his family confirmed in a statement. “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Louis.”

News of Hogan’s death comes more than five years after he announced his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in January 2020. Hogan had battled various health issues over the years, but the news still sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world and beyond.

Born John Michael Osbourne on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, Hogan became one of the most recognizable figures in wrestling history. Known for his legendary career as the face of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), Hogan’s larger-than-life persona helped transform professional wrestling into a global phenomenon. As the driving force behind WWE’s rise in the 1980s, Hogan created a legacy that spanned decades and made him an icon of pop culture.

A Career of Triumphs and Controversies

Hogan was one of the most successful wrestlers of all time, with numerous WWE championships under his belt. His “Hulkamania” catchphrase became synonymous with wrestling’s golden era. He defeated the Iron Sheik for the World Heavyweight Championship in 1984, beginning his reign as one of the most beloved figures in sports entertainment. Hogan was a fixture of WWE for years, headlining major events like WrestleMania and facing legendary opponents like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock.

In addition to his wrestling achievements, Hogan also made an impact in mainstream entertainment, appearing in films such as Rocky III (1982), where he played the character Thunderlips, and Suburban Commando (1991). He also became a reality TV star in the early 2000s with The Osbournes, which captured the antics of his family life. This show catapulted Hogan into the hearts of a new generation, far beyond the wrestling ring.

However, his career wasn’t without controversy. In 2015, Hogan was expelled from the WWE following the leak of a tape featuring racist remarks. The audio, which surfaced online, featured Hogan making derogatory comments, including the repeated use of racial slurs. Hogan later apologized publicly, acknowledging the harm his words caused and expressing regret for his actions. Despite the controversy, he was later reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018, following a public apology.

The Health Struggles

Hogan’s physical struggles were no secret to fans. The wrestler, who endured multiple surgeries throughout his career, faced a number of health issues, particularly with his back, knees, and hips. He famously had over 25 surgeries in the last decade of his career, including a number of procedures on his spine. He had frequently discussed his physical challenges in interviews, revealing that he had battled through immense pain and multiple injuries.

In April 2013, Hogan made headlines by admitting he had relapsed into alcohol and drug use, even after years of sobriety. He later came out publicly as being clean and sober, and by 2021, Hogan celebrated his seventh year of sobriety. In the years before his death, Hogan’s health continued to decline, and in February 2021, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a diagnosis that added to the list of struggles in his later years.

Family and Final Moments

Hogan’s personal life, though often filled with public drama, remained a cornerstone of his legacy. He married his third wife, Sky Daily, in 2023 after a year of dating, marking the final chapter in a turbulent romantic history. His first marriage, to Linda Claridge, lasted from 1982 to 1991 and produced two children, Brooke and Nick. Hogan also had a second marriage to Jennifer McDaniel from 2010 until 2021. Hogan had a strong bond with his three children, but his relationship with his daughter, Brooke, faced challenges in recent years. The family became embroiled in public disputes, including accusations from Linda Claridge that Hogan had lied about certain matters, which added to the drama that overshadowed their lives in the media.

Despite the personal strains, Hogan’s final years were spent surrounded by loved ones. His son, Nick, was reportedly the first to inform Brooke of her father’s passing. Brooke, in a heartbreaking revelation, expressed gratitude that she had a final chance to speak with her father, despite their estrangement. The two shared a phone call just weeks before Hogan’s death, with Brooke urging her father to slow down due to his declining health.

Sharon Osbourne, Hogan’s long-time friend and occasional collaborator, shared a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on their years together and calling him “one of the greatest athletes, talents, and friends.”

Tributes Pour In

After the news of his death broke, tributes poured in from fans, friends, and fellow celebrities. Fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair expressed his shock at the news and shared fond memories of their time together. “Hulk was always there for me, even when I didn’t ask for him to be,” Flair wrote on social media. “He was an incredible friend, and I will miss him dearly.”

Politician and former President Donald Trump, who had close ties with Hogan, also paid his respects, writing on social media: “We lost a great American icon today. The ‘Hulkster’ was strong, tough, and with the biggest heart. He was a warrior and an entertainer who touched millions of lives. He will be greatly missed.”

A Complex Legacy

Hogan’s death at 71 marks the end of an era, but his legacy remains a complicated one. He revolutionized professional wrestling, was a media sensation, and influenced millions of fans across the globe. But his career was also marred by personal controversies, including his racist remarks, substance abuse, and strained family relationships. Nevertheless, his impact on the entertainment and wrestling worlds cannot be denied.

While he faced multiple controversies and struggled with personal demons, Hogan’s contributions to the world of wrestling and pop culture remain unmatched. Whether beloved or criticized, his mark on the world will never fade.

Conclusion: A Life Larger Than Life

As the world remembers Hulk Hogan, it’s impossible to ignore the colossal legacy he leaves behind. A true icon in wrestling and beyond, Hogan’s influence reached far beyond the squared circle. From his unforgettable contributions to WWE, his media appearances, and his complicated family life, Hogan’s life was anything but ordinary. Despite the ups and downs, his story remains an inspiration to many—his resilience, his charisma, and his journey to redemption resonate with fans across generations.

Ozzy Osbourne’s passing is a reminder that even the greatest stars are not immune to the ravages of time, but their legacies endure. Rest in peace, Hulk Hogan, the man who helped define the golden age of wrestling and left a legacy no one will ever forget.