The world of professional wrestling has lost one of its most iconic figures. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, died on Wednesday morning at the age of 72 after suffering a massive cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. Paramedics responded to a 911 call at 10:33 a.m., and despite administering over 30 minutes of CPR and advanced life support, Hogan was pronounced dead at Morton Plant Hospital at 11:17 a.m.

Final Hours: A Battle Lost

According to emergency responders, the situation was dire from the moment they arrived. Hogan was unresponsive, with no pulse, and efforts to resuscitate him continued throughout the ambulance ride and into the hospital emergency room. Medical personnel described the scene as “chaotic but determined,” with everyone involved fighting to save a man who had become synonymous with strength and resilience.

Sources close to the family had previously reported that Hogan was recovering well from a spinal fusion surgery he underwent in May 2025. In a statement earlier this month, Hogan himself had expressed optimism about returning to mobility, even walking on his own. However, longtime friend and radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge painted a different picture in an emotional podcast episode, stating:“He was fading fast, and I think people were just too scared to admit it. He hadn’t been the same for months.”

The Price of Glory

Over the years, Hogan underwent more than 25 surgeries, many of them orthopedic, as a result of decades in the ring. Experts have noted that the cumulative damage to his body, along with prior steroid use during the 1980s wrestling boom, likely contributed to his declining health.“He paid the price to become a myth,” said retired wrestler Ric Flair. “He gave his body, his youth, his life to this sport.”

In one of his final public appearances at the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, Hogan looked thinner, walked with visible effort, and appeared emotional as he spoke about the toll the sport had taken on him. Few realized it would be his final bow.

A Life Larger Than the Ring

Hogan’s rise to stardom began in earnest in 1984, when he defeated The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. That victory didn’t just launch a career — it ignited a cultural phenomenon: Hulkamania.

With his 24-inch pythons, mustache, bandana, and catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?”, Hogan became a household name, transcending wrestling into movies, endorsements, and even reality TV.

In the 1990s, his shocking heel turn in WCW as the leader of the NWO breathed new life into his persona and ushered in a new era of wrestling storytelling. He was both hero and villain — a symbol of American excess, strength, and contradiction.

A Complicated Legacy

Despite his legendary career, Hogan’s later years were marred by controversy. In 2015, leaked audio revealed racist remarks that led to his suspension from WWE and tarnished his image. He later issued public apologies and was gradually reinstated into the company, though public opinion remained divided.“He was a deeply flawed man — but also a deeply influential one,” said wrestling analyst David Shoemaker. “He shaped generations of fans and performers. His impact is undeniable.”

Tributes Pour In

Wrestling icons and celebrities have taken to social media to express their grief and admiration.

Triple H: “He was the foundation we built everything on. Without Hulk Hogan, there is no WWE as we know it.”

The Rock: “You body slammed the world and changed it forever. Rest easy, brother.”

John Cena: “A hero to many, an inspiration to all. Thank you for showing us what it meant to fight with heart.”

WWE announced a week-long tribute beginning on Monday’s RAW episode, with a special memorial edition of SmackDown to follow.

The Final Bell

As the world remembers Hulk Hogan — the showman, the warrior, the myth — we are reminded that even the strongest fall. But legends? Legends never truly die.

“Say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself.”
That was the gospel of Hulk Hogan. And for many, it still is.