Hulk Hogan Dies at 71, Legacy Debated

Hulk Hogan, legendary WWE Hall of Famer, died on July 24, 2025, at age 71 from cardiac arrest following a battle with leukemia. His private funeral in Florida was attended by prominent wrestling and entertainment personalities, though his daughter Brooke honored him privately elsewhere. Florida declared 'Hulk Hogan Day' and lowered flags to half-staff, recognizing his role in popularizing pro wrestling. Despite widespread tributes, Hogan's legacy remains contentious due to past racist comments and criticism from colleagues like Bret Hart and Matt Hardy for allegedly using backstage influence to prioritize his own career, notably refusing to lose the WWE Championship to Hart in 1993 and impeding others' opportunities in WCW and TNA. Wrestling writer Vince Russo also supported these allegations, pointing to Hogan's creative control in TNA. WWE and fans continue to honor Hogan's on-screen achievements while debate over his off-screen conduct persists.