Legend Lost: Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71, Fans Mourn Worldwide

Hulk Hogan

Article | People | iNewsAfrica | July 24, 2025

The world of sports entertainment is in mourning following the sudden death of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who passed away at the age of 71 from cardiac arrest on July 24, 2025, at his Clearwater, Florida residence.

Born Terry Gene Bollea, Hogan was more than just a wrestling superstar — he was a cultural icon whose charisma, signature moves, and undeniable presence helped shape the golden era of professional wrestling. With his famous handlebar mustache, bandana, and catchphrase “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, Hogan captivated audiences from Madison Square Garden to Johannesburg.

According to reports, Hogan was found unresponsive in his home early Thursday morning. Emergency responders transported him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 AM. His death comes just two months after a neck surgery, though friends and family had recently assured the public he was in “phenomenal health.”

Hogan’s impact on global pop culture extended beyond the ring. He starred in films like Rocky III, headlined his own reality show Hogan Knows Best, and was a six-time WWE Champion. He played a pivotal role in turning World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) into a worldwide phenomenon during the 1980s and 1990s, becoming the face of wrestling for an entire generation.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe. Wrestling legend Ric Flair called him “larger than life,” while U.S. President Donald Trump remembered him as “a true American hero.” From fans in Lagos to celebrities in Los Angeles, the grief is universal.

Hogan’s larger-than-life persona, coupled with his contributions to charity and youth programs, earned him admiration well beyond the squared circle. For many Africans who grew up watching his battles with Andre the Giant or his unlikely tag team with The Rock, Hogan represented the spirit of perseverance and spectacle.

He is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, and two children, Brooke and Nick. WWE is expected to host a tribute event in his honor, and fans worldwide are already organizing candlelight vigils and digital memorials.

In the ring, he was immortal. In life, unforgettable.

— iNewsAfrica | People