Hulk Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Professional wrestling legend, Terry Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71.
Clearwater Police told The U.S. Sun that first responders responded to Hogan’s home after receiving a call about a cardiac arrest.
He was later taken from the home on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance.
He was, however, pronounced dead at the hospital.
Confirming his death, WWE in a statement wrote, “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
“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.”
Just weeks earlier, Hogan’s wife, Sky, had publicly dismissed online rumors suggesting the WWE star was in a coma, asserting that his heart was “strong” and that he was recovering well from recent surgeries.
Hogan was instrumental in turning professional wrestling into a global spectacle. Before his rise to fame, wrestling had a more niche following. With his charisma, larger-than-life persona, and family-friendly appeal, Hogan became the face of the WWE in the 1980s and drew in millions of fans – adults and children alike.
In 1996, Hogan famously reinvented himself by switching from fan favorite to villain, forming the legendary New World Order (NWO) faction and adopting the moniker “Hollywood Hogan.” The move reinvigorated his career and propelled wrestling to new heights.
Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. However, he was removed in 2015 following the leak of a secretly recorded tape in which he made racist remarks. He later sued the now-defunct media outlet Gawker over the footage and won a high-profile legal battle. WWE reinstated him in 2020 with a second Hall of Fame induction — this time as a member of the NWO.
Beyond the ring, Hogan made a notable mark in Hollywood. His acting career began in 1982 with a memorable role as Thunderlips in Rocky III. He went on to star in movies such as No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, and Mr. Nanny. He also found reality TV fame in the 2000s with Hogan Knows Best, a VH1 series that followed the lives of his family — wife Linda and their children, Nick and Brooke.
