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The wrestling icon became a household name during wrestling’s golden era. His charisma and showmanship helped turn WWE into a mainstream spectacle
Hulk Hogan dances during a campaign rally for Donald Trump. (File photo: Getty Images via AFP)
Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) legend Hulk Hogan is no more.
Hogan, the iconic face of professional wrestling in the 1980s who later transitioned into acting, passed away on Thursday at the age of 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his home in Florida.
The wrestling icon became a household name during wrestling’s golden era. His charisma and showmanship helped turn WWE into a mainstream spectacle, making him one of the most recognisable figures of the decade.
Who was Hulk Hogan?
Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, on August 11, 1953, was arguably the biggest star in WWE history. He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and became a staple in the wrestling world, taking on legends such as Andre The Giant, Randy Savage, The Rock, and even WWE chairman Vince McMahon.
Standing at 6’7″ with his trademark blond handlebar moustache and bandana, Hogan was the face of wrestling in the 1980s. He helped take WWE global, becoming a household name and symbol of the wrestling boom during that decade.
Hogan appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated and shared the stage with pop culture icons like Mr. T. Under his influence, WWF dominated the wrestling scene, anchored by its annual WrestleMania pay-per-view events.
He was inducted twice into the WWE Hall of Fame and often called himself the “Babe Ruth” of wrestling, in homage to the legendary New York Yankees baseball player.
Hogan won at least six WWE championships and was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Beyond the ring, Hogan was a well-known figure in popular culture. He appeared in films such as Rocky III and Santa With Muscles, and starred in the VH1 reality series Hogan Knows Best, which offered fans a glimpse into his personal life.
In 2016, Hogan made headlines outside of wrestling when a Florida jury awarded him $115 million in a lawsuit against Gawker Media. The case was over a sex tape Gawker published in 2012, which Hogan said was a serious breach of his privacy.
In 2024, he had endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential bid at the Republican National Convention. Hogan cited Trump’s strong reaction to an assassination attempt on the campaign trail as his reason for support. “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!” he shouted, ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump tank top.
WWE paid tribute to the legend on X, writing, “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.”
(With inputs from agencies)
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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