Hulk Hogan Dead at 70: Wrestling Legend and Pop Culture Icon Remembered as Tributes Pour In
For days, rumors had been circulating quietly in fan forums and online communities, but few could have imagined that the whispers would culminate in tragedy. Early Thursday morning, the world awoke to shocking news that reverberated far beyond the wrestling industry:
Hulk Hogan, the towering figure who defined an era of professional wrestling and became a global cultural phenomenon, had died.
Hogan—born Terry Gene Bollea—reportedly suffered cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida, residence. He was 70.
Almost immediately, an outpouring of grief swept social media, but one tribute stood out, both for its prominence and its political weight. Former President Donald Trump, a longtime friend and ally of Hogan, issued a statement on his Truth Social platform that instantly ignited conversations across the country.
“We lost a tremendous friend today — the Hulkster,” Trump wrote. “Hulk Hogan was pure MAGA — strong, resilient, sharp, and had an enormous heart. His electrifying speech at the Republican National Convention was a standout moment of the entire event.”
Trump, now 79, extended heartfelt condolences to Hogan’s wife, Sky, and his family, praising the wrestler’s larger-than-life personality.
“He entertained millions across the globe, and the cultural footprint he left behind is immeasurable,” Trump continued. “Hulk Hogan will be sorely missed.”
Hogan’s Lasting Bond With Trump and Politics
Hogan’s friendship with Trump was no secret. Just last July, he made headlines at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, storming the stage in true “Hulkamania” fashion. It was a particularly emotional moment, coming only days after Trump had narrowly survived an assassination attempt that left him grazed by a bullet on his ear.
Hogan electrified the crowd as he tore off his iconic shirt—this time revealing a Trump-Vance tank top emblazoned with the Republican ticket’s names.
“Last week, they tried to take out my hero — the man who will be our next president!” Hogan thundered, his voice echoing through the packed convention hall. “I said it then and I’ll say it now: Let Trump-o-mania run wild, brother! Let it rule again! Let it make America great again!”
That appearance was instantly enshrined as one of the RNC’s most viral moments and underscored Hogan’s enduring star power.
From the Ring to the Mainstream
Hogan’s career was nothing short of legendary. Rising to prominence in the 1980s, he became the face of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), holding the championship title five times between 1984 and 1993.
His larger-than-life persona, complete with the handlebar mustache, ripped tank tops, and booming catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” transcended the squared circle.
The wrestler’s popularity made him a fixture in television, film, and merchandising. His name became synonymous with the golden age of wrestling, helping WWE reach new heights of global popularity. Few athletes or entertainers have managed to bridge the gap between sports and pop culture as seamlessly as Hogan did.
A Legacy That Transcends Wrestling
Hulk Hogan’s death signals the close of a chapter in American pop culture history. He wasn’t just a wrestler; he was a phenomenon. Children grew up idolizing his charisma and hero-like persona.
Fans remember him slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III, starring in movies like No Holds Barred, and delivering countless promos that became part of wrestling lore.
Yet Hogan was never afraid to step outside the ring, whether it was dabbling in reality TV, music, or more recently, taking unapologetic political stances. That willingness to live boldly, no matter the setting, earned him both admiration and controversy over the years.
Now, tributes continue to flood in from celebrities, athletes, and millions of fans worldwide. WWE issued a statement calling Hogan “one of the most iconic and beloved Superstars of all time,” while fellow wrestlers took to social media to share heartfelt memories.
The End of an Era
Hogan’s death leaves a void not just in wrestling, but in the cultural landscape he helped shape. He embodied a form of showmanship and charisma that feels increasingly rare in today’s hyper-fragmented media world.
Whether remembered for his championship victories, his unforgettable promos, his political fervor, or simply the way he made audiences feel larger than life, Hulk Hogan’s legacy is secure. He was a man who lived loud, entertained millions, and left behind a persona that will endure for generations.
Hulk Hogan was more than a wrestler. He was a cultural force. And now, the roar of Hulkamania has been silenced — but never forgotten.