Clearwater, Florida, USA – Globally renowned wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, born Terry Gene Bollea, has died at the age of 71. His passing was confirmed on Wednesday, July 24, 2025, following a reported cardiac arrest at his residence in Clearwater, Florida.

According to verified reports from TMZ Sports, ABC News, and People Magazine, emergency services were called to Hogan’s home at approximately 9:51 a.m. Paramedics performed CPR for more than 30 minutes before he was transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The Clearwater Police Department confirmed that there were no signs of foul play.

A Pillar of Global Wrestling History

Hulk Hogan was one of the most influential figures in the history of professional wrestling. With a career spanning over four decades, he played a key role in transforming the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) into a global entertainment empire in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was a six-time WWE Champion, a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee, and headlined several WrestleMania events, including the historic WrestleMania III, where he famously body-slammed André the Giant before a record-breaking crowd of over 93,000 fans.

His red-and-yellow attire, trademark handlebar mustache, and iconic phrase “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” made him a household name — not just in the United States, but across Africa, including Nigeria.

Tributes From the Wrestling Community and Beyond

Following confirmation of his death, WWE released an official statement describing Hogan as “a global ambassador for wrestling and a pioneer whose legacy transcends generations.”

Respected figures in the wrestling industry such as Ric Flair, The Undertaker, and Triple H shared emotional tributes. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who inducted Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and stood beside him at the 2024 Republican National Convention, called him “a true champion and a great friend.”

Life Beyond the Ring

Hogan also had a successful career outside wrestling. He starred in several Hollywood films, including Rocky III, and gained further fame with his reality television show Hogan Knows Best. He also ventured into business, endorsements, and media.

Earlier in 2025, Hogan co-founded a new wrestling promotion called Real American Freestyle with long-time collaborator Eric Bischoff and other industry veterans. The promotion’s debut event was scheduled for August 30, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio, with Hogan serving as commissioner.

Nigerian Fans React

In Nigeria, where professional wrestling has long enjoyed a loyal fanbase, many took to social media to express their condolences. For many Nigerians, Hulk Hogan was their first introduction to televised wrestling, especially during the era of wrestling shows broadcast on NTA, AIT, and SuperSport.

One fan wrote, “Hogan defined wrestling in our childhood. He wasn’t just a wrestler — he was a hero.”

Final Note

Hulk Hogan’s death marks the end of an era in professional wrestling. His influence on sports entertainment, media, and global pop culture remains unmatched. He inspired millions, built an empire of fans, and created moments that defined an entire generation.

Naija Blog extends heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and fans across the world.