WWE star dies aged 71

Hulk Hogan, one of America’s best-known wrestling stars, has died at the age of 71, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has confirmed.

The star, born Terry Gene Bollea and known for his flowing blond hair and handlebar moustache, died at his home in Florida on Thursday.

Hogan began his professional wrestling career in 1977, but shot to fame after signing for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), as it was then known, in 1983.

He was one of the most prominent characters as the popularity of wrestling exploded, and later became well-known for his reality show, Hogan Knows Best, which aired on VH1 from 2005 to 2007.

More recently, Hogan had been a vocal a supporter of US president Donald Trump.

Hogan’s manager Chris Volo told NBC Los Angeles the wrestler suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida, and died surrounded by his family.

The WWE star had neck surgery in May and heart surgery in June.

In its statement, WWE said it was “saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away”.

“One of pop culture’s most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.

“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Hogan’s larger-than-life personality and talent in the ring helped make professional wrestling more accessible to the mainstream public.

He won six WWE championships and headlined WrestleMania, WWE’s signature event, eight times.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Hogan’s opponents included Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage and Andre The Giant.

Wrestling legend Ric Flair said he was “absolutely shocked” to hear about Hogan’s death.

“An incredible athlete, talent, friend and father,” he said in a post on X. “Our friendship has meant the world to me. He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be.”

Donald Trump Jr, the son of the US president, posted a selfie with Hogan from 2024, writing: “RIP to a legend.”

Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, wrote on X: “We all have fond memories of Hulk Hogan. From my childhood in the ’80s, to campaigning with him last year, I always saw him as a giant in stature and in life.”

Carlos Silva, president of wrestling brand Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, said: “Hogan’s name was synonymous with professional wrestling, transcending the industry to become an American pop culture fixture.”

Born in the US state of Georgia in 1953, Hogan was one of the most famous names in professional wrestling history.

His “Hulk” nickname came from comparisons to the comic-book hero portrayed on TV at the time, while “Hogan” was the invention of promoter Vince McMahon, who was keen for Irish representation in the WWF.

He first competed in the WWF in 1979, but became a mainstay and fan favourite in the mid-1980s alongside Andre the Giant and ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper.

Hogan headlined the first WrestleMania in New York in 1985, where he and Mr T defeated Piper and Paul Orndorff.

In the ring, Hogan’s character was an all-American hero, and his magnetic personality helped attract millions of viewers and turn wrestling into a revenue juggernaut.

His brand of “Hulkamania” transferred to the small and big screens, with roles in films such as Rocky III, No Holds Barred, Suburban Commando, Mr Nanny, Santa With Muscles, and a 1996 episode of Baywatch.

Rocky actor Sylvester Stallone said on Instagram that Hogan was “absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special”.

Hogan also appeared as himself in the A-Team, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, Spy Hard and Muppets From Space, and lent his voice to episodes of Robot Chicken and American Dad!

In 1985, Hogan became the star of his own cartoon series on CBS, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.

Hogan was first inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, but he was removed from the hall in 2015 when his WWE contract was terminated after a tape emerged of him using a racist slur.

Three years earlier, gossip website Gawker posted a video of him having an affair.

Hogan subsequently sued the website on privacy grounds, winning $140m (£103m) and forcing it out of business in 2016.

In 2018, the company reinstated him, saying he deserved a second chance, but several WWE superstars, including the New Day and Titus O’Neil, said it would be “difficult to simply forget” what Hogan had said.

In recent years, Hogan appeared at Trump rallies and on the US election campaign trail.

He starred at the 2024 Republican National Convention, ripping off his shirt – a signature move – to reveal a Trump 2024 T-shirt.

Hogan was booed by the crowd at his most recent WWE appearance in January, when he appeared on the company’s flagship Monday Night Raw programme to promote his beer brand.

He suffered several health problems in later years, many stemming from the decades he spent in the ring.

“I’ve had like 25 surgeries in the last 10 years,” he said in an interview with YouTuber and wrestler Logan Paul last year. “Ten back surgeries, both knees and both hips replaced, shoulders – everything.”

Hogan was married three times, and had two children with his first wife Linda.

Paying tribute, retired WWE star Kane described Hogan as a “true legend” in a post on X.

Another former wrestling giant, Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts, wrote: “It’s hard to put into words what Terry ‘Hulk Hogan’ Bollea meant to professional wrestling and entertainment.

“He may be gone, but his memory and legacy will live forever. RIP Hulkster.”