One of the biggest names in professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan, passed away.According to a statement released by the Clearwater, Florida, police and fire departments, they responded to a medical call this morning regarding a cardiac arrest. At a nearby hospital, Hogan was declared deceased. He was seventy-one.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, was the face of pro wrestling’s 1980s surge in popularity and one of the first stars of World Wrestling Entertainment.
In an X post, the WWE referred to Hogan as “one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures,” and credited him with assisting the brand in being well-known throughout the world.
He was so well-liked that his period of fame was called Hulkamania. Hogan capitalized on his fame by landing notable roles in films, such as Rocky III.
Hogan was a prominent player in right-wing politics more recently. He ripped off his shirt to show a Trump-Vance shirt when he spoke on stage at the 2024 Republican National Convention, adding, “Let Trumpamania run wild, brother.”
Following the 2012 publication of a segment of Hogan’s sex tape by the website Gawker, Hogan also rose to prominence in the media. Hogan sued parent company Gawker Media with funding from billionaire Peter Thiel. The lawsuit was won by Hogan. He received a $140 million verdict from a Florida jury, forcing Gawker Media into bankruptcy.
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