By Curt Anderson and Angus Thompson
Clearwater, Florida: Hulk Hogan, the mustachioed, headscarf-wearing icon in the world of professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71, Florida police and WWE said.
Donald Trump was among those to pay tribute to Hogan, whose cultural influence transcended the wrestling ring, describing the film and television star as “MAGA all the way” and praised his “electric speech” at the Republican National Convention during last year’s presidential race.
Hulk Hogan in 2009. Police said the wrestling legend died in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest at his Florida home.Credit: Getty Images
“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!” the US president posted on Truth Social.
In Clearwater, Florida, authorities responded to a call just before 10am on Thursday (Friday AEST) about a cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said in a statement on Facebook.
During a later press conference, Clearwater police spokesman Nate Burnside said there were “no signs of foul play or suspicious activity” and that the department’s thoughts were with Hogan’s family, asking the media to respect their privacy.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, born 1953, was perhaps the biggest star in WWE’s long history. He was the main draw for the first WrestleMania in 1985 and was a fixture for years, facing everyone from Andre The Giant and Randy Savage to The Rock and even company chairman Vince McMahon.
He won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Hogan was also a celebrity outside the wrestling world, appearing in numerous movies and television shows, including a reality show about his life on VH1, Hogan Knows Best.
Hogan was also engaged in multiple, high-profile court battles, including suing his ex-wife Linda Bollea for defamation in 2011 over claims in her memoir, or in the course of promoting it, that he was violent and had affairs with men.
In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan $US115 million in his sex tape lawsuit against Gawker Media. Hogan sued after Gawker in 2012 posted a video of him having sex with his former best friend’s wife. Hogan contended the post violated his privacy.
Hulk Hogan is more recently remembered for his appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last July. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)Credit: nna\josh.hohne
Despite previously endorsing Barack Obama, in 2024, Hogan appeared at the Republican National Convention to endorse the presidential bid of Trump, who in the 1980s had played host to Hulk-headlined WrestleManias.
Hogan said he made the decision to support the Republican candidate after seeing his combative, fist-pumping reaction to an attempted assassination on the campaign trail.
“Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” Hogan bellowed to a cheering crowd, ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump tank top. “Let Trumpamania rule again!”
Pointing to Trump and his then-running mate JD Vance, Hogan said: “I see the greatest tag team of my life, standing upon us, getting ready to straighten this country out for all the real Americans.”
WWE posted a note on X saying it was saddened to learn the WWE Hall of Famer had passed away.
“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” it said.
Responding to news of the star’s death, Vance paid tribute to Hogan as a “great American icon.”
“One of the first people I ever truly admired as a kid. The last time I saw him we promised we’d get beers together next time we saw each other. The next time will have to be on the other side, my friend! Rest in peace,” Vance posted on X.
Tributes have flowed from celebrities and political figures following Hogan’s death.Credit: AP
Actor John Cena, another celebrity who shot to fame through wrestling, posted a photo on social media of Hogan poised to hit Andre the Giant in the ring.
Ric Flair, a retired wrestler of Hogan’s generation, posted on X: “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan!”
Flair, who himself had endured medical issues in recent years, said Hogan was among the first to visit him when he had been hospitalised, and had prayed by his bedside.
“An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be,” Flair wrote.
AP, Reuters
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