The Final Bell: Remembering Hulk Hogan (1953–2025)
On the morning of July 24, 2025, the world lost one of its most iconic entertainers. Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan, passed away at age 71 following a sudden cardiac arrest at his Clearwater Beach, Florida home. Emergency crews were called just before 9:51 a.m., and despite more than thirty minutes of on‑scene CPR, Hogan was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m. at Morton Plant Hospital. Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play.
A Legacy That Defined Wrestling and Beyond
Hulk Hogan vaulted professional wrestling from a niche pastime to a global spectacle, spearheading the 1980s boom with his “Hulkamania” persona. Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, set television ratings records, and became a household name. He later reinvented himself as “Hollywood Hogan,” co-founding the legendary nWo faction, changing the narrative of wrestling forever.
He was more than just a wrestling superstar, Hogan had a presence in film, TV, business, and pop culture. From Rocky III to his reality show Hogan Knows Best, he remained an enduring fixture for decades.
Final Days: Health and Heartache
In the weeks leading up to his death, Hogan had publicly disclosed a major neck surgery in May to address chronic pain and nerve issues. Rumours swirled about his wellbeing, but his wife, Sky Daily, insisted he was stable and recovering. In a touching tribute, she shared that, while the world knew him as Hogan, “to me, he was my Terry.”
Tributes from the Heart
Within hours, tributes poured in from across entertainment and politics: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Triple H, Ric Flair, The Undertaker, and former President Donald Trump, all honoured Hogan’s outsized impact and magnetic persona.
These weren’t just professional condolences, they came from people shaped by his influence, from stadiums stocked with adoring fans to other wrestling greats inspired by his larger-than-life character.
What’s Next: Wrestling Honors & Forthcoming Plans
WWE is planning a special tribute during SmackDown to commemorate Hogan’s legacy and celebrate his contributions to the sport he helped globalise.
Meanwhile, Hogan had recently co-founded Real American Freestyle, a new wrestling promotion intended to elevate top amateur and collegiate wrestlers. He had been serving as its commissioner until his death on July 24. The company intends to hold its inaugural event in Cleveland on August 30, 2025, with monthly follow-ups in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Tampa.
Why It Matters
Hogan’s death marks the end of a defining chapter in sports entertainment. He was the archetype of the “Superstar”, a figure who transcended wrestling, building bridges between sports, pop culture, and mainstream fandom. His life and career are a reminder of the electricity of spectacle, and the power of personality.
In the days and weeks ahead, more tributes, memorials, and retrospectives will surely follow. But today, fans and colleagues alike remember a man who did much more than wrestle, he embodied a movement.
