Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71: Remembering the Wrestling Icon’s Legacy and Impact in 2025
On July 24, 2025, the world of wrestling and pop culture lost one of its biggest icons — Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea. At 71 years old, Hogan’s passing marks the end of an era that redefined professional wrestling and left an unforgettable imprint on global entertainment. As fans flood social media with tributes, let’s look at what happened, how the wrestling world is reacting, and why Hulk Hogan’s legacy is as relevant as ever in 2025.
What Happened to Hulk Hogan?
According to reports confirmed by multiple sources, including WWE and major news outlets, Hulk Hogan died at his Clearwater, Florida home after suffering cardiac arrest. Emergency services responded quickly, but he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly afterward. Local authorities stated that no foul play or suspicious circumstances were involved. WWE issued a heartfelt statement calling Hogan “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures” who helped shape WWE’s rise in the 1980s and beyond.
Tributes Pour In for the Hulkster
No sooner had the news broken than the wrestling community and beyond began paying tribute to the man many call the greatest WWE Superstar of all time. Vince McMahon, the former WWE chairman who worked with Hogan for decades, posted on social media calling him “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME.” Fellow legends like Ric Flair, The Undertaker, and Stone Cold Steve Austin shared memories, calling Hogan not just a colleague but a brother in the ring.
Even celebrities and politicians joined the chorus. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom Hogan publicly supported at political rallies, described Hogan as “a great friend and a massive figure in American culture.” Fans worldwide have also turned hashtags like #HulkHoganForever and #ThankYouHogan into trending topics on social media.
How Hulk Hogan Became a Wrestling Legend
To understand why Hulk Hogan’s death is front-page news in 2025, you have to look back at what he did for wrestling. Before Hulkamania, wrestling was a regional attraction. Hogan made it mainstream. His larger-than-life personality, red and yellow gear, handlebar mustache, and unmistakable charisma transformed WWE (then WWF) into a global phenomenon.
Hogan’s rise began in the late 70s, but it was the 1980s that cemented him as an icon. He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985, teamed up with Mr. T, and became a household name. He went on to main-event seven of the first eight WrestleManias — a record that still amazes younger fans.
He captured the WWF World Heavyweight Championship six times. One of his title reigns lasted over 1,400 days, second only to Bruno Sammartino’s legendary run. Matches like his clash with André the Giant at WrestleMania III drew more than 90,000 fans to the Pontiac Silverdome — moments forever etched in wrestling history.
Hollywood Hogan and the nWo Revolution
When Hogan jumped to WCW in the mid-90s, fans were skeptical — until he shocked the world by turning heel and forming the New World Order (nWo) with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. Hollywood Hogan’s black beard and rebellious attitude changed the game again, launching wrestling’s Monday Night Wars era and pulling millions of new viewers to WCW Nitro.
For many fans, Hulk Hogan’s heel turn is still considered the greatest storyline twist in wrestling history. It proved that even the biggest heroes could evolve — and that Hogan was more than just a catchphrase or a pose in the ring.
Beyond the Ring: Hogan’s Pop Culture Impact
Hogan didn’t stop at wrestling. His pop culture reach was huge: he starred in Rocky III as Thunderlips, fronted 90s movies like Suburban Commando, and led his own TV shows, from Thunder in Paradise to the reality hit Hogan Knows Best. His charisma crossed generations, keeping him relevant to parents and kids alike.
Throughout the 80s and 90s, Hulk Hogan appeared on cereal boxes, action figures, lunchboxes, and countless pieces of merchandise that made him a brand as much as a person. He even became a meme icon later in life — “Brother!” remains one of the internet’s favorite wrestling catchphrases.
Hulk Hogan in 2025: Still Working, Still Innovating
What makes his passing even more shocking for many fans is that Hogan was active until his final days. In 2025, he was launching a new wrestling league called Real American Freestyle (RAF), which promised to bring a fresh twist to pro wrestling: unscripted, freestyle combat mixed with classic entertainment. Hogan signed a major streaming deal with Fox Nation, and the first show was scheduled for August 30 in Cleveland.
RAF was Hogan’s latest passion project. He described it as a “wrestling revolution” for younger athletes to showcase real skills and raw storytelling without the heavy scripting that modern pro wrestling often uses.
Alongside RAF, Hogan was also pushing new business ventures — from bars to merchandise to his own craft beer, Real American Beer, which recently appeared on a WWE Netflix series earlier this year. It’s a testament to how Hulk Hogan never really retired — he just kept reinventing himself.
What Happens Now?
According to Fox Nation and RAF’s CEO, the first Real American Freestyle show will go on as planned — now dedicated to the legacy of its late commissioner. Many fans see this as a fitting tribute: a final show that showcases Hogan’s passion for wrestling and his desire to pass the torch to a new generation.
WWE is also expected to air special tribute programming in the coming days, revisiting classic moments like WrestleMania III, his legendary promos, and the unforgettable nWo era. Wrestling schools and gyms across America are already hosting watch parties and tribute nights.
Controversy and Redemption
No honest look at Hogan’s life ignores the controversies. He was suspended from WWE in 2015 after a leaked recording contained racist remarks, which sparked intense backlash. For years, he was persona non grata in the wrestling world. Yet Hogan’s 2018 reinstatement into the WWE Hall of Fame and multiple apologies since have been part of a slow, complicated redemption arc. Many peers forgave him, and today’s tributes show how, despite mistakes, the wrestling family ultimately embraced him.
How Fans Will Remember Hulk Hogan
Fans who grew up in the 80s remember Hulkamania. 90s kids remember the rebellious nWo. Younger generations discovered Hogan through memes, YouTube highlight reels, or by watching him manage wrestlers in recent WWE appearances. For everyone, the message was simple: say your prayers, eat your vitamins, believe in yourself — and never give up.
Hulk Hogan’s Enduring Legacy
As the world says goodbye to Hulk Hogan in 2025, one thing is clear: “Hulkamania” is more than just a catchphrase — it’s a legacy that shaped wrestling, pop culture, and the business of entertainment itself.
Whether you grew up chanting “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” or just discovered his larger-than-life persona through old clips, Hulk Hogan’s story reminds us that larger-than-life characters can bring people together, push boundaries, and create moments that live forever.
So today, the wrestling ring is emptier, but the roar of the crowd lives on. Hulk Hogan may be gone — but Hulkamania will never die.
