Hulk Hogan, the legendary twelve-time world champion wrestler, passed away in July 2025. The news shook both the wrestling community and fans across the globe, as the star had recently been in the limelight with his Netflix docuseries, “Hulk Hogan: Real American.” This four-part series, released on April 22, 2025, showcased Hogan’s life and career, marking his final appearance on screen before his untimely death.
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Hogan, born Terrence Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, died at the age of 71 from an acute myocardial infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack. First responders arrived at his Clearwater Beach, Florida residence on July 24, 2025, after receiving an emergency call regarding a cardiac arrest. Despite efforts to revive him for half an hour through CPR, he was pronounced dead shortly after being admitted to Morton Plant Hospital.
While Hogan had maintained a robust public persona, it was revealed posthumously that he battled health issues including atrial fibrillation—an irregular heartbeat condition—and a history of leukemia, a detail he had kept private throughout his life. This revelation was shocking to many, including his son, Nick Bollea, who expressed disbelief at the suddenness of his father’s passing in a subsequent interview.
Leading up to his death, Hogan’s manager, Jimmy Hart, publicly stated that the wrestling icon was in good spirits, having recently enjoyed a karaoke night with his son. This discrepancy between public perception and Hogan’s actual health status left many mourning fans grappling with a sense of loss and confusion.
Hogan had been a monumental figure in professional wrestling, helping to popularise the sport in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite retiring from wrestling in 2012, he maintained a belief that he still felt youthful, claiming in his docuseries that he felt “35 or 40 years old.” This statement encapsulated his enduring spirit, even as he navigated the complexities of aging and health.
In the days following Hogan’s death, tributes flooded in from various figures in the wrestling community and beyond. The WWE honoured his legacy during a SmackDown event on July 25, 2025, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared August 1 as “Hulk Hogan Day” to celebrate his contributions to the state and to wrestling. This acknowledgment underlined the significant impact Hogan had throughout his illustrious career.
Fans also took to social media to express their condolences and share memories, with many highlighting the joy and excitement Hogan brought to their lives. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a fellow wrestler and actor, posted a heartfelt tribute, recognising Hogan’s monumental role in transforming professional wrestling into a mainstream spectacle. He articulated the gratitude felt by many: “Thank you for the house, brother… thank you, for the house,” referring to Hogan’s efforts in building the WWE.
Hogan’s personal life also played a pivotal role in shaping public interest in his narrative. He shared two children, Nick and Brooke, with his first wife Linda Hogan, and was previously married to Jennifer McDaniel before tying the knot with influencer Sky Daily in 2023. His family dynamics continued to be a subject of fascination for fans, giving insight into the man behind the wrestler.
As the wrestling world reflects on Hogan’s monumental legacy, his passing serves as a reminder of both the triumphs and struggles faced by those in the public eye. His portrayal in mainstream media often masked the vulnerabilities that accompany fame and personal health challenges. Hogan’s journey, however turbulent, left an indelible mark on the sport and the hearts of millions—ensuring that his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.