Hulk Hogan Dies at 71, Tributes Pour In

Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died at age 71 in Clearwater, Florida, following cardiac arrest, concluding a legendary and sometimes controversial career that transformed professional wrestling. Hogan rose to fame in the 1980s as the face of 'Hulkamania,' headlining eight of the first nine WrestleManias and winning six WWE championships, helping bring wrestling into mainstream culture. His influence expanded beyond the ring through film appearances like 'Rocky III,' reality television, and a celebrated turn as Hollywood Hogan in WCW's New World Order, resulting in multiple Hall of Fame inductions. Tributes poured in from wrestling icons such as Ric Flair and Triple H, as well as political figures including Vice President JD Vance, highlighting Hogan's pioneering impact. His later years were marked by controversy, notably a 2015 racism scandal that led WWE to sever ties temporarily. Despite setbacks, Hogan's enduring legacy reshaped wrestling and entertainment worldwide.