The world of wrestling lost a giant figure whose name echoed far beyond the ring.
Terry Gene Bollea, known to millions as Hulk Hogan, passed away on July 24, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that shaped professional wrestling and pop culture.
His larger-than-life personality, iconic catchphrases, and unforgettable matches made him a household name.
Let’s explore the life, achievements, and lasting impact of this wrestling legend.
Hulk Hogan Legacy: A Wrestling Icon’s Journey
Born on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Tampa, Florida, Hulk Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977. He started in small promotions as characters like “The Super Destroyer” before joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in the 1980s. His charisma, blond mustache, and red-and-yellow gear turned him into the face of wrestling.
Hogan’s “Hulkamania” movement, with fans chanting his name and copying his bandana style, made wrestling a mainstream sensation. He headlined eight of the first nine WrestleMania events, including his legendary 1987 match against André the Giant, watched by over 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome.
His rivalries with stars like Randy Savage and The Rock created some of wrestling’s most memorable moments. Hogan later joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he led the New World Order (nWo) as “Hollywood” Hogan, reinventing himself as a villain and boosting WCW’s popularity.
Beyond the Ring: Fame and Finances
Hulk Hogan’s influence stretched far beyond wrestling. He starred in movies like Rocky III as Thunderlips and appeared in TV shows, including the reality series Hogan Knows Best, which showed his family life with his then-wife Linda and children Brooke and Nick.
His business ventures included Hogan’s Beach Shop, Hogan’s Hangout, and Real American Beer. At the time of his death, Hogan’s net worth was estimated at $25 million, built from wrestling, endorsements, and a $31 million settlement from a 2016 lawsuit against Gawker.com over a leaked video.
However, his 2009 divorce from Linda Hogan cost him 70% of their liquid assets and $3 million in cash, impacting his finances significantly. Despite setbacks, Hogan’s entrepreneurial spirit kept him in the spotlight.
Final Days and Lasting Impact
Hogan passed away at 71 in Clearwater, Florida, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home. Emergency responders tried to revive him for 30 minutes before transporting him to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:17 a.m.
His health had been a concern, with multiple surgeries in recent years, including a neck procedure in May 2025. His wife, Sky Daily, dismissed rumors of a coma, stating his heart was strong. Tributes poured in from wrestling stars like Ric Flair, Kevin Nash, and Triple H, as well as figures like Donald Trump, who called Hogan a “great friend.”
Hogan’s support for Trump, including a dramatic shirt-ripping moment at the 2024 Republican National Convention, showed his influence in politics. His legacy as a trailblazer who made wrestling a global phenomenon will live on through his fans, known as Hulkamaniacs, and the sport he helped define.
