The legendary professional wrestler and actor, Hulk Hogan, has passed away at the age of 71 due to a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan was a household name in the 1980s, known for his towering 6’7″ physique, iconic bandana, and distinctive blond handlebar mustache.
Hogan’s wrestling career spanned over four decades, with notable achievements including WWE hall of fame.
Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and again in 2020 as part of the NWO.
He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and went on to win multiple world championships.
His match against Andre the Giant in 1988 became one of the most-watched wrestling events of all time.
Hogan’s charisma and larger-than-life personality translated well to the small and big screens, with notable roles in Rocky III.
Hogan played the role of Thunderlips, a wrestler who faces off against Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character, Rocky Balboa.
Hogan starred in this 1989 film, which showcased his wrestling skills and charisma.
Hogan appeared in several episodes of this popular TV series.
Hogan faced controversy in 2015 after a leaked recording revealed him using racist language, leading to his termination from WWE.
However, he later apologized and was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame.
In recent years, Hogan became a vocal supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, even appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
The wrestling community and fans worldwide have paid tribute to Hogan’s legacy, remembering him as a trailblazer who transformed professional wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon.
WWE released a statement saying, “One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”
Ric Flair, a longtime friend and rival, expressed his deep sorrow, calling Hogan “a brother in and out of the ring”, he said
AFP
