Medics rushed to the Clearwater, Florida home of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan early Thursday morning after receiving a 911 call reporting a cardiac arrest, according to TMZ. Eyewitnesses described a swarm of emergency vehicles outside the residence, with EMTs seen wheeling Hogan out on a stretcher and into an ambulance.
Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, Hogan rose to global fame in the 1980s as the mustachioed, bandana-wearing titan of the wrestling ring. Towering at 6'7", with 24-inch pythons and a booming catchphrase — “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” — he wasn't just a pro wrestler; he was a cultural phenomenon.
His breakthrough came with the WWF (now WWE), where his charisma and larger-than-life persona turned wrestling into mainstream entertainment. Hogan headlined the very first WrestleMania in 1985, starred in films like Suburban Commando, and became a household name far beyond the squared circle.
Though his career saw its share of controversy and reinvention — from red-and-yellow hero to black-bearded villain in the NWO — Hogan’s impact on wrestling remains unmatched. He helped usher in the golden age of professional wrestling and paved the way for future icons.
At 71, Hogan’s death marks the end of an era for fans who grew up watching him slam giants, flex for the crowd, and tear his shirt down the middle. Love him or hate him, the man behind the Hulkster lived a life few could rival in spectacle or legacy.
Do you love Oregon?
Sign up for monthly emails full of local travel inspiration and fun trip ideas. In each newsletter we'll share upcoming events, new things to do, hot dining spots and great travel ideas.
