WWE icon Hulk Hogan passes away at 71, triggering heartfelt tributes from sports and entertainment giants

Hulk Hogan, the wrestling icon who turned body slams and bandanas into a pop culture revolution, has died at the age of 71. The WWE confirmed that Hogan, born Terry Bollea, passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, following what sources suggest may have been cardiac arrest. With his larger-than-life presence and unmistakable charisma, Hogan transformed pro wrestling into a global spectacle and left an indelible mark on sports entertainment.From headlining WrestleMania to starring in Hollywood films, Hulk Hogan was a cultural force. Emerging in the 1980s with his bleach-blonde hair, signature handlebar mustache, and explosive charisma, Hogan became the face of the then-World Wrestling Federation. He captured imaginations with his “24-inch pythons,” waving the American flag and preaching to fans to “say your prayers and eat your vitamins.” WWE, in a statement on X, called him “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures,” adding, “Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.” The company added, “WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”Hogan headlined eight WrestleManias, clashing with giants like André the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock. His turn to the villainous “Hollywood Hogan” persona in WCW’s New World Order shook the industry, flipping wrestling’s narrative and ratings.Even those outside the wrestling ring admired him. Sylvester Stallone, who cast Hogan as “Thunderlips” in Rocky III, remembered him fondly: “Absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special.” Stallone added, “My heart breaks to think that he's gone.”The world mourns the demise of wrestling’s one of its greatest legends. Donald Trump, Vince McMahon, Triple H, and many reacted to the sudden passing of Hogan. Check the reactions below. Also Read: WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan passes away at 71Hulk Hogan will remain in the memories of massive global fans of WWE. He reportedly suffered cardiac arrest, but an official cause has not been confirmed.He played a pivotal role in bringing professional wrestling into mainstream pop culture, especially in the 1980s and 1990s.Tributes came from Vince McMahon, Ric Flair, Sylvester Stallone, and Donald Trump, among many others across sports and entertainment.