In a moment that has left the sports world and pop culture community stunned, iconic professional wrestler Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. The legendary figure, born Terry Bollea, was best known for his role in shaping the modern wrestling world and becoming a pop culture sensation in the 1980s. His unexpected death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, family, and fans, including notable figures like Donald Trump Jr. and fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair.

A Sudden Loss: Hogan’s Passing and the Immediate Aftermath

TMZ reported that Hogan suffered a cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. First responders arrived at his residence, where he was taken on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital. His death came as a shock, especially considering his recent appearances in public and his active involvement in both wrestling and political circles. Just weeks prior, Hogan’s wife, Sky, had brushed off rumors that Hogan was on his “deathbed,” assuring fans that his health was stable after undergoing heart surgery.

Despite the reassurance, Hogan’s passing has cast a heavy shadow over his fans, who were not prepared for the loss of one of the most influential and beloved figures in wrestling history. The wrestling world is mourning the loss of a man who transcended the sport to become a global superstar.

Tributes Pour In: Remembering a Legend

Within minutes of the news breaking, tributes to Hulk Hogan flooded social media, with public figures, former colleagues, and fans all expressing their shock and sorrow. Donald Trump Jr. shared his heartfelt condolences, posting a tribute to the late wrestler on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “R.I.P to a legend,” and adding a selfie of himself with Hogan from a past event. Their connection went beyond the wrestling world, with Hogan becoming one of Trump’s staunchest supporters during his presidential campaigns.

Fellow wrestling icon Ric Flair was also quick to express his grief, writing, “I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @HulkHogan! 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.” Flair’s tribute highlighted not just Hogan’s professional legacy but also his personal impact on those who knew him.

Other tributes came pouring in from across the sports world. Legendary wrestler Kevin Nash posted, “I lost another brother. Icon doesn’t even touch it. Rest in power, my friend. NWO 4 life… and beyond.” Charlotte Flair, Ric Flair’s daughter and former WWE Women’s World Champion, also shared her memories of Hogan, calling him “one of the few people who was there for all of it” during her father’s health struggles.

A Career That Shaped Wrestling and Beyond

Hogan’s rise to superstardom began in the 1980s when he helped transform professional wrestling from a regional spectacle into a global phenomenon. He was the face of the WWE during its early days, and his charismatic persona, including his iconic “Hulkamania” catchphrase, made him a household name. Hogan’s legacy in the wrestling world is cemented not only by his multiple WWE championships but also by his role in making wrestling mainstream.

In addition to his wrestling achievements, Hogan became a pop culture icon. He appeared in numerous films, including his famous role as Thunderlips in Rocky III (1982), and he headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985. His larger-than-life personality extended beyond the ring, with a successful reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best, further solidifying his place in the broader entertainment world.

A Complex Legacy: Controversies and Reconciliation

Despite his larger-than-life persona, Hogan’s life was not without controversy. In 2015, a tape surfaced of him making racist remarks, which led to his temporary banishment from WWE. The public fallout from the incident was severe, but Hogan made a public apology and eventually returned to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. While many believed that Hogan’s “apology” fell short, his return was symbolic of his resilience and ability to reclaim his place in the wrestling world.

Additionally, Hogan’s political ties with Donald Trump—whom he supported during his presidential runs—added another layer to his public image. Hogan was a prominent figure at Trump’s rallies and was known for his vocal support, further entwining his legacy with the controversial political figure.

Despite these controversies, many of Hogan’s supporters feel his positive contributions to wrestling and popular culture outweigh his missteps. His involvement in helping build WWE into the global powerhouse it is today, his role as a mentor to younger wrestlers, and his influence on pop culture have ensured his place in history.

Family and Personal Life: A Love-Hate Relationship with His Legacy

Hogan’s family life was also complex, with his ex-wife Linda Hogan accusing him of being a “complete liar” and a “sex addict” in the wake of their divorce. The couple, who married in 1983 and divorced in 2009, share two children: Brooke and Nick Hogan. The family dynamic has been rocky, with public feuds and strained relationships becoming part of the narrative surrounding the wrestling icon. Hogan’s daughter, Brooke, distanced herself from her father, and in recent years, there have been ongoing tensions in the family.

However, Hogan’s third wife, Sky, was by his side in his final years, and she had previously dismissed rumors about his health in the days leading up to his death. Hogan’s second ex-wife, Linda, also spoke out in recent years about their contentious relationship, further complicating the public’s understanding of Hogan’s family dynamics.

Hogan’s Health Struggles and Final Years

In recent years, Hogan faced significant health challenges, including undergoing multiple surgeries. He openly discussed his medical struggles, revealing that he had endured 25 surgeries over the past decade. These included back surgeries, knee replacements, and other joint surgeries, which were all part of the toll his wrestling career took on his body. Hogan had previously expressed his concerns about his deteriorating health, and fans had begun to worry about his well-being, particularly after his appearance on Fox & Friends in May 2025, where his unusual appearance raised concerns.

Despite the physical setbacks, Hogan maintained a presence in public life, making appearances at political rallies and events, and continuing his involvement with WWE and other ventures. His sudden death from cardiac arrest has left fans and fellow celebrities alike in shock, as it seemed Hogan was poised to continue his work despite his health issues.

Conclusion: Hogan’s Legacy Lives On

As the world mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan, his legacy remains a complex and multifaceted one. He was a trailblazer in wrestling, a pop culture icon, and a controversial figure who faced personal and public battles. The tributes pouring in from fellow wrestlers, celebrities, and fans reflect the profound impact Hogan had on the world of entertainment.

While his final years were marked by health struggles and family drama, Hulk Hogan’s contributions to wrestling and popular culture are undeniable. His influence on the sport, his role in making wrestling mainstream, and his place in pop culture history ensure that his legacy will continue to resonate long after his passing. As fans and colleagues reflect on his life, one thing is certain: Hogan’s impact on wrestling, entertainment, and pop culture is immeasurable, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.