In a heartbreaking loss for patriots and wrestling fans alike, American icon Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died at the age of 71 on Thursday, July 24, 2025, following complications from a recent surgery that led to cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene, but the legendary wrestler could not be revived, as reported by TMZ Sports and confirmed by multiple sources.

Hogan, who revolutionized professional wrestling and became a cultural phenomenon, leaves behind a legacy of “Hulkamania” that inspired millions. President Donald Trump, a longtime friend, mourned him as a “great friend” and “MAGA all the way,” highlighting Hogan’s fiery speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC).

Joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1983, Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985, defeating Roddy Piper and Mr. T in a tag match that drew massive crowds and celebrity attention. His feuds with icons like Andre the Giant—famously body-slamming the 500-pound behemoth at WrestleMania III in 1987—cemented his status as the face of wrestling. Hogan’s “Hulkamania” era in the 1980s saw him win multiple WWF Championships, drawing record viewership and turning wrestling into mainstream pop culture. In the 1990s, Hogan shocked fans by jumping to rival World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he formed the villainous New World Order (nWo) stable with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. This heel turn revitalized his career, leading to blockbuster pay-per-views and WCW’s dominance over WWF during the “Monday Night Wars.”

Hulk Hogan was a genuine, uniquely American creation. Fearlessly original. Flawed but unbowed. He had the courage to stand on his own principles, and he never stopped fighting for his country.

An American icon.

He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/KYoyLhjvhP

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 24, 2025

He returned to WWE in 2002, winning another world title at WrestleMania X8 against The Rock in one of the most iconic matches ever. Hogan’s in-ring prowess earned him inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame twice—once solo in 2005 and again with the nWo in 2020. Beyond wrestling, he starred in films like “Rocky III” as Thunderlips and reality TV shows such as “Hogan Knows Best,” expanding his brand into a multimedia empire. Despite health battles, including over 20 surgeries for back issues that left him unable to feel his lower body at times, Hogan remained a fixture in wrestling.

In recent years, he launched ventures like Real American Freestyle with Eric Bischoff and Izzy Martinez, aiming to bring competitive wrestling to the mainstream. He also battled painkiller addiction, detailing a “vicious cycle” after string of surgeries, but emerged stronger, crediting faith and family. Hogan’s career wasn’t without controversy—fired from WWE in 2015 over leaked racist remarks, he was reinstated in 2018 after apologies—but his impact is undeniable. As WWE stated in their tribute, “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”

In his later years, Hogan’s politics took center stage, evolving into staunch support for President Trump. Once a Democrat, Hogan ditched the party over what he called a “petty slight,” becoming one of Trump’s biggest celebrity backers. Their friendship dated back decades, with both WWE Hall of Famers sharing mutual respect—Trump even hosted WrestleMania events at his venues.
Hogan’s endorsement peaked at the 2024 RNC in Milwaukee, where he delivered an electrifying speech hours before Trump’s nomination acceptance.

HULK HOGAN – THE GREATEST OF ALL

Can’t thank you enough for all that you did for me and for wrestling fans all over the world. I loved you and I will miss you.

My friend, Terry Bollea, RIP pic.twitter.com/DoM4tGaRHT

— Sting (@Sting) July 24, 2025

Ripping off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top, Hogan declared, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother! Let Trumpamania make America great again!”
He called Trump the “toughest of them all” and his “hero,” inspired by the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Hogan explained his silence-breaking moment: “When they tried to kill Trump, I couldn’t do it anymore. This has to stop.” He felt like a “coward” for staying quiet earlier, but the attempt forced him to speak out for “real Americans.”

At a surprise Detroit Lions camp visit days after the RNC, Hogan reiterated, “I can’t be silent anymore.” He even joked about body-slamming Kamala Harris, underscoring his no-holds-barred Trump loyalty. Trump praised Hogan’s RNC performance as “electric,” listing him among pro-Trump celebs like Dana White and Kid Rock. On X, conservatives echoed Trump’s tribute. Brandon Tatum shared Hogan’s RNC speech, calling him a “Real American” legend. Juanita Broaddrick posted Trump’s words, noting Hogan’s warrior spirit.

“Once you’re a Christian, you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior. You’re not gonna perish but you’re gonna have everlasting life. That belief is pretty much the only thing that is real to me.”

RIP Hulk Hoganpic.twitter.com/0F8PYxXPS4

— Wojciech Pawelczyk (@WojPawelczyk) July 24, 2025

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said, “RIP to the Great Hulk Hogan.”, Hogan’s support symbolized a shift in celebrity politics, making pro-Trump voices mainstream in 2024.
Hogan’s death marks the end of an era. From body-slams to political slams, he embodied American grit. As Trump ordered flags at half-mast, conservatives mourn a patriot who went all-in for MAGA. RIP, brother—Hulkamania will run wild forever. 

From the Folks

• I Am Absolutely Shocked To Hear About The Passing Of My Close Friend @HulkHogan ! Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business. An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend! – Rick Falir

Our hearts are with the Hogan family, the millions of fans, and friends across the world as we mourn this heartbreaking loss. #HulkHogan pic.twitter.com/JB34VmlwiY

— Lee Greenwood (@TheLeeGreenwood) July 24, 2025

BREAKING: Hulk Hogan Dead At 71!

Alex Jones Honors The American Patriot & Infowars Listener As The Greatest Pro-Wrestler Of All Time pic.twitter.com/zu6NiqNYXs

— Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) July 24, 2025

R.I.P to a legend. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 HULK HOGAN pic.twitter.com/Hjt7ncnhvO

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 24, 2025