Hulk Hogan Dead at 71: Wrestling Icon Dies Suddenly After Surgery Complications

Wrestling fans around the world are in shock today as news breaks that Hulk Hogan, one of the most iconic figures in sports entertainment history, has died at age 71.

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⚠️ Sudden Cardiac Arrest After Surgery

Sources confirm that Hogan — born Terry Bollea — passed away early Thursday morning (July 24, 2025) at his home in Clearwater, Florida, following a sudden cardiac arrest. Paramedics arrived on scene shortly after 9:30 a.m., but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

The tragic news comes just days after Hogan had reportedly been in good spirits and recovering from major neck surgery, a four-level cervical fusion — one of over 25 surgeries the wrestling legend had undergone in his lifetime.

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🧠 “He Was Doing Phenomenal” – Friends Caught Off Guard

The news was especially shocking to close friends and fans, many of whom had just seen Hogan appear upbeat and healthy in recent days.

“I just talked to him — he was doing phenomenal,” longtime friend and wrestling manager Jimmy Hart told reporters on Tuesday.

“This was the last thing any of us expected.”

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📺 Hogan Was Planning a Return to the Spotlight

In a twist that makes the loss even harder to process, Hogan had just launched a new wrestling promotion — Real American Freestyle — alongside former WCW executive Eric Bischoff. The group was set to debut with a major live event on August 30 in Cleveland.

Fans were speculating that Hogan might even make an appearance — possibly as an on-air figure, mentor, or surprise guest.

Now, the league is without the man who helped launch it.

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🏆 A Legacy Larger Than Life

Hulk Hogan was more than a wrestler. He was the face of the 1980s wrestling boom, headlining WrestleMania III in front of over 90,000 fans, slamming André the Giant in one of the most replayed moments in wrestling history.

Over a career spanning four decades, Hogan:

• Became a six-time WWE Champion

• Was a two-time WWE Hall of Famer

• Starred in TV shows like Hogan Knows Best

• Made appearances in films, video games, and even pop music

His catchphrases, charisma, and red-and-yellow persona turned him into a household name — even among non-wrestling fans.

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🌍 The Wrestling World Reacts

Tributes from across the wrestling and entertainment worlds began pouring in:

• WWE: “Hogan was a global icon and a true pioneer. His legacy will live on forever.”

• Ric Flair: “We fought. We laughed. We made history. I’m devastated.”

• Dana White: “He was the first real crossover star. Everyone knew Hogan.”

The hashtag #RIPHogan quickly became a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter), with fans sharing memories, favorite promos, and emotional tributes.

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🕊️ Final Thoughts

Even in his later years, Hogan remained a symbol of strength, nostalgia, and larger-than-life personality. His death is more than the loss of a wrestling star — it’s the end of an era.

For millions, Hulk Hogan wasn’t just a performer.

He was a childhood hero. A Saturday morning tradition. A voice shouting “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” that echoed across generations.

Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, leaves behind a towering legacy — one that will run wild forever.