Hulk Hogan, the wrestling legend who made professional wrestling into a household name, is dead at 71, according to TMZ. The publication said he died after suffering from “cardiac arrest.”
TMZ reports emergency medical crews responded to a call about a cardiac emergency at a home in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday, July 24. Witnesses said that paramedics carried Hogan on a stretcher into the ambulance.
Authorities informed TMZ that medics from Clearwater Fire & Rescue treated Hogan before rushing him to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. The police department later confirmed the death on their Facebook page.
Weeks ago, his wife, Sky, denied the rumors that he was in a coma and said his heart was strong after recovering from surgery.
The WWE confirmed Hogan’s passing in a post on X.
“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the post read. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.”
WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
— WWE (@WWE) July 24, 2025
One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.
Hulk’s wrestling history
Many credit Hogan with bringing WWE and professional wrestling to the mainstream through his larger-than-life persona and ability to connect with fans. His personality shone through television screens and resonated with many, especially children.
In 1977, Hogan began his wrestling career. By 1979, he was wrestling in the World Wrestling Federation, the precursor of the WWE. During his career, he wrestled in thousands of matches, with his final match being at the 2006 SummerSlam, where he defeated Randy Orton.
Hogan was a massive name in wrestling, headlining eight of the first nine WrestleManias, the sport’s top event. These matches boosted his visibility and helped launch him from wrestling into pop culture.
During his peak popularity, known as “Hulkamania,” Hogan appeared in movies, TV programs and other media. “The Hulkster,” as he was known, created popular catchphrases like “Whatcha Gonna Do When Hulkamania Runs Wild On You,” igniting crowds around the world.
Straight Arrow News reached out to the Clearwater Police Department but has yet to hear back.
