Hulk Hogan, the wrestling legend who became one of the most recognizable figures in sports entertainment history, has died at age 71.
The WWE confirmed Hogan’s death in a statement released early this morning.
Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, dominated professional wrestling for decades. He headlined multiple WrestleMania events and became the face of WWE during its national expansion in the 1980s.
His career spanned over 40 years in the ring.
Born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1953, Hogan started wrestling in the late 1970s. He gained fame in the World Wrestling Federation, now known as WWE, where his "Hulkamania" phenomenon drew millions of fans worldwide.
The wrestler’s signature yellow and red attire became iconic. His catchphrases "What’cha gonna do?" and "Train hard, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins" resonated with fans across generations.
“Hulk Hogan was more than a wrestler – he was a cultural phenomenon who brought sports entertainment to mainstream America,” the WWE statement read.
Beyond wrestling, Hogan appeared in several Hollywood films during the 1980s and 1990s. His movie "Rocky III" alongside Sylvester Stallone introduced him to audiences outside wrestling.
He later starred in his own reality TV show "Hogan Knows Best" on VH1 from 2005 to 2007.
The show featured his family life in Florida and attracted millions of viewers. His daughter Brooke and son Nick also became television personalities through the series.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He made occasional appearances for the company in recent years despite ongoing health issues.
His influence extended beyond entertainment into popular culture, making him one of the most recognizable athletes of the 20th century.
Details about the cause of death haven’t been released. Funeral arrangements are pending.