Hulk Hogan, Wrestling Legend, Dies at 71

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71. For many of us who grew up in the '80s and '90s, especially wrestling fans, Hogan was more than just a name on a poster, he was part of our childhood. With his booming voice, signature moves, and over-the-top charisma, he wasn’t just a WWE superstar, he was a symbol of larger-than-life entertainment.

According to his manager, Chris Volo, Hogan died at his home in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by family. Emergency responders arrived shortly before 10 a.m. on Thursday after reports of cardiac arrest, but Hogan was declared dead at the scene.

Known in real life as Terry Bollea, Hogan rose to fame during the golden era of professional wrestling. He was the headline act of the very first WrestleMania in 1985 and became the face of the WWE for years. He took on legends like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock, and even went toe-to-toe with WWE’s own chairman, Vince McMahon. He captured six WWE championship titles over his career and was honored with a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, presented by Sylvester Stallone.

Outside the ring, Hogan also made a mark in Hollywood. He showed up in movies and TV shows, even starring in a VH1 reality series called Hogan Knows Best, which gave fans a peek into his personal life.

But his journey wasn't without controversy. In 2013, he sued the website Gawker for releasing part of a private video involving him and Heather Cole, the ex-wife of his then-friend Bubba the Love Sponge. The lawsuit shook the media world. After a long legal battle, Hogan was awarded $140 million by a jury, though it was later settled for $31 million. The fallout led to the downfall of Gawker.com.

Then in 2015, WWE cut ties with Hogan after an audio clip surfaced where he used racial slurs. It was a huge blow to his image and career. Hogan later expressed deep regret, and in 2018, he was reinstated into WWE after public apologies and work with youth groups aimed at helping others learn from his mistakes.

Hogan is survived by his ex-wife, Linda Bollea, and their two children, Brooke and Nick.

For fans like me, Hulk Hogan will always be more than a headline. He was a colorful part of growing up, those days of watching him slam giants and deliver electric promos will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, champ.