Former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan watches during a Detroit Lions NFL football practice in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, July 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
680 THE FAN – Terry Gene Bollea, universally celebrated as Hulk Hogan, passed away on July 24, 2025, at the age of 71, following a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida. A towering figure in professional wrestling, Hogan’s larger-than-life persona, charisma, and in-ring prowess transformed the industry into a global entertainment phenomenon, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Port Tampa, Florida, Terry Bollea discovered his passion for wrestling as a teenager. Standing at 6’7” and boasting an imposing physique, he earned the moniker “Hulk” after appearing alongside Lou Ferrigno, star of The Incredible Hulk, on a talk show. Joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1979, Hogan adopted his iconic stage name at the suggestion of Vince McMahon Sr. His meteoric rise began in 1984 when he won the WWF Heavyweight Championship, igniting “Hulkamania”—a cultural wave that brought wrestling into the mainstream. With his signature red and yellow attire, handlebar mustache, and catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, Hogan headlined eight of the first nine WrestleManias, including the iconic WrestleMania III, where he famously body-slammed Andre the Giant before a crowd of over 90,000.
Hogan’s influence extended beyond the ring. In 1996, he reinvented himself as the villainous “Hollywood Hogan,” leading the New World Order (nWo) in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This bold heel turn reshaped wrestling’s narrative landscape, fueling the “Monday Night Wars” and ushering in the edgy “Attitude Era.” A six-time WWE Champion and a two-time Hall of Fame inductee (2005 and 2020 as part of the nWo), Hogan’s contributions were unparalleled.
Outside wrestling, Hogan became a crossover star, appearing in films like Rocky III (1982) as Thunderlips, No Holds Barred (1989), Suburban Commando (1991), and Mr. Nanny (1993). He starred in the reality show Hogan Knows Best (2005–2007) alongside his family, which spawned a spinoff, Brooke Knows Best. His charisma fueled countless endorsements, from action figures to his recently launched Real American Beer.
Hogan’s personal life was as storied as his career. Married to Linda Claridge from 1983 to 2009, he had two children, Brooke and Nick. He later wed Jennifer McDaniel (2010–2021) and Sky Daily in 2023. Despite controversies, including a 2015 scandal that led to his temporary removal from the WWE Hall of Fame, Hogan’s legacy endured. A $31 million settlement from a lawsuit against Gawker.com followed the leak of a controversial tape, and he was reinstated to the Hall of Fame in 2020. Health challenges marked his later years, with over 20 surgeries in a decade, including a recent neck procedure in May 2025. Yet, Hogan remained resilient, embracing a healthier lifestyle and expressing optimism in a 2023 Men’s Health interview.
Hogan’s net worth at the time of his passing was estimated at $25 million, reflecting a career of blockbuster earnings, tempered by lavish spending and legal battles. He is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, children Brooke and Nick, grandchildren Oliver and Molly, and millions of fans worldwide. Though estranged from his daughter Brooke in recent years, Hogan’s impact on his family and fans was profound.
Hulk Hogan’s death marks the end of an era. He was a trailblazer who elevated wrestling from niche spectacle to cultural juggernaut. His legacy—marked by triumphs, controversies, and an unyielding spirit—will live on in the hearts of “Hulkamaniacs” everywhere. As he once said, “To all my little Hulkamaniacs, say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and believe in yourself.” Rest in peace, brother.
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