On July 24, 2025, the world lost one of its most iconic figures in professional wrestling: Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea. The 71-year-old wrestling legend, known for his towering presence and larger-than-life personality, passed away from cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. While the news of Hogan’s death devastated fans across the globe, shocking new footage of his final moments has surfaced, sparking controversy and reigniting debates about privacy, legacy, and fame.

A Peaceful End Turns Chaotic

Initial reports painted a picture of a quiet passing at home, but newly leaked footage tells a different story. Captured on a bodycam, the video shows Hulk Hogan in his hospital bed during what would become his final moments. In the footage, Hogan appears agitated and unexpectedly jumps out of his bed, only to collapse moments later. Medical personnel rush to his aid, performing chest compressions and attempting to revive him. The footage, which has since gone viral, is both heartbreaking and shocking, showing the chaotic and tragic end to the life of a man who had once been the epitome of strength and vitality.

The video, reportedly filmed by emergency responders, has sparked outrage among fans and the general public. Many have criticized its release, calling it an invasion of privacy and a disrespectful way to memorialize the wrestling icon. Others argue that the footage provides insight into the physical toll Hogan endured after decades of health struggles.

The Physical Toll of Wrestling

To understand the tragedy of Hulk Hogan’s death, one must first look at the immense physical toll his wrestling career took on his body. Hogan himself had spoken openly about his health struggles in recent years, revealing that he had undergone over 25 surgeries in the past decade alone. These included multiple back surgeries, two hip replacements, knee surgeries, and procedures to address chronic pain and nerve damage.

In a recent podcast interview, Hogan described how his body had deteriorated to the point where he had lost three inches in height. “I used to be 6’7, but now I’m 6’4,” he said, reflecting on the years of wear and tear caused by his wrestling career. Hogan’s health issues were compounded by years of steroid use, which he admitted to during Vince McMahon’s infamous steroid trial in the 1990s. While Hogan’s testimony helped clear McMahon of legal wrongdoing, it revealed the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs in wrestling and the long-term damage they inflicted on the athletes.

Hogan’s health challenges escalated in the late 2000s, culminating in a collapse during his daughter Brooke Hogan’s reality show, Brooke Knows Best. The incident, broadcast to a national audience, showed the extent of Hogan’s spinal issues and marked the beginning of a relentless series of surgeries. Despite undergoing procedures to install spinal cord stimulators and straighten his spine, Hogan continued to suffer from chronic pain and mobility issues. By 2022, reports surfaced that Hogan had lost feeling in his legs due to nerve damage, forcing him to rely on a cane to walk.

The Final Days

In the months leading up to his death, conflicting reports about Hogan’s health emerged. In early 2025, Hogan underwent a complex cervical fusion surgery to address chronic neck pain and nerve issues. While his wife, Sky Daily, shared updates about his recovery, rumors swirled on social media, with some claiming Hogan was on his deathbed or in a coma. Hogan’s representatives repeatedly denied these claims, insisting that he was recovering and in stable condition.

Just days before his passing, Hogan’s longtime manager, Jimmy Hart, posted on social media that Hogan was “doing phenomenal” and had recently enjoyed karaoke with his son, Nick. This positive update seemed to reassure fans, but it also highlighted the unpredictable nature of Hogan’s health struggles.

The Legacy of Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan’s death has reignited discussions about his complex legacy. On one hand, Hogan was the ultimate wrestling icon—a 12-time world champion who helped transform professional wrestling into a global phenomenon. His victory over the Iron Sheik in 1984 marked the birth of “Hulkamania,” a cultural movement that inspired millions to “train, say their prayers, and eat their vitamins.” Hogan’s larger-than-life persona transcended wrestling, leading to roles in Hollywood films like Rocky III and Suburban Commando, as well as appearances in TV shows and commercials.

But Hogan’s career was also marked by controversy. In 2015, leaked audio from a sex tape revealed Hogan using racial slurs while discussing his daughter Brooke’s dating life. The scandal led to Hogan’s temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame and deeply damaged his reputation. Hogan later apologized, calling his comments “unacceptable,” but the fallout was severe. Despite years of public apologies and community engagement, the controversy continued to follow him.

Hogan’s legal battles further complicated his legacy. His lawsuit against Gawker Media over the unauthorized release of his sex tape resulted in a $140 million judgment that bankrupted the media outlet. While the case was a landmark victory for privacy rights, it also exposed damaging details about Hogan’s personal life, including the racist remarks that had been recorded during the same incident.

Tributes Pour In

Despite the controversies, the immediate response to Hulk Hogan’s death revealed the profound impact he had on American culture. WWE issued a statement mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, calling Hogan “a pioneer of sports entertainment” and “a global sensation who helped WWE achieve worldwide recognition in the 1980s.”

Fellow wrestlers shared heartfelt tributes, with Ric Flair describing Hogan as “an incredible athlete, talent, friend, and father.” Flair revealed that Hogan had been by his side during some of his darkest moments, including a near-death experience and the illness of his son, Reed. “Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you. Rest in peace, my friend,” Flair wrote.

Charlotte Flair, Ric’s daughter, added her own tribute, recalling how Hogan had supported her family during difficult times. “My heart breaks for Nick and Brooke. Rest in peace, brother,” she wrote.

Tributes extended beyond the wrestling world. Former President Donald Trump, a longtime friend of Hogan, called him “a great American hero” and praised his loyalty and patriotism. Sylvester Stallone, who worked with Hogan in Rocky III, remembered him as “an incredible personality and showman.” Even politicians like Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk weighed in, emphasizing Hogan’s cultural significance and patriotic themes.

The Final Chapter

As fans continue to mourn Hulk Hogan’s death, the viral footage of his final moments serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll his career took on his body. While the footage has sparked controversy and debate, it also underscores the resilience and determination that defined Hogan’s life.

Hogan’s legacy is complex—marked by triumphs, controversies, and redemption. Whether remembered as the red-and-yellow hero of “Hulkamania” or the flawed man behind the mustache, one thing is certain: Hulk Hogan’s impact on professional wrestling and popular culture will echo through the ages.

In the words of his longtime rival Ric Flair, “No one will ever compare to you, Hulkster. Rest in peace, my friend.”