Hulk Hogan: WWE SmackDown honors wrestling legend with tributes after death at 71
WWE legend’s death comes after his wife, Sky, denied rumors he was in a coma after undergoing surgeries
WWE legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71.
Medics were reportedly called to Hogan’s Clearwater, Florida, home Thursday morning. An official cause of death hasn’t been revealed, though TMZ reported he experienced “cardiac arrest.”
Friday morning, Hogan’s wife, Sky, confirmed in a heartbreaking Instagram post that he had been suffering from health issues, but she had been confident he would recover.
“I had so much faith in his strength. I thought we still had more time,” Sky wrote in part.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s, bringing professional wrestling into the mainstream. He went on to become an eight-time WrestleMania headliner and six-time World Wrestling Entertainment champion, in addition to an actor and reality television personality.
Hogan was also embroiled in controversy throughout his career. A sex tape scandal and racist remarks clouded his reputation and left him asking fans for forgiveness.
The former wrestler also became a fixture during President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign, appearing at the Republican National Convention to appeal to voters.
Trump and Hulk Hogan forged a decadeslong bond based on wrestling, reality stardom and politics
Hulk Hogan's death marks the end of an era that defined larger-than-life personalities of the 1980s
From Gawker sex tape to MAGA turn: Hulk Hogan was no stranger to controversy inside and outside the ring
20 years ago, 'Hogan Knows Best' premiered. Read our 2005 interview with Hulk Hogan
Fellow WWE legend Jake Roberts says Hogan's legacy will 'live forever'
Retired WWE legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts, whose career coincided with Hogan’s, paid tribute on Instagram, writing: “It’s hard to put into words what Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea meant to professional wrestling and entertainment.
“He may be gone, but his memory and legacy will live forever. RIP Hulkster,” the 70-year-old retired wrestler said, next to a picture of the two of them in their famous WWE ring gear.
WWE's Kane declares Hogan 'a true legend'
Retired WWE star Kane has also honored Hogan on X, declaring him a “true legend.”
“I was fortunate to work with him a couple of times, including this memorable one,” the 58-year-old wrestler and politician added on X. Alongside his message, he included an old clip of him in the locker room with Hogan and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, impersonating the former’s signature pose.
“It was easy to do a Hulkster impersonation when, like millions of guys my age, I’d practiced it in the mirror a thousand times growing up,” Kane said.
Hulk Hogan: The controversial wrestling legend who helped launch a global industry
Were it not for Hulk Hogan, who died today at the age of 71, it is unlikely that professional wrestling would be the multibillion-dollar entertainment powerhouse it is today, Ryan Coogan writes in a special tribute for The Independent.
Read more:
The charismatic strongman who helped form WWE into the multibillion-dollar juggernaut it is today, and whose later life was marred by controversy, has passed away at 71, writes Ryan Coogan
Wrestling star is born
Hogan joined WWE (then known as World Wrestling Federation) on a full-time basis in 1983. He won his first WWF championship from The Iron Sheik, the following year.
For much of the next decade, Hulkamania — the term given to define the popularity surrounding Hogan — ran wild, as wrestling fans everywhere became enchanted by the blonde behemoth’s signature red and yellow costume, impossible build, and magnetic personality. He main-evented a string of WrestleManias, including the iconic WrestleMania III, which saw the Hulkster body slam long-time rival Andre the Giant in front of a crowd of around 80,000 in the Pontiac Silverdome.
President Donald Trump says Hogan was 'MAGA all the way'
Donald Trump has honored loyal supporter Hogan on Truth Social.
“We lost a great friend today, the ‘Hulkster.’ Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — Strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart,” the president wrote.
“He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week,” he added.
Hogan infamously ripped off his shirt while speaking at the 2024 RNC in support of Trump’s re-election campaign.
“He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive,” Trump noted. “To his wife, Sky, and family, we give our warmest best wishes and love. Hulk Hogan will be greatly missed!”
John Cena honors Hogan
John Cena honored Hogan on Instagram with a captionless photo of the WWE legend fighting André the Giant.
MAGA tributes pour in for shirt-ripping RNC star Hulk Hogan
In the wake of Hogan’s death, Donald Trump and his supporters have paid their respects to the WWE icon.
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The president called the wrestling icon a ‘great friend’ and hailed his ‘massive’ cultural impact over the years
Top moment of Hogan’s 35-year career: the body slam heard around the world
In 1987, Hogan performed the most iconic wrestling take-down of his career: body slamming the late French wrestler André the Giant.
The two faced off as part of WrestleMania 3’s main event.
Up until that point, the 7’4,” 520-pound legend had remained invincible in the world of WWE. So when Hogan successfully lifted André over his head and slammed him to the ground, it marked the turning point in their storied David vs. Goliath feud.
The move, widely referred to as “the body slam heard around the world,” further cemented the sport’s place in pop culture.
Reflecting on his historic feat years later, Hogan admitted: “I was worried because I didn’t know if I could get him up.
“It was different than anything that’s ever happened,” he said in 2023, describing it as the “greatest moment ever in my life as far as my career.”
Official statement released on Hogan's Instagram
An official statement has been shared from Hogan’s Instagram account.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones,” the post read.
“At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends
“May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
Hogan's daughter-in-law shares sweet photo from 2024 wedding
Tana Lea, the wife of Hogan’s son, Nick, shared never-before-seen photos from their 2024 wedding, featuring Hogan.
In the pictures, posted to her Instagram Story, Hogan is standing behind Nick with one hand on his shoulder, and the other raised in a fist in the air.
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