One of the most prominent and beloved figures in wrestling history has died of cardiac arrest at his home in Florida. Thanks to his charismatic performances and unique style, Hogan became a global cultural icon in the 1980s and 1990s. WWE paid tribute:"He helped us achieve global recognition"
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WWE legend and considered one of the most recognizable and famous wrestlers of all time,
Hulk Hogan
, passed away at the age of 71. Hogan, whose real name is Terry Boulea, was found lifeless this morning at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
According to TMZ, emergency crews arrived at the scene after receiving a report of a cardiac arrest and found Hogan dead. Less than an hour later, WWE confirmed Hogan's death, writing on its X account:"WWE is saddened to hear of the passing of Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in pop culture, helped bring WWE to global recognition in the 1980s. Our condolences go out to Hogan's family, friends and fans."
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Became a cultural icon. Hogan (Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images)
WWE pays tribute to Hogan
Hogan is considered one of the most prominent and beloved figures in WWE history, largely due to his charismatic performances. He became a cultural icon in the 1980s and 1990s and was a role model and mentor to generations of wrestlers.
Last month, rumors spread that Hogan was on his deathbed, but he denied them. At the time, his agent said that these were symptoms following neck surgery last May.
Hogan was, as mentioned, a legend in the field of entertainment wrestling. He was the biggest star of the WWE (then called WWF) in the 1980s and early 1990s. His charismatic personality swept the US, they loved to see the"real American" mowing down the bad guys, usually wrestlers who played foreign characters, like the Japanese Yokozuna or the Iraqi Sergeant Slaughter.
Hulk Hogan at the peak of his career in the WWF (Photo: AP)
"Halcmania" had taken over the world, as he himself used to say. There wasn't a child who didn't know who this giant blond man was. He appeared in"Rocky 3," tried to be a movie star and failed. But it didn't matter, he was synonymous with entertainment wrestling, appearing in front of thousands of people every night and millions every weekend on television.
It should be noted that over the years, instead of enjoying his status as a legend, his name has been associated with quite a few scandals. From being the most beloved character, he has become controversial, especially among the industry's ardent fans. They have booed him on several occasions, with the heat reaching its peak last January during the first broadcast of the flagship show"Raw" on Netflix.
He began his wrestling career in 1977. Hogan (Photo: AP)
Legendary wrestler Ric Flair breaks up with Hogan
Hogan began his wrestling career in 1977 and joined the WWF three years later. He was gradually promoted by Vince McMahon Jr. and won the organization's World Heavyweight Championship six times, making it the largest in the United States.
In 1994, Hogan moved to rival promotion Ted Turner's WCW, which helped him surpass the WWF in the ratings for 83 consecutive weeks. He then formed the NWO (New World Order) with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, but returned to WWE with them in February 2002.
Ric Flair, another legendary wrestler and Hogan's close friend, paid tribute to him:"I am absolutely shocked to hear of the passing of my close friend. Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business. An incredible athlete, a supportive friend and father. Our friendship meant a lot to me. He was always there for me, even when I didn't ask him to. Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you. Rest in peace."
