The world of professional wrestling is mourning the passing of one of its all-time greats. Hulk Hogan died at a ripe 71 years old. The news of his passing sent shockwaves through his fans and the world of professional wrestling as a whole, an era ending for a man who was largely responsible for shaping modern-day wrestling into the international behemoth it is today.Hogan passed away peacefully, according to sources close to his family. No cause of death has been officially announced up to now.
With his iconic handlebar ‘stache, red bandana, and booming catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, Hulk Hogan was not just an in-ring star—he was a phenomenon. Becoming a star in the 1980s in the midst of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) prime time, Hogan was a household name and a face immediately recognizable in sports entertainment.
His legendary feuds with the likes of Andre the Giant, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, and The Ultimate Warrior contributed to captivating audiences and drawing tens of millions of fans to professional wrestling. Hogan was the top star on many WrestleMania events and was instrumental in establishing WWE as a mainstream giant.
Later in the 1990s, Hogan re-invented himself in WCW as the nWo figurehead, again showing his star power and versatility. His presence helped WCW to overpower the ratings war against WWE in the publicity-strewn “Monday Night Wars” period.Aside from the ring, Hogan experimented in acting, reality television, and music and was still a favorite figure in the hearts of fans for generations to come despite personal scandals that came out in succeeding years.
Homages from other wrestlers, celebrities, and the masses have been coming in droves on social media, all paying tribute to the man who made “Hulkamania” a worldwide phenomenon.
The WWE released a statement saying:
“Hulk Hogan was not just a wrestler—he was an icon, a pioneer, and a legend. He inspired the lives of millions with his strength, charisma, and unmatched dedication to entertaining the world. He will be sorely missed.”
Left behind his kids, Nick and Brooke, and a legacy that will live on in every wrestling mat, every fan crowd chant, and every child who ever stood in front of a mirror screaming, “Hulkamania is running wild!”
