The world mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan, the iconic professional wrestling legend, who passed away at the age of 71. His impact on the sport and entertainment industry is unforgettable, leaving an indelible mark on fans and aspiring wrestlers alike.

As reported by TMZ, emergency medics were called to Hogan’s residence in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning due to a suspected cardiac arrest. This sudden health crisis has left fans and family heartbroken, reflecting on the remarkable life and career of this beloved wrestler.

During the early 1980s, Hogan and the phenomenon known as “Hulkamania” propelled professional wrestling into an era of mainstream success, significantly increasing live ticket sales, television ratings, and pay-per-view purchases. His larger-than-life persona and charisma transformed wrestling into a global spectacle, captivating millions of fans worldwide.

Hogan’s entertainment career extended beyond the ring, with a notable appearance as Thunderlips in the 1982 classic film Rocky III, where he faced off against Sylvester Stallone‘s iconic character in a memorable opening fight. He later starred in several action comedies, including the 1989 feature No Holds Barred, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.

In a groundbreaking moment for wrestling, Hogan teamed up with Mr. T, his co-star from Rocky III, to headline the inaugural Wrestlemania in 1985. This event marked the beginning of an annual tradition that has become synonymous with professional wrestling and is often referred to as the sport’s Super Bowl. Additionally, he collaborated with pop icon Cyndi Lauper as part of the Rock ‘n Wrestling connection, further solidifying his place in both wrestling and mainstream culture during that era.

Watch Hulk Hogan in ‘Rocky III’

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Hogan’s distinctive yellow and red ring attire, coupled with his unwavering spirit and catchphrases, resonated deeply with younger audiences, making him a true icon. The legendary rock guitarist Rick Derringer composed his theme song, “Real American,” released in 1985, which became synonymous with Hogan’s persona and contributed to his popularity.

Watch Hulk Hogan’s First ‘Wrestlemania’ Match

While Hogan excelled as a hero in the wrestling world, his transition to a villainous persona showcased his exceptional talent. In 1996, he shocked fans by turning “heel” (bad guy) for the first time in 15 years. This transformation involved swapping his iconic red and yellow attire for a darker black and white look while spearheading the revolutionary faction known as the New World Order, which captivated audiences and reshaped the wrestling landscape.

Watch Hulk Hogan Turn Heel

Six years later, an unforgettable moment occurred at Wrestlemania 18, where the audience could not help but cheer for Hogan during his match against The Rock, despite his villain status. This spontaneous shift led to an impromptu change in roles, marking the revival of Hogan’s beloved red and yellow persona and reigniting his connection with the fans.

Watch Hulk Hogan’s Wrestlemania 18 Match

However, Hogan’s journey was not without controversy. In 2015, a scandal involving leaked tapes that revealed his racist views significantly impacted his career, resulting in the loss of his wrestling contract and various endorsements, tarnishing his once-great popularity. Although he made sporadic appearances in WWE over the following years, he encountered mixed reactions from the crowd, especially during his last live appearance on January 6, 2025, where he faced noticeable boos from a portion of the audience.