THE legendary WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan, who became a household name in the 1980s, has died aged 71.
The larger-than-life blond body-slammer helped put wrestling on the map for a generation of fans who were mesmerized by the Hulkster’s charisma and physicality in the ring. He was found unresponsive at his home in Clearwater, Florida, by first responders.
TMZ reports that medics rushed to Hogan’s home early Thursday morning, where they attempted chest compressions on the legendary wrestler. Hogan would later be taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Measuring at six-foot-seven and carrying 320 pounds in his prime, the Hulkster won the World Wrestling Entertainment championship six times and topped the WrestleMania bill on eight occasions.
His 1987 bout against the 520-pound Andre the Giant has become the stuff of wrestling legend. As did his equally memorable bouts with the Ultimate Warrior and Randy Savage.
In his trademark yellow shorts, boots, and bandana, Hogan would enter the ring in style, flexing his muscles and cupping his ear to the appreciative crowd as his “Real American” theme music burst through the speakers.
His antics and success led to the birth of “Hulkmania,” which Hogan once said, “Will live forever. It’s immortal.”
His personality lent itself well to ht big screen and he played the part of the wrestler Thunderlips in Rocky III and would go on to appear in many more movies.In 2005, Sylvester Stallone would later induct his acting buddy, Hogan, into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Yet Hogan’s glittering rise would be marred by controversy in his later years. In 1994, he confessed to using steroids for 13 years, and in 2006, a leaked sex video revealed that Hogan had made racial slurs, and the WWE banished him from their Hall of Fame.
Yet after he successfully sued Gawker, the celebrity website that had leaked the video, for $31 million, Hogan was welcomed home in the WWE’s Hall of Fame in 2018.
Following his unexpected death, tributes from the world of sport and elsewhere are already coming thick and fast.
His wrestling buddy Ric Flair wrote, “I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me.”
Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts, who often shared a ring with Hogan, posted, “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.
“He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!’
Elsewhere, Donald Trump Jr posted a photo of himself with the Hulkster, alongside the caption, “’R.I.P to a legend.”
In an official statement on X, the WWE said, “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.’
Addressing the controversies that dogged Hogan, The Athletic’s Chris Vannini said, ‘Hulk Hogan leaves such a complicated legacy.”
